South Indian Sambar is a traditional, flavorful lentil stew made with toor dal (pigeon peas), tamarind, fresh vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices. This protein-packed dish is a staple in South Indian cuisine and is commonly enjoyed with steamed rice, idli, dosa, or vada.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the authentic preparation of sambar, including how to make homemade sambar masala for the best taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Authentic South Indian flavors with homemade spice blend.
✔ Rich in protein & fiber – A wholesome and nutritious dish.
✔ Perfectly balanced tangy & spicy taste.
✔ Versatile – Can be paired with rice, dosa, or idli.
✔ Vegan & gluten-free – Suitable for all dietary preferences.

Ingredients

For the Sambar:

• 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
• 2 cups water
• 1 small tamarind ball (soaked in warm water & pulp extracted)
• 1 tomato (chopped)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• ½ cup carrot (chopped)
• ½ cup drumsticks (cut into pieces)
• ½ cup pumpkin (chopped)
• 1-2 green chilies (slit)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• Salt to taste

For the Sambar Masala (Homemade Spice Blend):

• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp fenugreek seeds
• 2 dry red chilies
• 2 tbsp chana dal
• 1 tbsp urad dal
• ½ tsp asafoetida (hing)
• 8-10 curry leaves

For Tempering:

• 1 tbsp oil or ghee
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• ½ tsp asafoetida
• 1-2 dry red chilies
• 10 curry leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Dal

1. Rinse the toor dal thoroughly and add it to a pressure cooker with 2 cups of water and turmeric powder.
2. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles until the dal turns soft and mushy.
3. Mash the dal with a spoon and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sambar Masala

1. Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, dry red chilies, chana dal, urad dal, asafoetida, and curry leaves in a pan until aromatic.
2. Let the spices cool and grind them into a fine powder.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. Heat a pan with 1 tsp oil and sauté onions until soft.
2. Add tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
3. Add carrots, drumsticks, pumpkin, green chilies, and salt.
4. Pour 2 cups of water and let the vegetables cook until soft.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked dal and mix well.
2. Stir in the tamarind extract and let the sambar simmer for 5-7 minutes.
3. Add prepared sambar masala and mix well.
4. Cook for another 5 minutes until everything is well blended.

Step 5: Tempering the Sambar

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil or ghee in a small pan.
2. Add mustard seeds, dry red chilies, asafoetida, and curry leaves.
3. Once they start spluttering, pour the tempering over the sambar and mix well.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Your authentic South Indian Sambar is ready! Serve hot with steamed rice, idli, dosa, or vada.

Pro Tips for the Best Sambar

• Use fresh tamarind extract for an authentic taste.
• Adjust spice levels as per your preference.
• Homemade sambar masala enhances the flavor significantly.
• Simmer for a few extra minutes for a richer taste.
• Add jaggery (optional) to balance flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic: With steamed rice & ghee.
• Traditional: Alongside idli, dosa, or medu vada.
• Modern: As a comforting soup with warm bread.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Final Thoughts

A bowl of warm sambar is a true comfort food for many, offering a perfect balance of flavors and nutrition. This South Indian Sambar recipe is easy to make and pairs well with various dishes. Try it today and let us know how it turns out in the comments!