How to prepare Sambar at Home - Sambar recipe

Andhra-style vegetable sambar, a delicious South Indian dish made with lentils and mixed vegetables, Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as drumsticks, carrots, beans, brinjal, pumpkin, etc.), chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tamarind pulp
• 2 tablespoons sambar powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• Few curry leaves
• Coriander leaves for garnishing

For the Sambar Powder:

• 2 tablespoons chana dal (Bengal gram)
• 2 tablespoons urad dal (split black gram)
• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 6-8 dried red chilies
• 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

Instructions:

1. Wash the toor dal (split pigeon peas) and pressure cook it with 2 cups of water until soft and mushy. Set aside.
2. Prepare the sambar powder: Dry roast all the ingredients listed under "Sambar Powder" in a pan until they turn aromatic and slightly golden. Allow them to cool, then grind them into a fine powder using a blender or spice grinder. Set aside.
3. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter.
4. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
5. Add the curry leaves, asafoetida and chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
6. Add the chopped mixed vegetables, turmeric powder, sambar powder and salt. Mix well.
7. Add enough water to cover the vegetables and bring it to a boil. Then reduce the heat, cover the pot and let it simmer until the vegetables are cooked through.
8. Add the tamarind pulp and cooked toor dal (split pigeon peas). Mix well and simmer for another 5-7 minutes.
9. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed. Check for salt and spices and adjust according to your taste.
10. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Your Andhra-style vegetable sambar is now ready to be served. It pairs well with steamed rice, idli, dosa, or even with chapatis. Enjoy your meal!

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