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A tangy and spicy lentil stew from Andhra Pradesh, featuring tender drumstick pieces simmered with toor dal and a special blend of spices. This classic South Indian dish is a perfect accompaniment to steamed rice, idli, or dosa.
For 4 servings
Preparation (Approx. 20 minutes)
Pressure Cook the Dal (Approx. 15 minutes)
Cook the Sambar Base (Approx. 12 minutes)
A tangy and spicy lentil stew from Andhra Pradesh, featuring tender drumstick pieces simmered with toor dal and a special blend of spices. This classic South Indian dish is a perfect accompaniment to steamed rice, idli, or dosa.
This andhra recipe takes 50 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 323.58 calories per serving with 14.12g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
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Combine and Simmer (Approx. 8 minutes)
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka) (Approx. 2 minutes)
Finish and Serve
Feel free to add other sambar-friendly vegetables like shallots (sambar onions), carrots, yellow pumpkin, or brinjal (eggplant) along with the drumsticks.
For a different texture and flavor profile, use a mix of 3/4 cup toor dal and 1/4 cup masoor dal (red lentils).
To reduce the heat, use a milder red chilli powder like Kashmiri chilli powder and reduce the amount of green chillies. To increase it, use a spicier variety like Guntur chilli powder.
Toor dal is an excellent source of vegetarian protein and essential amino acids, which are vital for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
The combination of lentils and vegetables like drumsticks provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, prevents constipation, and helps maintain a healthy gut.
Drumsticks (Munakkaya) are a powerhouse of Vitamin C and antioxidants. The addition of spices like turmeric further enhances the dish's immune-boosting properties.
Drumsticks are a good source of calcium, iron, and phosphorus, which are essential minerals for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
One serving of Munakkaya Sambar (approximately 1 cup or 250g) contains around 240-270 calories, depending on the amount of oil used. It's a balanced dish with protein, carbs, and fiber.
Yes, it is very healthy. It's rich in plant-based protein from lentils, packed with vitamins and fiber from vegetables like drumsticks, and uses beneficial spices like turmeric. It's a wholesome and nutritious meal.
Absolutely. You can cook the soaked toor dal in a regular pot. It will take longer, about 45-60 minutes, for the dal to become completely soft. Just ensure you add enough water and stir occasionally.
If your sambar is too tangy from the tamarind, you can balance it by adding a little more jaggery. You can also dilute it slightly with a bit of hot water and a small amount of cooked dal if you have extra.
Munakkaya Sambar is traditionally served with hot steamed rice and a dollop of ghee. It also pairs perfectly with South Indian tiffin items like idli, dosa, vada, and uttapam.
Leftover sambar can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavor often improves overnight. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
This recipe goes great with these complete meals
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