Fish Sambar
Fish Sambar is a delicious and tangy South Indian dish featuring a blend of spices, lentils, and fresh fish, creating a unique seafood experience. This vegetarian take on a classic sambar is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients.

40 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Indian
350 kcal
Ingredients
- Toor dal (split pigeon peas) - 100 grams
- Water - 500 ml
- Fresh fish (like tilapia or salmon) - 200 grams, cut into cubes
- Tamarind paste - 1 tablespoon
- Sambar powder - 2 tablespoons
- Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
- Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon
- Curry leaves - 8-10 leaves
- Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
- Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
- Tomato - 1 medium, chopped
- Green chilies - 2, slit
- Coriander leaves - a handful, chopped
- Salt - to taste
Steps
- Rinse the toor dal under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak in water for 15 minutes.
- In a pressure cooker, add the soaked dal and 500 ml of water. Cook for 3-4 whistles or until soft. Mash it slightly and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Then add the chopped tomato and green chilies, cooking until the tomatoes soften.
- Stir in the turmeric powder and sambar powder, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the tamarind paste and salt, followed by the cooked dal. Mix well, adjusting the consistency with water if necessary.
- Add the fish cubes gently, ensuring they are submerged in the sambar. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
- In the last minute, add curry leaves and chopped coriander leaves for added flavor. Serve hot with rice or idli.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
- Total Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Water: 0.5 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in protein from lentils and fish, supporting muscle health.
- Contains antioxidants from tomatoes and spices, promoting overall health.
Tags
IndianVegetarianSeafood Dish