Authentic Sambar from Tamil Nadu
May 22, 2020
Contributed by Meenakshi Rajagopalan
Sambar is a popular South Indian lentil and vegetable stew made with tamarind and a unique spice blend called sambar powder. It is a staple in South Indian homes but loved all over India with myraid variations.
Ingredients
- Any one vegetableBrinjal/Capsicum/Onion /Radish/ Yellow Pumpkin/ Drumstick
- Arhar Dal 1 cup
- Haldi a pinch
- Salt to taste
- Tamarind soaked 2 parts
- Sambar Powder (preferably made at home)
- Oil
Ingredients for Tempering/Tadka
- Mustard seeds ½ tsp
- Red Chillies 1-2
- Hing a pinch
- Methi seeds ¼ tsp
- Kari Patta a few
Procedure
- Use a single vegetable from the options mentioned above
- Fat cube them. Drumstick to be cut into tiny finger size
- Boil Arhar dal with just haldi. Mash it and keep aside.
- Soak tamarind or boil in hot water and take the pulp out till tamarind totally looks drained.
- In a kadai/pan take oil and splutter mustard seeds.
- Once the sputter sound settles add Red Chillies and Hing.
- Finally add 1/8 spoon of Methi seeds and Curry Leaves
- Now add the vegetable and saute for a bit
- Add sambar powder and saute in the same heat for 2 to 3 minutes..
- Once the aroma starts to come then add tamarind pulpy water.
- Add salt.
- Let it boil very well
- Once the raw smell of sambar powder and tamarind disappears add the boiled mashed dal.
- Allow it to boil for a while.
- A little Rice flour can be added if Sambar is too watery
An authentic sambar is ready to savour now!