Sambar Recipe is a flavorful, tangy, and hearty South Indian lentil stew made with yellow lentils (toor dal), tamarind, vegetables, and a unique blend of spices. It is a staple in Tamil, Kerala, Andhra, and Karnataka households and is commonly served with idli, dosa, rice, or vada.

Whether you’re craving a warm bowl of comfort or want to recreate an authentic South Indian meal, this easy homemade sambar recipe is the perfect choice.

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Why You’ll Love This Sambar Recipe

• ✅ Packed with protein and fiber
• ✅ Vegan and gluten-free
• ✅ Loaded with vegetables
• ✅ Perfect with rice, idli, dosa, or vada
• ✅ Ideal for meal prep and leftovers taste even better!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dal:

• 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 3 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste

Vegetables (choose any combination):

• 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
• 1/2 cup drumsticks (moringa pods), chopped
• 1/2 cup eggplant or pumpkin, diced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 5–6 pearl onions or 1 small onion, chopped

For the Tamarind Extract:

• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• 1/2 cup warm water

For the Sambar Masala:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 2 dried red chilies
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• 2 tablespoons sambar powder
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

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How to Make Sambar – Step-by-Step

1. Cook the Dal

Rinse toor dal thoroughly. Pressure cook it with 3 cups water, turmeric, and salt for 5–6 whistles until soft and mushy. Mash it well and set aside.

2. Prepare the Tamarind Extract

Mix tamarind paste with warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then strain and set aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables

In a pot, add 2 cups water and the chopped vegetables. Cover and cook until just tender.

4. Add Tamarind and Sambar Powder

Pour in the tamarind extract and sambar powder. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until the raw tamarind smell disappears.

5. Add Cooked Dal

Stir in the mashed dal. Add more water to adjust consistency. Simmer for 5–7 more minutes.

6. Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)

In a small pan, heat oil. Add mustard seeds, cumin, fenugreek, red chilies, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté for 30 seconds and pour over the sambar.

7. Finish and Serve

Mix well, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve hot with rice, idli, or dosa.

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Tips for the Best Sambar

1. Use fresh homemade sambar powder for maximum flavor.
2. Don’t skip tamarind – it adds the iconic tang.
3. Add a mix of vegetables for better depth and nutrition.
4. Simmer well to blend the flavors.
5. Make it in advance – flavor improves over time.