South Indian Sambar Recipe | Traditional Vegetable Sambar

South Indian Sambar is a comforting lentil-and-vegetable stew with toor dal, seasonal vegetables, tamarind and Nairuti Sambar Masala. This version is prepared without onion or garlic.

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Toor dal / arhar dal: ¾ cup
• Mixed vegetables: 1½ cups, chopped
• Tomato: 1 large, chopped
• Tamarind: 1 lemon-sized ball or 1 tbsp paste
• Nairuti Sambar Masala: 1½ tbsp
• Turmeric powder: ½ tsp total
• Salt: to taste
• Jaggery: 1 tsp, optional
• Oil or ghee: 2 tbsp
• Mustard seeds: 1 tsp
• Cumin seeds: ½ tsp
• Dry red chillies: 2
• Curry leaves: 8–10
• Asafoetida / hing: a pinch
• Fresh coriander: for garnish

Method

1. Pressure-cook the rinsed dal with water and turmeric until soft, then mash well.
2. Prepare tamarind water and strain it.
3. Cook the vegetables and tomato with water, salt and turmeric until tender.
4. Add mashed dal, tamarind water, Nairuti Sambar Masala and optional jaggery. Simmer for 8–10 minutes.
5. Heat oil or ghee and temper mustard, cumin, red chillies, curry leaves and hing.
6. Pour the tempering over the sambar, garnish with coriander and serve hot.

Tip

Add the tempering at the end for a bright mustard, curry-leaf and hing aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Sambar without onion and garlic?

Yes. This recipe is written specifically without onion or garlic.

Which vegetables can I use?

Use vegetables suitable for your household preference and cooking practice.

Make It with Nairuti

Shop Nairuti Sambar Masala.