This Instant Tiffin Sambhar is a flavorful and comforting dish, perfect for a quick meal. The recipe involves pressure cooking dal with tomatoes and turmeric, followed by sautéing aromatic spices and vegetables. The addition of tamarind water, jaggery, and ghee gives it a unique taste and aroma. It's a slightly thin sambhar, ideal for pairing with idlis or dosas.
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Wash the dal thoroughly and add it to a pressure cooker along with turmeric, and water. Pressure cook for 3–4 whistles until the dal is soft and cooked.
Mash the cooked dal well and set aside.
Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, methi seeds , pinch of hing and curry leaves.
Add shallots or onions and sauté until they become soft. Add tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
Add roughly chopped vegetables like potato, red pumpkin, carrot, and french beans. Sauté for a minute.
Mix in sambar powder, chilli powder, salt, and tamarind water.
Add water and let the vegetables cook until they soften.
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the mashed dal and adjust the thickness of the sambhar. Tiffin sambar is pourable, perfect for idli/dosa. Add a little extra water and simmer well.
Add jaggery and simmer for 5–6 minutes to blend the flavors.
Finish by adding coriander, few curry leaves and a little ghee for aroma.
Serve hot with idlis , dosas or rice.
Use shallots for authentic hotel taste.
Mash the dal until creamy — this gives that silky texture without making it too thick.
Tiffin sambar is pourable, perfect for idli/dosa. Add a little extra water and simmer well.
Let the sambar sit for at least 30 min before serving as the flavours deepen upon resting for sometime.
Can I use any other dal for this recipe?
Traditionally, toor dal is used for sambhar, but you can also use moong dal or masoor dal as alternatives.
How do I make tamarind water?
Soak tamarind in warm water for 10–15 minutes, then strain to extract the pulp.
Can I skip jaggery?
Jaggery adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tanginessof tomato but you can skip it if you prefer a purely tangy sambhar.
What vegetables can I add to sambhar?
You can add vegetables like drumstick, brinjal, radish, or any seasonal vegetables along with the ones mentioned in the recipe.
How long does sambhar remain fresh ?
Depends upon the climatic conditions of your area. Moreover it's better to consume within 12-15 hours considering health on priority basis.
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