Dairy-Free Sambhar Rice

Experience the comforting flavors of South India with this Dairy-Free Sambhar Rice recipe, a wholesome and vegan one-pot meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Made with fragrant basmati rice, protein-packed tur dal (split pigeon peas), and a medley of fresh vegetables like carrots, eggplant, and drumstick, this dish is simmered in a rich, tangy tamarind broth and infused with the aromatic punch of sambhar powder, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida. The recipe requires just 20 minutes of prep time and delivers a complete, nutritious meal in under an hour. Whether you're catering to dietary restrictions or simply craving a plant-based Indian classic, this hearty dish offers a burst of flavors in every bite. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves, for an authentic and satisfying dining experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 0.5 cup Tur dal (split pigeon peas)
• 4 cups Water
• 1 tablespoon Tamarind paste
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 8 leaves Curry leaves
• 0.25 teaspoon Asafoetida (hing)
• 2 tablespoons Sambhar powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 cups Mixed vegetables (carrot, eggplant, drumstick, etc.)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh coriander leaves
• 2 Green chilies
• 1 Onion, finely chopped
• 1 Tomato, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice and tur dal separately under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the tur dal and let it cook on medium heat for about 20 minutes or until soft.

Step 3

While the dal is cooking, soak the tamarind paste in warm water if it's too thick to dissolve easily.

Step 4

In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they start to splutter, add curry leaves, asafoetida, and chopped green chilies.

Step 5

Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Then add the chopped tomato and mixed vegetables, and sauté for a few more minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the sambhar powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.

Step 7

Add the tamarind paste and allow the mixture to cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to absorb the flavors.

Step 8

Once the dal is cooked, mash it slightly with the back of a spoon and add it to the vegetable mix along with the remaining water. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 9

Finally, add the rinsed rice into the pot, stir gently, and cover. Allow the rice to cook on a low flame for another 15-20 minutes until it is fully cooked and has absorbed all the flavors.

Step 10

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2185.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1204.2

Total Fat 33.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2596.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 197.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 41.4g	0%
Total Sugars 39.9g
Protein 43.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 428.4mg	0%
Iron 17.1mg	0%
Potassium 3875.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.9%

Protein: 13.8%

Carbs: 62.2%