HOW TO MAKE SAMBAR - a popular South Indian dish

Ingredients:

For Sambar Masala:

• 1/4 cup coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1 tablespoon chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 1 tablespoon urad dal (split black gram)
• 4-5 dried red chillies (adjust according to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)

For Sambar:

• 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas), washed and soaked for 30 minutes
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, drumsticks, pumpkin, brinjal/eggplant, beans, etc.), chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup tamarind extract (soak a small lemon-sized tamarind in water and extract the juice)
• A small piece of jaggery (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste

For Tempering (Tadka):

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2-3 dry red chillies
• A few curry leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare Sambar Masala:

   • Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, chana dal, urad dal, dried red chillies, and asafoetida in a pan until they turn golden brown. Let it cool, and then grind it into a fine powder. This is your sambar masala.

2. Cook Toor Dal:

   • Pressure cook the soaked toor dal with turmeric powder and enough water until it becomes soft and mushy.

3. Cook Vegetables:

   • In a large pot, cook the chopped vegetables with a little water until they are almost tender.

4. Combine Dal and Vegetables:

   • Mash the cooked toor dal and add it to the pot of cooked vegetables. Mix well.

5. Add Tamarind Extract:

   • Add tamarind extract, chopped tomatoes, jaggery (if using), and salt. Let it simmer until the raw smell of tamarind disappears and the vegetables are fully cooked.

6. Add Sambar Masala:

   • Add the prepared sambar masala to the pot and mix thoroughly. Adjust the consistency by adding water if needed.

7. Prepare Tempering:

   • In a small pan, heat coconut oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add dry red chillies and curry leaves. Fry for a few seconds.

8. Add Tempering to Sambar:

   • Pour the tempering over the sambar and mix well. Let it simmer for a few more minutes.

9. Serve:

   • Your Kerala Sambar is ready! Serve it hot with steamed rice or idli/dosa.

Enjoy your delicious Kerala Sambar! Feel free to customize the recipe according to your taste preferences.