Kerala style Varutharacha Sambar

User profile image
Gayatri (@rene121)

An aromatic and delicious sambar cooked with roasted coconut and spices, making the perfect partner for boiled rice, dosa, idli. This Palakkad style sambar is distinct from the ordinary variety, which is made with sambar powder.

Kerala style Varutharacha Sambar recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
35min
Total Time
55min

Ingredients

5 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)

Main Ingredients

  • toor dal
    toor dal
    3/4cup
  • water
    water
    2 1/2cup
  • turmeric powder
    turmeric powder
    1/2tsp
  • shallots
    shallots
    14piece
  • curry leaves
    curry leaves
    1sprig
  • tomato
    tomato
    2piece
  • lemon-sized tamarind
    lemon-sized tamarind
    1piece
  • jaggery
    jaggery
    1tbsp

For Roasting

  • grated coconut
    grated coconut
    6tbsp
  • coriander seeds
    coriander seeds
    1 1/2tbsp
  • dried red chili
    dried red chili
    7piece
  • urad dal
    urad dal
    1/2tbsp
  • chana dal
    chana dal
    1/2tbsp
  • fenugreek seeds
    fenugreek seeds
    1/4tsp
  • peppercorn
    peppercorn
    1tsp
  • asafoetida
    asafoetida
    1tsp
  • curry leaves
    curry leaves
    1sprig
  • Kashmiri chili
    Kashmiri chili
    4piece
  • salt to taste
    salt to taste

For Seasoning

  • coconut oil
    coconut oil
    1tbsp
  • dry red chili
    dry red chili
    2piece
  • mustard seeds
    mustard seeds
    1/2tsp
  • fenugreek seeds
    fenugreek seeds
    6piece
  • fennel seeds
    fennel seeds
    1/4tsp
  • curry leaves
    curry leaves
    1sprig

How to make Kerala style Varutharacha Sambar

Cooking the Dal

  1. Step 1

    Pressure cook the toor dal with turmeric, water, 4 shallots, and curry leaves for 3-4 whistles until well cooked.

  2. Step 2

    Open the cooker once the pressure settles.

Cooking the Vegetables

  1. Step 1

    Add the remaining shallots, vegetables of your choice, and salt to the cooked dal.

  2. Step 2

    Boil for 2 minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Add tamarind juice and tomatoes, then fill the cooker halfway with water.

  4. Step 4

    Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are perfectly cooked.

  5. Step 5

    Add jaggery for extra taste.

Roasting and Grinding

  1. Step 1

    Roast the grated coconut until golden brown.

  2. Step 2

    Separately, roast coriander seeds, chana dal, peppercorns, fenugreek, dried red chili, Kashmiri chili, urad dal, and curry leaves with a little oil.

  3. Step 3

    Mix all roasted ingredients and allow them to cool.

  4. Step 4

    Grind the roasted ingredients into a fine paste with enough water.

Final Cooking

  1. Step 1

    Add the ground paste to the vegetable mix, add water, and mix well.

  2. Step 2

    Cook on medium flame until the desired consistency is reached.

  3. Step 3

    Add chopped coriander leaves.

Seasoning

  1. Step 1

    Heat a pan and add coconut oil.

  2. Step 2

    Add mustard seeds and let them pop.

  3. Step 3

    Add fenugreek, fennel seeds, dry chili, curry leaves, and asafoetida.

  4. Step 4

    Pour this seasoning over the sambar.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

202.0kcal (10.1%)

Protein

8.1g (16.2%)

Carbs

30.0g (10.91%)

Sugars

3.0g (6%)

Healthy Fat

0.7g

Unhealthy Fat

5.4g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the vegetables are not overcooked to maintain their texture.

  2. Adjust the spice level by varying the number of chilies.

  3. Add a small piece of jaggery , that will enhance the taste.

FAQS

  1. What is the cooking process for Kerala style Varutharacha Sambar?

    To make Kerala style Varutharacha Sambar, start by pressure cooking toor dal with turmeric, water, shallots, and curry leaves. Once cooked, add your choice of vegetables, tamarind juice, and tomatoes, then boil for a few minutes. Roast grated coconut and various spices separately, grind them into a paste, and mix with the cooked dal. Finally, season with mustard seeds and other spices for added flavor.

  2. Is Kerala style Varutharacha Sambar suitable for vegan diets?

    Yes, Kerala style Varutharacha Sambar is suitable for vegan diets as it is made primarily from plant-based ingredients like toor dal, vegetables, and spices. Just ensure that the jaggery used is vegan, as some jaggery may contain animal products.

  3. What can I substitute for toor dal in Varutharacha Sambar?

    If you don't have toor dal, you can substitute it with yellow split peas or red lentils. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly to achieve the desired consistency.

  4. How should I store leftover Varutharacha Sambar?

    Leftover Varutharacha Sambar can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 2-3 months. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.

  5. What dishes pair well with Kerala style Varutharacha Sambar?

    Kerala style Varutharacha Sambar pairs wonderfully with boiled rice, dosa, or idli. You can also serve it with appam or even as a side dish with chapati for a delightful meal.

Loading reviews...

rene121's profile picture

Gayatri

(@rene121)

Cooking is my passion. Flavours unite us 🤝..I love to create new recipes... and also love to learn about different cuisine. ...

chefadora
© 2025 Chefadora Pty Ltd, All Rights Reserved

Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia