Are you craving a comforting and flavorful dish that brings a taste of tradition to your table? Look no further than this classic recipe for Traditional Sambar. A South Indian staple known for its aromatic blend of spices and hearty mix of vegetables, sambar is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with rice, dosa, idli, or even as a standalone soup. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or looking to broaden your culinary horizons, this satisfying sambar recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Title: Traditional Sambar Recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas), rinsed
– 1 small eggplant, diced
– 1 medium carrot, chopped
– 1 medium potato, cubed
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 medium tomato, chopped
– 2-3 drumsticks, cut into 2-inch pieces (optional)
– 2 tablespoons sambar powder
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– Few curry leaves
– 2 dried red chilies
– 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
– 1 tablespoon jaggery or sugar
– Salt to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a pressure cooker, combine the rinsed toor dal with 2 cups of water, turmeric powder, and a few drops of oil. Cook on medium heat for 4-5 whistles or until the dal is soft and mushy. Set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds; let them splutter.
3. Add dried red chilies and curry leaves, sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
4. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
5. Stir in the diced eggplant, carrot, potato, tomato, and drumsticks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
6. Add sambar powder, tamarind paste, jaggery or sugar, and salt to taste. Mix well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
7. Pour in 3-4 cups of water (adjust for desired consistency) and bring the mixture to a boil. Simmer on low heat, covered, for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are fully cooked.
8. Add the cooked toor dal to the pot and mix gently. Adjust the consistency if needed by adding more water.
9. Allow the sambar to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
10. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice, dosa, or idli.
Make a big batch of this traditional sambar and enjoy it throughout the week. It’s a perfect meal for busy days when you want something nourishing and delicious. The blend of spices, tangy tamarind, and sweet jaggery creates a harmony of flavors that is bound to leave your taste buds singing. So, next time you’re looking for a wholesome and soul-warming dish, give this Traditional Sambar recipe a try!
