Simple Sambar Recipe | Traditional South Indian Comfort Food

 

Traditional South Indian Sambar Recipe | Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Sambar is a beloved staple in South Indian cuisine — a hearty, flavorful lentil-based stew brimming with vegetables and bold spices. Whether paired with soft idlis, crispy dosas, or a plate of steamed rice, this dish is a comforting favorite in homes across southern India. Let’s explore how to make sambar the authentic way!

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Ingredients You’ll Need :

For the Sambar:

• 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)

• 1 medium carrot, chopped

• 1 drumstick (moringa), cut into 2-inch pieces

• 1 tomato, chopped

• 6–8 okra (ladies’ finger), chopped

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

• A small lemon-sized ball of tamarind, soaked in warm water

• 2 tbsp sambar powder

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• Salt, to taste

• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

For Tempering:

• 1 tbsp ghee or oil

• 1 tsp mustard seeds

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 2 dried red chilies

• A few curry leaves

• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

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How to Make Authentic Sambar – Instructions

• Cook the Dal:
  Rinse toor dal thoroughly. Pressure cook it with turmeric and 3 cups of water until soft and mushy.

• Boil the Vegetables:
  In a separate pot, cook the chopped carrot, drumstick, okra, onion, and tomato with a little salt until tender.

• Combine Dal & Veggies:
  Lightly mash the cooked dal. Add the boiled vegetables to it and stir gently to combine.

• Add Tamarind & Spices:
  Squeeze the soaked tamarind to extract the juice and add it to the dal-vegetable mixture. Mix in sambar powder and salt. Let it simmer for 10–12 minutes to develop the flavor.

• Prepare the Tempering:
  In a small pan, heat oil or ghee. Add mustard seeds, cumin, red chilies, curry leaves, and a pinch of hing. Let them sizzle and infuse.

• Finish the Sambar:
  Pour the tempering into the simmering sambar and mix gently. Turn off the heat.

• Garnish & Serve:
  Top with chopped fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with rice, idli, dosa, or vada.

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Tips for the Best Sambar Flavor

• Use homemade sambar powder for rich, authentic taste.

• A pinch of jaggery balances the tanginess and adds depth.

• Adjust the consistency by adding warm water as needed.

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🎥 Watch the Full Recipe Video: [Simple Sambar Recipe – CLICK HERE]

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🪔 Serving Suggestion:

A steaming bowl of sambar with vibrant vegetables, garnished with coriander, served alongside white rice and papad on a banana leaf — the perfect South Indian comfort meal!

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📌 Recipe Tags:

South Indian Food | Easy Sambar | Lentil Stew | Tamil Nadu Recipes | Vegetarian Indian Dishes | Dosa Side Dish | Idli Accompaniment | Comfort Food | Homemade Sambar | Traditional Indian Recipes | Authentic Sambar | Spicy Indian Stew