Restaurant-Style Sambhar

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Tripti Bhalotia (@triptibhalotia)

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...

Restaurant-Style Sambhar recipe

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Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
40min
Total Time
1hr

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)

Main Ingredients

  • toor dal
    toor dal
    1/3cup
  • water
    water
    2cup
  • Salt to taste
    Salt to taste
  • turmeric powder
    turmeric powder
    1/2tsp
  • oil
    oil
    1tsp
  • chopped onion
    chopped onion
    2
  • chopped tomatoes
    chopped tomatoes
    2
  • Beans
    Beans
  • Pumpkin
    Pumpkin
  • Bottle gourd
    Bottle gourd
  • Carrot
    Carrot
  • lemon size imli (tamarind)
    lemon size imli (tamarind)
    1
  • gur (jaggery)
    gur (jaggery)
    1tbsp
  • Kashmiri red chilli powder
    Kashmiri red chilli powder
    1tsp
  • turmeric powder
    turmeric powder
    1/4tsp
  • Salt to taste
    Salt to taste

For Sambar Masala

  • oil
    oil
    1tbsp
  • urad dal
    urad dal
    1tbsp
  • chana dal
    chana dal
    1tsp
  • rice
    rice
    1tsp
  • hing (asafoetida)
    hing (asafoetida)
    1/4tsp
  • sabut kali mirch (whole black pepper)
    sabut kali mirch (whole black pepper)
    1tsp
  • sabut dhaniya (whole coriander)
    sabut dhaniya (whole coriander)
    1tbsp
  • methi (fenugreek)
    methi (fenugreek)
    1tsp
  • safed til (white sesame)
    safed til (white sesame)
    1tsp
  • jeera (cumin)
    jeera (cumin)
    1tsp
  • lehsun (garlic)
    lehsun (garlic)
    4clove
  • adrak (ginger)
    adrak (ginger)
    1in
  • silho lal mirch (dry red chili)
    silho lal mirch (dry red chili)
    5
  • sukha nariyal (dry coconut)
    sukha nariyal (dry coconut)
    1/4cup
  • curry patta (curry leaves)
    curry patta (curry leaves)
    12sprigs
  • Kashmiri mirch powder
    Kashmiri mirch powder
    1tsp

For Tadka

  • oil
    oil
    2tbsp
  • mustard seeds
    mustard seeds
    1tsp
  • methi (fenugreek seeds)
    methi (fenugreek seeds)
    1/2tsp
  • hing (asafoetida)
    hing (asafoetida)
    1/4tsp
  • dry red chillies
    dry red chillies
    4
  • Curry leaves
    Curry leaves

How to make Restaurant-Style Sambhar

Prepare the Sambar Masala

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in a pan on low flame.

  2. 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.

  3. Step 3

    Fry the ingredients for about ten minutes on low flame until aromatic.

  4. Step 4

    Let the mixture cool and grind it into a fine powder to make the sambar masala.

Prepare the Sambar

  1. Step 1

    Cook toor dal with water, salt, and turmeric powder until soft and mushy.

  2. Step 2

    In a separate pan, heat oil and sauté chopped onions and tomatoes until soft.

  3. Step 3

    Add chopped vegetables like beans, pumpkin, bottle gourd, and carrot. Cook until tender.

  4. Step 4

    Add tamarind pulp, jaggery, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.

  5. 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

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in a small pan.

  2. Step 2

    Add mustard seeds, methi seeds, hing, dry red chilies, and curry leaves.

  3. Step 3

    Let them splutter and pour the tadka over the prepared sambar.

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

  1. Ensure to fry the sambar masala ingredients on low flame to avoid burning and to enhance the flavors.

  2. Adjust the tamarind and jaggery according to your taste preference for a perfect balance of tangy and sweet.

  3. Use fresh curry leaves for an authentic flavor.

FAQS

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

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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.

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North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia
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