Restaurant-Style Sambhar

Do you know if we fry urad dal, chana dal, rice, asafoetida, whole black pepper, whole coriander, fenugreek, white sesame, cumin, garlic, ginger, dry red chili, coconut, and curry leaves in oil for about ten minutes on low flame, and then add tempering to it, it turns into restaurant-style sabzi at home? This sambhar recipe is perfect for recreating the authentic South Indian flavors in your kitchen. It's a wholesome and delicious dish that pairs...

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Ingredients
Main Ingredients
toor dal1/3cup
water2cup- Salt to taste
turmeric powder1/2tsp
oil1tsp
chopped onion2
chopped tomatoes2
Beans
Pumpkin
Bottle gourd
Carrot
lemon size imli (tamarind)1
gur (jaggery)1tbsp
Kashmiri red chilli powder1tsp
turmeric powder1/4tsp- Salt to taste
For Sambar Masala
oil1tbsp
urad dal1tbsp
chana dal1tsp
rice1tsp
hing (asafoetida)1/4tsp
sabut kali mirch (whole black pepper)1tsp
sabut dhaniya (whole coriander)1tbsp
methi (fenugreek)1tsp
safed til (white sesame)1tsp
jeera (cumin)1tsp
lehsun (garlic)4clove
adrak (ginger)1in
silho lal mirch (dry red chili)5
sukha nariyal (dry coconut)1/4cup
curry patta (curry leaves)12sprigs
Kashmiri mirch powder1tsp
For Tadka
oil2tbsp
mustard seeds1tsp
methi (fenugreek seeds)1/2tsp
hing (asafoetida)1/4tsp
dry red chillies4
Curry leaves
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
116.9kcal (5.84%)
Protein
3.3g (6.6%)
Carbs
13.8g (5.03%)
Sugars
1.8g (3.54%)
Healthy Fat
4.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.9g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
How to make Restaurant-Style Sambhar
Prepare the Sambar Masala
- Step 1
Heat oil in a pan on low flame.
- Step 2
Add urad dal, chana dal, rice, hing, sabut kali mirch, sabut dhaniya, methi, safed til, jeera, garlic, ginger, dry red chili, sukha nariyal, and curry leaves.
- Step 3
Fry the ingredients for about ten minutes on low flame until aromatic.
- Step 4
Let the mixture cool and grind it into a fine powder to make the sambar masala.
Prepare the Sambar
- Step 1
Cook toor dal with water, salt, and turmeric powder until soft and mushy.
- Step 2
In a separate pan, heat oil and sauté chopped onions and tomatoes until soft.
- Step 3
Add chopped vegetables like beans, pumpkin, bottle gourd, and carrot. Cook until tender.
- Step 4
Add tamarind pulp, jaggery, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.
- Step 5
Add the prepared sambar masala and cooked toor dal to the vegetables. Mix well and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Prepare the Tadka
- Step 1
Heat oil in a small pan.
- Step 2
Add mustard seeds, methi seeds, hing, dry red chilies, and curry leaves.
- Step 3
Let them splutter and pour the tadka over the prepared sambar.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
116.9kcal (5.84%)
Protein
3.3g (6.6%)
Carbs
13.8g (5.03%)
Sugars
1.8g (3.54%)
Healthy Fat
4.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.9g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Tips & Tricks
Ensure to fry the sambar masala ingredients on low flame to avoid burning and to enhance the flavors.
Adjust the tamarind and jaggery according to your taste preference for a perfect balance of tangy and sweet.
Use fresh curry leaves for an authentic flavor.
FAQS
Can I use store-bought sambar masala?
Yes, you can use store-bought sambar masala, but making it fresh at home enhances the flavor of the dish.
What vegetables can I use in sambar?
You can use vegetables like beans, pumpkin, bottle gourd, carrot, drumstick, or any other vegetables of your choice.
How do I make tamarind pulp?
Soak tamarind in warm water for about 10 minutes and then squeeze out the pulp using your hands or a spoon.
Can I skip jaggery in the recipe?
Jaggery adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess of tamarind. You can skip it if you prefer a purely tangy flavor.
How do I store leftover sambar?
Store leftover sambar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat before serving.
Tripti Bhalotia
(@triptibhalotia)
Welcome to my Chefadora Page — where flavors meet comfort! I’m Tripti, your culinary guide sharing simple, soulful recipes from savory bites to sweet indulgences. Each dish is crafted to bring joy and warmth to your home cooking. Join me as we cook, learn, and create delicious memories together. 🍳✨ Follow me for more recipes and kitchen stories! #CookingWithTripti | #TriptiHomeKitchen | Open to collaborations & partnerships
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