Prawn Sambar
Prawn Sambar is a hearty and flavorful South Indian dish that combines succulent prawns with a tangy lentil-based broth, enriched with spices and vegetables. This nutritious meal is perfect for seafood lovers looking for a high-protein option that is both comforting and satisfying.

40 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Indian
350 kcal
Ingredients
- Prawns - 200 grams, cleaned and deveined
- Toor dal (split pigeon peas) - 100 grams
- Water - 750 ml
- Tamarind pulp - 2 tablespoons
- Tomato - 1 medium, chopped
- Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
- Carrot - 1 medium, diced
- Drumstick (vegetable) - 1 small, cut into pieces
- Green chilies - 2, slit
- Sambar powder - 2 tablespoons
- Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
- Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon
- Curry leaves - 8-10 leaves
- Coriander leaves - for garnish
- Oil - 1 tablespoon
- Salt - to taste
Steps
- Rinse the toor dal under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the dal in water for 15-20 minutes.
- In a pot, add the soaked dal with 500 ml of water, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the dal is soft and mushy, about 15-20 minutes.
- In another pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add chopped onion, green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
- Stir in chopped tomato, diced carrot, and drumstick pieces. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
- Add the cooked dal to the vegetable mixture along with the remaining water (250 ml), tamarind pulp, and sambar powder. Mix well and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the cleaned prawns and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the prawns are cooked through and turn pink.
- Adjust salt to taste, garnish with chopped coriander leaves, and serve hot with rice or idli.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
- Total Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Water: 0.75 L
Health Benefits
- High in protein from prawns and lentils, supporting muscle health.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals from vegetables, promoting overall well-being.
Tags
IndianHigh ProteinSeafood Dish