The Authentic South Indian Sambar Recipe

SAMBAR, the authentic South Indian curry which has for years together been the most favorite curry recipe all throughout India. You may travel to any place in India, may it be the urban cities or the villages, you will always get the Sambar curry at most of the restaurants or hotels. A Idli sambar, or a Medu Wada Sambar is the perfect breakfast for many families in India. Sambar is made from toor dal (pigeon peas) and mixed with vegetables and herbs which are added to make it an authentic gravy. The main ingredient is the sambar powder which gives the unique flavor for this gravy.

SAMBAR, the authentic South Indian curry which has for years together been the most favorite curry recipe all throughout India. You may travel to any place in India, may it be the urban cities or the villages, you will always get the Sambar curry at most of the restaurants or hotels. A Idli sambar, or a Medu Wada Sambar is the perfect breakfast for many families in India. Sambar is made from toor dal (pigeon peas) and mixed with vegetables and herbs which are added to make it an authentic gravy. The main ingredient is the sambar powder which gives the unique flavor for this gravy. Ingredients for Sambar Masala: 1 tablespoon Coriander Seeds 1 teaspoon of Chana dal ½ teaspoon Urad dal 1 teaspoon cumin seeds ¼ teaspoon Asafetida 2 to 4 Red chillies ¼ teaspoon Black pepper ¼ teaspoon Mustard seeds ¼ teaspoon Fenugreek seeds Vegetables to be added – Drumstick, Brinjal and potato. (cook it and keep it aside) Ingredients for Gravy 1 Cup Toor dal 1 small size tamarind 2 Onions (chopped) 2 Tomatoes (chopped) 3 – 4 curry leaves Salt to taste 3 - 4 cups of water 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds 1 teaspoon Asafotida 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder 1 tablespoon sugar or jaggery Preparation: Roast the masala ingredients and then grind it into a fine powder. Also soak the tamarind in water till soft and then grind it into a pulp.

Cook the vegetables in water. Method of Preparation: Cook the toor dal in a vessel till soft. Keep it aside. Add oil in a pan and add the cumin and mustard seeds. After a few seconds, put in the asafetida, curry leaves, turmeric powder and chopped onions. Add the other vegetables. Add water to this and let it cook for a few minutes. Add the sambar powder and let it cook. Put in the tomatoes. Now grind the cooked toor dal and pour it over the gravy. Bring all the ingredients to a boil and add the tamarind pulp. Add the jaggery/sugar Water can be added if the gravy is too thick. Lastly put in the coriander leaves. Your Authentic South Indian Sambar is ready to be served. Serve it hot with Idli, Dosa (South Indian Specialities) or plain steamed rice.