Sambar is a lentil based stew which is very popular in South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine. A proper South Indian meal is not complete without Sambar. Sambar can be prepared using any kind of vegetable like bottle guard, pumpkin, okra/lady finger, drumstick and much more. This Zucchini and carrot sambar is prepared using boiled masoor dal but the same can also be prepared using boiled toor dal. Sambar goes extremely well with any kind of Indian breakfast like idli, dosa, uttapam, pongal or even with hot steamed rice.
Preparation time – 20 min
Cooking time – 25 min
Serves – 4 to 6
Ingredients:
Masoor dal – 1 cup, boiled
Zucchini – 2 medium sized , cut into cubes
Carrots – 2 medium sized , cut into cubes
Onion – 1 medium sized chopped
Tomatoes – 2 medium sized chopped
Tamarind – small gooseberry size
Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
Salt – as required
Sambar powder – 2 tsp or as required
Curry leaves – few
Coriander leaves/cilantro – few finely chopped
Mustard seeds – 1/4 tsp
Red chilies – 3
Asafoetida/hing – 1/8 tsp
Urad dal – 1/4 tsp
Oil – 3 tsp
Method:
1. Wash masoor dal couple of times and soak it for 20 min. Drain the water and add the masoor dal to the pressure pan along with 1/8 tsp of turmeric powder and 2 cups of water. Mix well and close the pressure pan and let it whistle for 2 times. Allow the pressure to release completely. Set aside the boiled masoor dal.
2. Soak the tamarind in some water for 5 to 10 min and extract the juice. Set aside the tamarind extract.
3. Heat oil in a pan. Add in mustard seeds and when it splutters add in urad dal, red chilies, asafoetida/hing and saute for 20 sec. Now add in the chopped onions, curry leaves and saute till translucent.
4. Add in tomatoes and cook till they become soft. Add the zucchini and carrots and mix. Now add the sambar powder, turmeric powder and salt required for vegetables. Add some water and allow it to cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add in the tamarind extract and the boiled masoor dal and mix well. Add water if required and allow it to boil on a medium flame for 10 minutes. Finally, add in the chopped cilantro and mix well.
Enjoy this delicious Sambar with any kind of Indian breakfast or with rice.
Check out other sambar varieties like Drumstick & carrot sambar, Spinach sambar, Sambar with bottle gourd from our blog and Enjoy great food.
