Sambar Dal

Sambar is a South Indian Dal and vegetable stew made with lentils, tamarind and a unique spice blend called sambar powder (made at home too). A basic sambar recipe will have a mix or one or two types of vegetables along with lentils, tamarind, sambar powder and a few spices.

Ingredients

A Tip: Vegetables can be added or subtracted according to availability. You may also put vegetables of your own choice. Quantities will depend accordingly.

1. Arhar Dal- 250g
2. Onion- 1 big (cut longitudinal)
3. Brinjal- 1 small
4. Cauliflower- 2 small cloves
5. Carrots- ½
6. Raddish- 1 small
7. Drumsticks- 2
8. Pumpkin- 1 small piece
9. Tomatoes- 4
10. Tamarind- 8-10g (Boil and remove pulp)-
11. Sambhar Masala- 1-1.5 tbs
12. Mustard Seeds- 1/4th
13. Curry Leaves- 20-25
14. Red Whole Chillies- 2
15. Oil- 8 tbsp

Procedure

1. Wash and boil dal, and keep aside (15-20 mins boiling time).
2. Heal oil in a frying pan and add to it red whole chillies and mustard seeds.
3. Once the chillies and seeds release oil, add onion to the pan.
4. Wait till the onion browns after which, you may add the remaining veggies (except tomatoes).
5. Once the veggies are putrefied, add finely chopped tomatoes to the mix.
6. Fry the mix and add salt and sambar masala to the ingredients
7. Stir the ingredients till they look dry roasted, and add to the dal
8. Now to the dal and veggies mix, add tamarind pulp with some water if needed. Keep boiling till it reaches required consistency.
Sambar Dal is now ready to be relished.