Sambhar

Bring the authentic flavors of South India to your kitchen with this hearty and aromatic Sambhar recipe. A comforting medley of toor dal (pigeon peas) and vibrant vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and drumsticks is simmered in a tamarind-based broth and infused with the earthy warmth of sambhar powder, curry leaves, and asafoetida. This dish perfectly balances tangy, spicy, and savory notes, making it a versatile staple served alongside fluffy steamed rice, soft idlis, or crispy dosas. With simple ingredients, vibrant spices, and a quick prep time, this wholesome lentil and vegetable stew is ideal for weeknight dinners or elaborate weekend meals. Whether you're a seasoned cook or new to Indian cuisine, this Sambhar makes for a nourishing, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing culinary experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Toor dal (pigeon peas)
• 4 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Tamarind pulp
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Sambhar powder
• 2 tablespoons Oil
• 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 10 leaves Curry leaves
• 0.5 teaspoon Asafoetida
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 1 medium Tomato, chopped
• 1 medium Carrot, chopped
• 1 medium Potato, chopped
• 1 stick Drumstick, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 Green chili, slit
• 2 tablespoons Coriander leaves, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Rinse 1 cup of toor dal under cold water thoroughly until the water runs clear. Pressure cook it with 2 cups of water and a pinch of turmeric for 3 whistles or until soft. Set aside.

Step 2

Meanwhile, soak 2 tablespoons of tamarind pulp in 1/2 cup of warm water for 10 minutes, extract the juice, and set aside.

Step 3

In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and let them splutter.

Step 4

Add 10 curry leaves and 1/2 teaspoon of asafoetida, sauté for a few seconds.

Step 5

Add 1 chopped medium onion and sauté until golden.

Step 6

Add 1 chopped medium tomato, 1 chopped medium carrot, 1 chopped medium potato, 1 drumstick cut into pieces, and 1 slit green chili.

Step 7

Add the tamarind extract, 2 cups of water, 0.5 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well.

Step 8

Cover and let it cook on medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 9

Add the cooked dal to the pot, followed by 2 tablespoons of sambhar powder. Mix well and let it simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 10

Adjust salt and consistency as needed, adding more water if necessary.

Step 11

Garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Step 12

Serve the sambhar hot with rice, idli, or dosa.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1894.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1405.0

Total Fat 35.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 3.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2516.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 226.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 50.1g	0%
Total Sugars 29.5g
Protein 59.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 385.4mg	0%
Iron 14.6mg	0%
Potassium 5135.4mg	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: 21.7%

Protein: 16.2%

Carbs: 62.1%