How to Make Sambar (Spicy Lentil and Vegetable Stew) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Sambar is a traditional South Indian dish that is a delicious and nutritious stew made with lentils and a variety of vegetables. It is a staple in South Indian cuisine and is often served alongside rice, idli, dosa, or vada. Sambar is known for its bold and aromatic flavors, as well as its spicy kick, making it a favorite among many food enthusiasts. In this recipe, we will show you how to make this classic South Indian dish from scratch, using a variety of fresh vegetables, aromatic spices,...

Read more

Ingredients

  • 6 cups water, or more as needed
  • 2 cups toor dal (pigeon peas)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1 cup peeled, chopped pumpkin
  • 1 cup chopped okra
  • ½ cup peas
  • ½ cup sliced red radishes
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
  • 6 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 4 dried red chile peppers
  • 2 tablespoons dried curry leaves
  • 1 tablespoon sambar powder
  • ½ cup tamarind pulp
  • salt to taste
  • 1 pinch red chile powder, or to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 6 servings

  • Combine water, toor dal, onion, tomato, pumpkin, okra, peas, and radishes in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cook until dal, pumpkin, and radishes start to soften, 30 to 40 minutes.
  • Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat and add mustard seeds. Stir in garlic, red peppers, curry leaves, and sambar powder. Cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir seasoned oil mixture into the stew and cook until flavors combine, 25 to 30 minutes more. Stir in tamarind, salt, and red chile powder.
  • Nutrition

    211 cal.

    • Total Fat: 6g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Sodium: 108mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 35g
    • Dietary Fiber: 6g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 6g
    • Vitamin C: 31mg
    • Calcium: 83mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 679mg