Sambar Recipe in less than 1 hour: Master the Art of South Indian Culinary Bliss 😋

Welcome to my thriving food corner! With the Sambar, a well-known South Indian dish, we’re delving into the wholesome world of South Indian food today. Get ready for a flavor-filled rollercoaster that will pique your taste senses like no before. This Sambar dish will take you right to the busy streets of Chennai and the warm kitchens of Kerala, whether you adore spices or are looking for comfort in a bowl.

Introduction to Sambar

A delicious combination of toor dal (pigeon peas) and a variety of vegetables, imbued with a symphony of aromatic spices, is sambar, the heart and soul of South Indian cuisine. It has a long history that spans back centuries, and each home gives this comfort food a special touch. A bowl of sambar contains a story about tradition, love, and a flavour explosion that will leave you wanting more.

Serving Size of this Sambar recipe

4-6 servings You’ll be rewarded with a hearty and healthful South Indian pleasure if you set out 45 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook.

Prep Time & Cook Time

Prep Time ⏱️	Cook Time ⏱️	Total Time ⏱️
25 mins	30 mins	55 mins

Calorie and Micronutrient Breakdown

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	180 kcal
Carbohydrates	30.5 g
Protein	7.8 g
Dietary Fiber	8.2 g
Vitamin A	3456 IU
Vitamin C	28.4 mg
Folate	57.6 mcg
Potassium	685 mg
Iron	2.7 mg
Magnesium	57.8 mg
Zinc	1.3 mg
Copper	0.3 mg
Manganese	0.5 mg
Phosphorus	128 mg
Selenium	4.9 mcg

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Toor Dal	1 cup
Mixed Vegetables	2 cups
Tamarind	Small Lemon-sized
Sambar Powder	2 tbsp
Turmeric Powder	1/2 tsp
Red Chili Powder	1/2 tsp
Asafoetida (Hing)	1/4 tsp
Curry Leaves	1 sprig
Mustard Seeds	1 tsp
Cumin Seeds	1 tsp
Fenugreek Seeds	1/4 tsp
Oil	2 tbsp
Salt	To taste

Step-by-step Cooking Instructions of Sambar Recipe

1. Get the Dal ready: Toor dal should be carefully washed before pressure cooking it with 2 cups of water until it is mushy and soft.
2. To extract tamarind, soak it in warm water for about 15 minutes. To remove the pulp, squeeze it; after that, strain it and set it away.
3. The mixed veggies should be cooked until they are soft in a separate saucepan. Drumsticks, carrots, beans, and eggplant can all be combined.
4. Making the Sambar Base: Heat oil in a large pan. Splutter the mustard seeds after adding them. Add the curry leaves, cumin seeds, and fenugreek seeds after that.
5. Spices and Aromatics: Include asafoetida, red chilli powder, and turmeric powder. The flavours should be sautéed for a minute to combine.
6. Sambar powder, tamarind extract, and tamarind juice should be added.

Sambar recipe video tutorial

What to Serve Alongside Sambar

Sambar pairs well with a number of favourite South Indian dishes. Try it with plain chapati, steamed rice, dosa, idli, or even vada. The delicious combination will create a symphony for your palate.

Variations of Sambar Recipe

Sambar has a wide variety of avatars, each with an own twist. You can play about with the type of vegetables you use, the heat setting, and even the broth’s consistency. Several well-liked versions include:

Arachuvitta Sambar: contains freshly ground spices, giving it an earthy and aromatic flavour.

Varutharacha Sambar: Roasted coconut and spices are combined in a grinder to create a flavorful, textured dish.

Kadamba Sambar: A festival favourite, this variation of sambar recipe is a mash-up of local ingredients and foreign spices.

Healthier Version of Sambar Recipe

For those looking for a lighter version of this classic dish, here’s a healthy twist:

• Use less oil for tempering and opt for heart-healthy oils like coconut or olive oil.
• Load up on nutrient-rich vegetables to boost the fiber content.
• Consider reducing the amount of tamarind pulp to cut down on the tanginess.

Vegan Sambar Recipe

Here’s a nutritious variation on this traditional dish for those seeking a lighter option:

• If you must temper with oil, use less of it and choose heart-healthy oils like coconut or olive oil.
• Fill up on nutrient-dense vegetables to increase the amount of fibre.
• To lessen the tanginess, think about using less tamarind pulp.

Non-Vegetarian Twist to Sambar Recipe

Here is a special variant for individuals who enjoy delicious non-vegetarian foods:

• Change the mixed veggies for chunks of boneless chicken or fish.
• In order to make sure your meat is soft and properly cooked, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

History of Sambar

The Maratha king Shivaji’s reign in the 17th century is when Sambar first appeared. This meal is thought to have been brought to the southern regions by the Marathas, where it underwent a number of changes to become the cherished Sambar we know today. Since then, the dish has changed, influenced by many different culinary customs, and has become a fundamental component of South Indian cuisine.

References: History of Sambar

Fun Facts

• According to legend, the Marathi term “sambhar,” which signifies a hot condiment, is where the name “sambar” first appeared.
• Sambar is a regular meal made using locally sourced veggies in South Indian homes.
• Each Sambar experience is absolutely distinct due to the wide variations in sambar masala from place to region.

Conclusion

Sambar is a genuine work of South Indian cuisine, boasting a spellbinding combination of flavours and spices. It’s more than simply a meal; it’s a trip through history, tradition, and India’s diverse cultural heritage. Sambar is a dish that never fails to delight and satisfy, whether you prepare it for your family or have it at a nearby restaurant.

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