Sambhar
Sambhar is a flavorful South Indian lentil stew infused with aromatic spices and vegetables, making it a delightful addition to any meal. This dairy-free version offers a wholesome and hearty taste that pairs perfectly with rice or dosa.

40 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Indian
300 kcal
Ingredients
- Toor dal (split pigeon peas) - 100 grams
- Water - 600 ml
- Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Tamarind paste - 1 tablespoon
- Sambhar powder - 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon
- Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon
- Curry leaves - 10 leaves
- Onion - 1 medium, chopped
- Tomato - 1 medium, chopped
- Carrot - 1 small, diced
- Drumstick (or green beans) - 100 grams, cut into pieces
- Coriander leaves - for garnish
Steps
- Rinse the toor dal under running water until the water runs clear. Soak it for 30 minutes for faster cooking.
- In a pot, add the soaked dal, 600 ml of water, turmeric powder, and salt. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 20 minutes until the dal is soft.
- While the dal is cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add curry leaves and chopped onion to the pan, sautéing until the onion turns translucent.
- Stir in the chopped tomato, carrot, and drumstick (or green beans). Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
- Once the dal is cooked, add it to the vegetable mixture along with tamarind paste and sambhar powder. Stir well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Adjust the seasoning if needed and garnish with chopped coriander leaves before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Total Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Water: 0.6 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in protein and fiber from lentils, aiding digestion and muscle health.
- Packed with vitamins and minerals from assorted vegetables, promoting overall wellness.
Tags
IndianDairy-FreeSide Dish