Sambar

Name: Sambar
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 3/4 cup toor dal, rinsed; 4 cups water; 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; 1 cup carrots, sliced; 1/2 cup shallots, peeled; 1 cup roma tomatoes, diced; 1.5 tbsp tamarind paste; 1.5 tbsp sambar powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp yellow mustard seeds; 10 fresh curry leaves; 1/8 tsp asafoetida powder

A tangy South Indian lentil stew cooked with vegetables, tamarind, and aromatic tempered spices.

50 minMediumServes 4210 cal/serving

IndianSoupStovetopVeganVegetarianHigh FiberHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeNut-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-Free

Ingredients

3/4 cup toor dal, rinsed
4 cups water
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1 cup carrots, sliced
1/2 cup shallots, peeled
1 cup roma tomatoes, diced
1.5 tbsp tamarind paste
1.5 tbsp sambar powder
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp yellow mustard seeds
10 fresh curry leaves
1/8 tsp asafoetida powder

Instructions

1

Combine 3/4 cup rinsed toor dal, 3 cups of water, and 1/2 tsp ground turmeric in a pot, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until soft.
2

Mash the cooked toor dal with a whisk until smooth and set aside.
3

In a separate pot, simmer 1 cup sliced carrots, 1/2 cup peeled shallots, and 1 cup diced roma tomatoes in 1 cup of water with 1.5 tbsp tamarind paste, 1.5 tbsp sambar powder, and 1 tsp salt for 10 minutes until tender.
4

Stir the mashed toor dal into the vegetable stew and simmer for 5 minutes.
5

Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium heat, add 1 tsp yellow mustard seeds, 10 fresh curry leaves, and 1/8 tsp asafoetida powder, then sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
6

Pour the hot tempered oil mixture into the stew, stir well, and serve hot.

Questions

How long does Sambar keep?

Refrigerate it up to four days, or freeze it in portions for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to loosen it.

Can I halve or double Sambar?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

Naan side
Kachumber salad
Acar Timun side

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