Mild Sambhar
A gentle and nourishing lentil stew with soft-cooked vegetables, lightly spiced for little ones. This mild sambhar is a perfect first introduction to South Indian flavors, offering protein from dal and vitamins from vegetables in a warm, comforting bowl.
For 4 servings
Cook the dal and vegetables.
- In a pressure cooker, combine the soaked and drained toor dal, diced carrot, drumstick pieces, chopped tomato, and turmeric powder.
- Add 2 cups of water.
- Secure the lid and pressure cook for 4-5 whistles on medium heat, or until the dal is completely soft and mushy.
- Let the pressure release naturally.
TIPCooking the vegetables with the dal makes them very soft and easy for a toddler to eat.Mash the cooked dal and vegetables.
Once the pressure cooker is safe to open, use the back of a ladle or a masher to gently mash the dal and vegetables to a smooth or slightly coarse consistency, depending on your child's preference.
Simmer the sambhar.
- Place the cooker back on low heat.
- Stir in the diluted tamarind paste, sambhar powder, jaggery, and salt.
- Add up to 1 cup of warm water to adjust the consistency to a thin, soupy texture.
- Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes for the flavors to meld.
TIPThe sambhar will thicken as it cools, so keep it slightly thinner than the desired final consistency.Prepare the tempering.
- In a small pan, heat the ghee over low heat.
- Add the mustard seeds. Once they start to pop, add the curry leaves and a pinch of asafoetida.
- Sauté for a few seconds until the curry leaves are crisp.
TIPKeep the heat low to prevent the spices from burning, which can create a bitter taste.Combine and finish the sambhar.
Pour the hot tempering over the simmering sambhar. Stir well, then turn off the heat. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.
Serve warm.
Before serving, ensure the sambhar is at a safe, lukewarm temperature for your toddler. For younger toddlers, you can scrape the soft pulp from the drumstick pieces and mix it into the sambhar, discarding the fibrous outer part.
TIPThis sambhar can be served on its own, or mixed with soft-cooked rice or mashed idli.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For babies under one year, you can skip the salt and tamarind entirely.
- 2Ensure all vegetables are cooked until they are fork-tender and can be easily mashed.
- 3Always check the temperature of the food before giving it to your toddler.
- 4To serve, you can mix the sambhar with a little soft-cooked rice to make a complete meal.
- 5The pulp from the drumstick is very nutritious. Scrape it out with a spoon and mix it into the sambhar, discarding the outer peel.
- 6Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. It's a great source of plant-based protein from lentils and provides vitamins and fiber from vegetables. It's specifically designed to be gentle on a toddler's digestive system.
