Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (2024)

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Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (1)

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सांबर रेसिपी | सांभर रेसिपी | इडली के लिए सांबर | डोसा के लिए दक्षिण भारतीय सांबर - हिन्दी में पढ़ें (Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) in Hindi)


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Table Of Contents

about sambar
sambar step by step recipe
what is sambar recipe made of ?
making sambar masala
pressure cooking toovar dal
making sambar
pro tips for sambar
calories of sambar

sambar recipe | sambar for idlis | South Indian sambar for dosas | easy homemade sambar recipe | with 30 amazing images.

sambar is a hearty South Indian lentil stew simmered with vegetables, tamarind, and a unique spice blend called sambar masala. This fragrant, flavorful dish offers a symphony of textures with soft lentils, crisp vegetables, and a tangy-sweet sauce. It's a comfort food enjoyed at any time of day, often served with rice or soaked-up with fluffy appams.

Like idlis and dosas, sambar is also an all-time favourite that is almost synonymous with South Indian food! From the smallest roadside hotel to the classiest Indian restaurants around the globe, ‘idli, Vada, Sambar’ is a very popular breakfast combo!

So, here is how to make the perfect sambhar to match the perfect Idlis / Dosas / Appe. Loaded with vegetables and dal, this flavourful side-dish is very sumptuous and tasty, leaving no doubt about why it is so popular.

You can relish it not just with the innumerable South Indian snacks and Breakfast dishes, but also with a plain bowl of hot rice topped with a dollop of ghee or laced with til oil.

The best part about sambar is that, while it tastes best when hot, it is quite enjoyable even after a few hours, so it can be carried to work, or prepared in advance on a busy day.

Main ingredients for sambar.
toovar (arhar) dal, also known as split pigeon peas or arhar dal, is the traditional and most common lentil used in making sambar. Toor dal has a mild, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor that blends well with the complex flavors of spices and other ingredients in sambar.
Sambar masala is the heart and soul of sambar, a South Indian lentil stew. This aromatic spice blend forms the flavor foundation of the dish, combining coriander seeds, cumin, fenugreek, chilies, and sometimes other spices, like black peppercorns and turmeric. It adds depth and complexity, balancing earthy lentils with the sourness of tamarind and sweetness of vegetables, while its enticing aroma whets the appetite and adds a touch of vibrant color to the stew.

Pro tips for sambar. 1. Add 1 cup red pumpkin (bhopla / kaddu) cubes. red pumpkin offers a gentle sweetness that complements the savory and spicy flavors of sambar. Red pumpkin readily absorbs the flavors of the spices and herbs used in sambar, contributing to the overall flavor profile. 2. Add 1/2 cup potato cubes. When cooked, potatoes contribute to the overall creaminess and richness of the sambar, especially when they are partially mashed or left to soften in the gravy. Potatoes add a mild, natural sweetness that balances the tanginess of tamarind or tomatoes often used in sambar. 3. Add 1/2 cup drumstick pieces (each cut into 2"). Drumsticks have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other spices and vegetables in sambar without overpowering them. Drumsticks are a common and well-liked vegetable in many parts of India, including South India where sambar originates. Using them in sambar reflects the regional cuisine and preferences.

Enjoy sambar recipe | sambar for idlis | South Indian sambar for dosas | easy homemade sambar recipe | with step by step photos.

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Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe - How to make Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas)

Tags

South Indian SambarDinnerComfort FoodsIndian Curry recipes, North Indian, South Indian Easy Vegetarian Curry Popular Dals from all over IndiaBoiled

Preparation Time:&nbsp &nbspCooking Time:&nbsp &nbspTotal Time:&nbsp &nbspMakes 5 servings (5serving )
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Ingredients


For The Sambhar Masala (makes 1/4 Cup)
1/4 cup chopped whole dry kashmiri red chillies
1/2 tsp chana dal (split bengal gram)
1/2 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
1/2 tsp fenugreek (methi) seeds
1/2 tsp black peppercorns (kalimirch)
2 tbsp coriander (dhania) seeds

Other Ingredients
1/2 cup toovar (arhar) dal , washed and drained
1/4 tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
1 cup red pumpkin (bhopla / kaddu) cubes
1/2 cup potato cubes
1/2 cup tomato cubes
1/2 cup onion cubes
1/2 cup drumstick pieces
2 slit green chillies
1 tbsp tamarind (imli) pulp
1 tbsp oil
1/2 tsp mustard seeds ( rai / sarson)
4 to 5 curry leaves (kadi patta)
1 whole dry kashmiri red chilli , broken into pieces
1 tbsp finely chopped coriander (dhania)

Method


For the sambhar masala

  1. To make sambar masala, in a small non-stick pan put kashmiri red chillies, chana dal, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, kalimirch, coriander seeds and dry roast on a medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes, while stirring continuously.
  2. Allow the mixture to cool completely, once cooled blend in a mixer to a smooth powder. Keep aside.

How to proceed

  1. To make sambar, combine the toovar dal, turmeric powder, asafoetida and 2 cups of water in a pressure cooker and pressure cook for 3 whistles.
  2. Allow the steam to escape before opening the lid. Whisk the dal well.
  3. Combine the whisked dal, bhopla, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, drumsticks, salt and 2 cups of water in a deep non-stick pan, mix well and cover with a lid and cook on a medium flame for 20 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the tamarind pulp, 1/2 cup of water and the prepared sambhar masala, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 5 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
  5. Add the coriander and mix well. Keep aside.
  6. Heat the oil in a small non-stick pan ,add the mustard seeds.
  7. When the seeds crackle, add the curry leaves and red chillies and saute on a medium flame for a few seconds.
  8. Add this tempering to the prepared sambar and mix well.
  9. Serve sambar hot with idlis, dosas, vadas or uttapam.

Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe with step by step photos


like sambar recipe

  1. like sambar recipe | sambar for idlis | South Indian sambar for dosas | easy homemade sambhar recipe | then see our collection of South Indian recipesand our collection of South Indian sambar recipes.
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what is sambar recipe made of ?

  1. what is sambar recipe made of ? See below image of list of ingredients for sambar masala recipe.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (2)
  2. See below image of list of ingredients for sambarrecipe.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (3)


making sambar masala

  1. To make sambar masala,in a small non-stick pan put1/4 cup chopped whole dry Kashmiri red chillies orpandi chillies , broken into pieces.Primarily found inSouth Indian regions,particularlyTamil NaduandKerala,Pandi chillies contribute amild spicyelement to sambar masala in some recipes.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (4)
  2. Add1/2 tspchana dal (split bengal gram).When roasted,chana dal canadd a slightly crunchy textureto the ground spice mix,providing a pleasant contrast in the final dish.Chana dal has anutty and slightly earthy flavorthat can contribute to the overall flavor profile of the masala.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (5)
  3. Add1/2 tspcumin seeds (jeera).
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (6)
  4. Add1/2 tspfenugreek (methi) seeds.While not the most dominant flavor in the masala, fenugreek seeds contribute asubtle bitterness and a hint of sweetness, balancing the other spices and creating a more nuanced flavor profile.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (7)
  5. Add1/2 tspblack peppercorns (kalimirch).The mild peppery kick from black peppercorns can help balance the richness of the vegetables and lentils in sambar.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (8)
  6. Add2 tbspcoriander (dhania) seeds.The combination of citrusy notes and warm undertones from coriander seeds addsdepth and complexityto the overall flavor of sambar masala.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (9)
  7. Dry roast on a medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes, while stirring continuously.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (10)
  8. Allow the mixture to cool completely by putting in a plate or thali.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (11)
  9. Put in a mixer.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (12)
  10. Blend in a mixer to a smooth powder.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (13)
  11. Keep aside sambar masala to be used in making sambar. NOTE, we have used 2 tablesoons of sambar masala in the recipe.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (14)


pressure cooking toovar dal

  1. in a pressure cooker put1/2 cuptoovar (arhar) dal, washed and drained.Toor dal, also known as split pigeon peas or arhar dal, is the traditional and most common lentil used in making sambar.Toor dal has a mild,slightly sweet,and nutty flavor that blends well with the complex flavors of spices and other ingredients in sambar.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (15)
  2. Add1/4 tspturmeric powder (haldi).
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (16)
  3. Add1/4 tspasafoetida (hing).
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (17)
  4. Add 2cups of water.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (18)
  5. Mix well.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (19)
  6. Pressure cooker and pressure cook for 3 whistles.

    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (20)
  7. Allow the steam to escape before opening the lid.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (21)
  8. Whisk the dal well.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (22)


making sambar

  1. To make sambar recipe | sambar for idlis | South Indian sambar for dosas | easy homemade sambhar recipe |in a deep non-stick put the cooked and whisked toovar dal.When cooked, toor dal breaks down and thickens the sambar broth, contributing to its signature creamy and smooth texture. This adds a satisfying mouthfeel and complements the vegetables and other ingredients.Toor dal has been used in making sambar for centuries and is considered the traditional choice in many regions across India.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (23)
  2. Add1 cupred pumpkin (bhopla / kaddu) cubes.red pumpkin offers a gentle sweetness that complements the savory and spicy flavors of sambar.Red pumpkin readily absorbs the flavors of the spices and herbs used in sambar,contributing to the overall flavor profile.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (24)
  3. Add1/2 cuppotato cubes.When cooked,potatoes contribute to the overall creaminess and richness of the sambar,especially when they are partially mashed or left to soften in the gravy.Potatoes add a mild,natural sweetness that balances the tanginess of tamarind or tomatoes often used in sambar.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (25)
  4. Add1/2 cuptomato cubes.Tomatoes contribute a distinct tartness and acidity to the sambar,which balances the richness of lentils and spices.Tomato cubes contribute to the overall body and thickness of the sambar.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (26)
  5. Add1/2 cuponion cubes.In sambar,onions add amild sweetnessthat balances the tanginess of the tamarind and the spiciness of the other ingredients.It's important to note that onion is not mandatory in all sambar recipes.Some regional variations,like Sattvik sambar,may exclude onions and garlic for religious or dietary reasons.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (27)
  6. Add1/2 cupdrumstick pieces(each cut into 2").Drumsticks have amild, slightly sweetflavor that complements the other spices and vegetables in sambar without overpowering them.Drumsticks are acommon and well-liked vegetablein many parts of India,including South India where sambar originates.Using them in sambar reflects the regional cuisine and preferences.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (28)
  7. Add salt to taste. We added 1/2tsp salt.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (29)
  8. Add 2cups of water.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (30)
  9. Mix well.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (31)
  10. Cover with a lid and cook on a medium flame for 20minutes, while stirring occasionally.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (32)
  11. After cooking.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (33)
  12. Add1 tbsptamarind (imli) pulp.Tamarind pulp is a natural souring agent, adding a distinct tangy taste to sambar that complements the savory and spicy notes of other ingredients.The sourness of tamarind goes beyond just adding basic acidity. It introduces a unique complexity and depth of flavor that elevates the sambar from a simple lentil stew to a well-rounded culinary experience.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (34)
  13. Add1/2 cup of water.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (35)
  14. Add2 tbsp prepared sambhar masala.Sambar masala is a carefully crafted blend of spices like coriander seeds, cumin seeds, red chilies, fenugreek seeds, and sometimes black peppercorns. Each spice contributes its unique aroma and flavor, creating arich and complexprofile that defines the essence of sambar.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (36)
  15. Mix well.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (37)
  16. Cook on a medium flame for 5 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (38)
  17. Add1 tbspfinelychopped coriander (dhania).
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (39)
  18. Mix well.
  19. Heat 1 tbspoilin a small non-stick pan.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (40)
  20. Add1/2 tspmustard seeds ( rai / sarson).
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (41)
  21. Let the seeds crackle.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (42)
  22. Add4 to 5curry leaves (kadi patta).
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (43)
  23. Add1red chilli(pandi) , broken into pieces.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (44)
  24. Add 1slit green chillies.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (45)
  25. Saute on a medium flame for a few seconds.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (46)
  26. Add this tempering to the prepared sambhar.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (47)
  27. Mix well.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (48)
  28. Serve sambar | sambar for idlis | South Indian sambar for dosas | easy homemade sambhar recipe |hot.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (49)


pro tips for sambar

  1. In a pressure cooker put1/2 cuptoovar (arhar) dal, washed and drained.Toor dal, also known as split pigeon peas or arhar dal, is the traditional and most common lentil used in making sambar.Toor dal has a mild,slightly sweet,and nutty flavor that blends well with the complex flavors of spices and other ingredients in sambar.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (50)
  2. Add1 cupred pumpkin (bhopla / kaddu) cubes.red pumpkin offers a gentle sweetness that complements the savory and spicy flavors of sambar.Red pumpkin readily absorbs the flavors of the spices and herbs used in sambar,contributing to the overall flavor profile.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (51)
  3. Add1/2 cuppotato cubes.When cooked,potatoes contribute to the overall creaminess and richness of the sambar,especially when they are partially mashed or left to soften in the gravy.Potatoes add a mild,natural sweetness that balances the tanginess of tamarind or tomatoes often used in sambar.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (52)
  4. Add1/2 cuponion cubes.In sambar,onions add amild sweetnessthat balances the tanginess of the tamarind and the spiciness of the other ingredients.It's important to note that onion is not mandatory in all sambar recipes.Some regional variations,like Sattvik sambar,may exclude onions and garlic for religious or dietary reasons.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (53)
  5. Add1/2 cupdrumstick pieces(each cut into 2").Drumsticks have amild, slightly sweetflavor that complements the other spices and vegetables in sambar without overpowering them.Drumsticks are acommon and well-liked vegetablein many parts of India,including South India where sambar originates.Using them in sambar reflects the regional cuisine and preferences.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (54)
  6. To make sambar masala,in a small non-stick pan5red chillies(pandi) , broken into pieces.Primarily found inSouth Indian regions,particularlyTamil NaduandKerala,Pandi chillies contribute amild spicyelement to sambar masala in some recipes.
    Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (55)

Accompaniments

Green Moong Dal and Vegetable Idli, Healthy Moong Dal IdlisSambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (56)
IdliSambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (57)
Kanchipuram Idli, Kancheepuram Idli, Kovil IdliSambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (58)
PesarattuSambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (59)
Sada DosaSambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (60)
Shepu Sweet IdlisSambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (61)
Vermicelli IdliSambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (62)

Nutrient values (Abbrv)per serving

Energy122 cal
Protein5.1 g
Carbohydrates18 g
Fiber3 g
Fat3.4 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Sodium11.3 mg

Click here to view calories for Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas)


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Sambar ( Sambhar, Idlis and Dosas) recipe, Authentic Sambhar South Indian Recipe (2024)
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