Sambhar

Name: Sambhar
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4-6 serving(s)
Ingredients: 8 ounces red lentils or 8 ounces yellow lentils, picked over, washed and drained; 3 -4 cups water; 1 inch ball tamarind pulp; 1 cup boiling water, in which to soak the tamarind pulp; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (I use coconut oil); 1/2 teaspoon brown mustard seeds; 1/2 teaspoon cumin seed; 2 teaspoons sambhar powder; 2 whole dried red chilies; 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida powder; 8 -10 fresh curry leaves; 2 garlic cloves, crushed; 2 tablespoons desiccated unsweetened coconut (shredded); 1 lb chopped mixed vegetables (for example, cauliflower, zucchini, red bell pepper, okra, mushrooms, peas, Brussels sprouts); 4 firm tomatoes, peeled and chopped; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, extra; 2 garlic cloves, extra, finely sliced; fresh cilantro, chopped, to garnish

Submitted by Daydream

"Yummy South Indian lentils and vegetables, a favourite Indian breakfast dish with idli (rice dumplings) or dosai (Indian pancakes). This recipe is not at all difficult - just assemble all the prepared ingredients before commencing to cook, and take one step at a time. I prefer to use freshly grated coconut, but unsweetened dried coconut is perfectly acceptable. Sambhar masala can be obtained from an Indian grocer, or make your own from recipe #110487 (much more fun!). I make this Sambhar with Toor dahl, and eat it with rice for the main meal of the day."

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photo by eatrealfood

Ready In:: 1hr 10mins
Ingredients:: 19
Serves:: 4-6

ingredients

8 ounces red lentils or 8 ounces yellow lentils, picked over, washed and drained
3 -4 cups water
1 inch ball tamarind pulp
1 cup boiling water, in which to soak the tamarind pulp
¹⁄₂ teaspoon turmeric
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (I use coconut oil)
¹⁄₂ teaspoon brown mustard seeds
¹⁄₂ teaspoon cumin seed
2 teaspoons sambhar powder
2 whole dried red chilies
¹⁄₄ teaspoon asafoetida powder
8 -10 fresh curry leaves
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tablespoons desiccated unsweetened coconut (shredded)
1 lb chopped mixed vegetables (for example, cauliflower, zucchini, red bell pepper, okra, mushrooms, peas, Brussels sprouts)
4 firm tomatoes, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, extra
2 garlic cloves, extra, finely sliced
fresh cilantro, chopped, to garnish

directions

In a heatproof bowl, combine the tamarind pulp and 1 cup of boiling water, and let stand for 30 minutes. At the end of this time, squeeze and press the tamarind with your fingers to release as much pulp in the water as possible, then strain, discard the fibrous residue and seeds, and reserve the tamarind water.
Meanwhile, place the lentils in a deep saucepan, add the 3 cups of water and the turmeric, and bring to the boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer and gently cook, uncovered, until the lentils are just tender, 20 to 30 minutes. If the water evaporates too quickly, add another 1/2 to 1 cup in total.
While the lentils are cooking, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a small skillet, and saute the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, sambhar masala, dried red chillies, asafoetida, curry leaves, garlic and coconut, until the coconut becomes a golden brown - take care not to burn. Remove from heat and set aside.
When the lentils are tender, add the sauteed spice mix, along with the prepared vegetables, tomatoes and the tamarind water. Mix well, cover, and simmer until the vegetables are just tender. This should take 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how small or large you have diced the vegetables. As the tomatoes cook down, they should provide enough fluid to simmer the other vegetables in, but you can add another 1/2 cup water at your discretion.
Just before serving, heat the extra oil in a small skillet, and saute the sliced garlic and fresh cilantro for 30 seconds. Pour this mixture over the sambhar and mix through gently.
Serve immediately.

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Reviews

I am a south Indian I liked your reciepe for tempering we use oil mustard seeds, curry leaves and asafetida. Asafetida to reduce flatulence. If you like you can add cumin seeds.

gayatri m.
This recipe is good and there is also one recipe which I found on the net which is of mixed vegetable sambhar i tried it and was really tasty so just sharing if anyone of you likes mixed vegetables https://bestwaysto.net/how-to-make-sambhar/

Best ways T.
awesome!!!!

hdingari
I made this for lunch today, and my sixteen month old daughter ended up eating over half of the bowl I'd made for myself. I did skip the coconut, simply because I didn't have any. My veggies were pearl onions, carrots and spinach. I served it over couscous (is that too cross-cultural? At least it wasn't served over egg noodles!), and it was delicious. I will keep this in rotation. Thanks for this recipe!

Kirby
I am a novice when it comes to Indian cooking but this turned out pretty good. I added 3/4 tsp salt. Thanks for the recipe.

beckas

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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

Daydream

Australia

I was raised in a family that loves to travel, meet people from other countries, and taste new foods. We are quite 'international' - my brother's wife is Indian, my sister's husband is Swiss and my DS's GF is of Swedish origin. My little dogs are of German origin - miniature dachshunds :-) - and my DH is an NZer. Presently my favourite cookbook is Quick and Easy Indian Cooking by Madhur Jaffrey, but that is liable to change as I often raid my library for new and interesting cookbooks.

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