I have been getting a lot of requests for sambhar recipes. Here is a simple sambhar recipe which even beginners can make. The fun fact is that I have not used tamarind to make this sambhar and the sourness is produced just by the addition of red ripe tomatoes. Come on, do try this and please share your feedback.
Ingredients:
| Drumstick | about 4-6 cut into 4 inch pieces |
| Toor Dal | 1 cup |
| Ripe tomatoes (cubed) | 2 big |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 – 3/4 tsp |
| Sambhar Powder | 2 tbsp |
| Mustard seeds | 1 tsp |
| Green chillies (optional) | 1 or 2 |
| Coriander leaves | as needed |
| Oil | 1 tbsp + 1 -2 tsp |
| Curry leaves | as needed |
| Asafoetida | a generous pinch |
| Salt | as needed |
Method:
1. Pressure cook the dal with turmeric powder and keep aside. The dal should be slightly mashed.
2. In a big heavy bottomed vessel, add 1 tbsp of oil. When the oil becomes hot, add the washed drumstick pieces and saute them for a minute. Some people do not do this but this step gives a nice taste to the dish and the vegetable will not have the raw smell or taste.
3. Add the cubed tomatoes to it and saute them. When the tomatoes start sticking to the pan, add the sambhar powder and mix everything together. Do not allow the sambhar powder to burn. It would also be a good idea to keep the water ready before doing this step.
4. As soon as the sambhar powder gets mixed with the vegetable, add enough water to cover the vegetable. Add a pinch of turmeric powder and green chillies if you wish to. When the drumstick is half done, add the required amount of salt. Add water if necessary.
5. Add coriander leaves and asafoetida to the sambhar and allow the drumstick to cook well.
6. Add the mashed dal to it and simmer for about 4-6 minutes. Do not allow the sambhar to boil after adding the dal. You can add water according to your desired consistency.
7. In a pan, add the remaining oil, When the oil gets hot, add red chillies, mustard seeds and curry leaves. When the mustard seeds splutter, add the tadka to the sambhar and mix.
8. Serve hot with rice.
Notes:
Sambhar powder: It is a spice mix used to make sambhar. It can be made at home or bought from shops. There are many brands available in the market.
Asafoetida can be added even during Tadka.
Drumstick can be replaced by any vegetable of your choice.
Hope you enjoyed my version of Sambhar without tamarind. Let me know your thoughts and I am waiting to hear from you..
Sambhar our staple food .Must be so yummy and aromatic
Yes Sathya..This is so tasty. Pls try it and see how you like it.