Sambar is one of the most loved dishes in South Indian cuisine. It combines lentils, vegetables, tamarind, and aromatic spices to create a flavorful and comforting dish that pairs beautifully with rice, dosa, idli, and many other foods.

Ingredients

• 1 cup toor dal

• 1–2 cups mixed vegetables

• 1 small onion

• 1–2 tomatoes

• 1–2 green chillies

• Tamarind

• 1–2 teaspoons turmeric powder

• Sambar powder

• Salt to taste

• Water as needed

• Curry leaves

• Mustard seeds

• Dried red chillies

• Coconut oil or cooking oil

Step 1: Cook the Dal

Wash the toor dal and cook it until soft. Mash it lightly and keep it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Add your vegetables, onion, tomato, green chilli, turmeric powder, salt, and water to a pot. Cook until the vegetables become tender.

Step 3: Add the Flavors

Add cooked dal, tamarind water, and sambar powder. Mix well and allow everything to simmer so the flavors combine.

Step 4: Prepare the Tempering

Heat a small amount of oil. Add mustard seeds, dried red chillies, and curry leaves. Once aromatic, pour the tempering over the sambar.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot with rice, dosa, idli, or your favorite South Indian meal.

Tips for Better Sambar

Use fresh vegetables and good-quality spices for better aroma and flavor. Don't rush the simmering process—the spices and vegetables need time to come together.

For everyday cooking, keep essential spice powders such as turmeric, coriander, and chilli powder stocked in your kitchen.

Explore Spisez spices for your next homemade meal.