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Tags and nutritional info are auto-generated and may be inaccurate. Always check the full ingredient list before cooking.
This easy and simple Vendakkai sambar or okra sambar is made only with okra. The roasted okra or ladies finger soaked in sambar makes this sambar so tasty. This sambar is a good accompaniment with idli or dosa for breakfast and also goes well with steamed rice for lunch. Instead of ladies finger, you can use any veggies of your choice.
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To a pressure cooker, add toor dal, turmeric powder, sliced onion along with enough water for cooking.
Cook until 3 whistles or until cooked well. Set aside.
In a pan, add 1 tsp oil. When it becomes hot, add okra pieces.
Roast until it becomes slightly brown in color, which takes about 4-5 minutes on high flame. Set aside.
In a kadai, add 3 tsp oil. When it becomes hot, add mustard seeds. When they pop, add fenugreek seeds and fennel seeds. Wait for them to pop.
Add shallot pieces and sauté until they become transparent.
Add dried red chilli and sauté for 1 minute.
Turn the flame to low. Add chilli powder, sambar powder, and curry leaves. Mix for 15 seconds.
Add the cooked toor dal mix along with tomato pieces, fried okra pieces and salt.
Mix the tamarind with a little water, then strain it. Add this tamarind water to the sambar. Adjust the consistency by adding enough water.
Allow it to boil until the raw taste of tamarind is completely gone.
Add asafoetida powder.
Finally, add chopped coriander leaves and jaggery powder. Mix well.
Turn off the flame. The tasty and easy sambar is ready.
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Ensure the okra is roasted well to avoid a slimy texture in the sambar.
Adjust the spice levels by varying the amount of chilli powder and sambar powder.
Can I use other vegetables instead of okra?
Yes, you can use any vegetables of your choice instead of okra.
What can I serve with Vendakkai Sambar?
It pairs well with idli, dosa, or steamed rice.
How do I store leftover sambar?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I make this sambar without a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can cook the toor dal in a regular pot, but it will take longer.
Is this sambar gluten-free?
Yes, this sambar is gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten ingredients.
