Sambar

Description

Sambar is a Lentil and Vegetable based, South Indian stew or soup, made with a number of Vegetables like Drumstick, Eggplant, Bottle Gourd, Radish, Pumpkin, Okra etc. It is a perfect accompaniment to Idlis (steamed rice cakes), Dosa’s (crispy rice crepes), Uttapam (pretty much an Indian version of pizza) or Medu Vada (savory Indian donuts) and the likes.

Ingredients

Method

Veg Masala

  1. Wash the Tur Dal under running water, soak in sufficient water for about 30 minutes.
  2. Transfer the drained Tur Dal into a pressure cooker, add 2 & 1/4 cups water along with salt to taste and turmeric powder. Pressure cook until soft and mushy. Whisk the dal to make it smooth (Do not blend).
  3. Heat Oil in a Kadai, add Mustard Seeds. When it crackles add Methi seeds.
  4. Once the Methi seeds turn Brown, add Red Chillies, Curry Leaves and Asafoetida.
  5. Add the pearl Onions, sauté until translucent.
  6. Next add in all the vegetables, sauté on medium heat for 5 minutes until tender yet firm.
  7. Now add Salt, and Living Beyond’s freshly ground Sambar Masala. Sauté the spices well for 2 more minutes, sprinkle little water if required to avoid the spices from burning and turning bitter.
  8. Add 1 cup water, mix well. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
  9. Add in the churned dal, tamarind extract and jaggery (optional) and mix well. Let it boil for further 15-20 minutes. Add water if required. Stir occasionally.
  10. Sprinkle Coriander Leaves, switch off the heat and serve hot with Idli/Dosa/Uttapams or even plain steamed rice.