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South Indian Sambar

Name: South Indian Sambar
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup Toor dal; 2 tbsp Sambar powder; 1 tbsp Tamarind paste; 2 cup Mixed vegetables (Drumstick, brinjal, carrots); 1 medium Onion (Quartered); 2 medium Tomato (Chopped); 1 tsp Mustard seeds; 10 piece Curry leaves; 0.25 tsp Asafoetida; 2 tbsp Oil; 1.5 tsp Salt; 2 tbsp Fresh coriander (For garnish)

Aromatic lentil soup with vegetables and tamarind. The quintessential South Indian side dish for rice, idli, and dosa.

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 35 min

Total: 50 min

Servings: 6

February 8, 2026

Instructions

Pressure cook toor dal with turmeric until soft. Mash and set aside.
Cook vegetables in water until tender. Add tomatoes and onion.
Add tamarind paste, sambar powder, and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Add mashed dal and adjust consistency with water.
For tempering: Heat oil, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida.
Pour tempering into the sambar.
Simmer for 5 more minutes.
Garnish with coriander and serve with rice, idli, or dosa.