Sambhar

A traditional South Indian lentil-based vegetable stew seasoned with tamarind and sambhar masala.

Preparation Time

• Prep: 5 mins
• Cook: 35 mins
• Total: 40 mins

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow lentils (arhar or toover daal)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables, cut into 1” cubes
• 1 large onion, cut into quarters
• 3 tbsp sambhar masala
• 3 tbsp thick tamarind pulp
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar

For Tempering

• 2 tsp mustard seeds
• 7-8 curry leaves
• 2-3 whole dry red chillies
• 2 tbsp oil

Garnish

• 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

Instructions

1. Cook daal with salt until completely tender (no grains should remain)
2. Add sambhar masala, sugar, vegetables, and onions
3. Cook until vegetables are tender
4. Add tamarind pulp
5. Prepare tempering:
   • Heat oil in a saucepan
   • Add mustard seeds and wait for them to splutter
   • Add whole red peppers and curry leaves
   • Stir 2-3 times
6. Add tempering to daal mixture
7. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 5 minutes
8. Serve hot, garnished with coriander leaves

Notes

• Use fresh curry leaves for authentic flavor
• Can adjust vegetables according to availability
• Consistency can be adjusted by adding water
• Best served with rice, idli, or dosa
• Tamarind gives the characteristic tangy taste
• Can adjust spiciness by varying the number of red chillies