How many calories are in one serving of Sambar?

A typical serving (1 cup or approx. 265g) of this Sambar contains around 190-220 calories, depending on the specific vegetables and amount of ghee used.

Yes, Sambar is very healthy. It's a balanced dish rich in plant-based protein from lentils, fiber and vitamins from vegetables, and beneficial spices. It's a wholesome and nutritious meal.

Can I make Sambar without a pressure cooker?

Absolutely. You can cook the toor dal in a regular pot. Soak the dal for at least 1-2 hours, then cook it with enough water over medium heat until it's completely soft and mushy. This will take about 45-60 minutes.

What vegetables are best for Sambar?

Traditional choices include drumsticks, pumpkin, brinjal (eggplant), carrots, and sambar onions (pearl onions). However, you can use other vegetables like bottle gourd, ash gourd, potatoes, or green beans.

How can I store leftover Sambar?

Let the Sambar cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It often tastes even better the next day. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

My sambar is too sour. How can I fix it?

If your sambar is too tangy, you can balance it by adding a little more jaggery. You can also dilute it slightly with a bit of hot water and let it simmer for a few more minutes.

Sambar Recipe

Ingredients

For 4 servings

0.75 cup Toor Dal (also known as arhar dal, rinsed well)

20 g Seedless Tamarind (or 2 tbsp tamarind paste)

2 cup Mixed Vegetables (cubed (e.g., drumstick, pumpkin, brinjal, carrots))

10 pcs Sambar Onions (peeled, or pearl onions)

2 pcs Tomato (medium, chopped)

0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder

3 tbsp Sambar Powder (use a good quality, store-bought or homemade)

0.5 tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (optional, for color and mild heat)

0.25 tsp Asafoetida (also known as hing)

1 tsp Jaggery (grated or powdered, balances the tanginess)

1.5 tsp Salt (or to taste)

5 cup Water (divided for cooking dal, vegetables, and adjusting consistency)

1 tbsp Ghee (or vegetable oil, for tempering)

1 tsp Mustard Seeds

0.5 tsp Urad Dal

0.25 tsp Fenugreek Seeds (also known as methi dana)

2 pcs Dry Red Chilies (broken in half)

1 sprig Curry Leaves

2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (freshly chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Dal & Prepare Tamarind

In a pressure cooker, combine the rinsed toor dal, 2.5 cups of water, and turmeric powder. Pressure cook on high heat for 4-5 whistles, or for about 15 minutes, until the dal is completely soft and mushy.
While the dal is cooking, soak the seedless tamarind in 1 cup of hot water for 15-20 minutes. Squeeze the pulp well and strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve. Discard the solids and set the tamarind extract aside.

Cook the Vegetables

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven, add the mixed vegetables, sambar onions, and chopped tomatoes.
Pour in 1.5 cups of water, add 1 tsp of salt, and the asafoetida. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still hold their shape. Avoid overcooking them.

Combine and Simmer

Once the vegetables are cooked, reduce the heat to medium. Add the sambar powder and optional Kashmiri red chili powder. Stir gently and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the prepared tamarind extract and add the jaggery. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the raw taste of the tamarind to cook off.

A fragrant South Indian lentil and vegetable stew, tangy with tamarind and spiced with a special blend of powders. This quintessential comfort food is the perfect accompaniment to idli, dosa, vada, and steamed rice.

This south_indian recipe takes 60 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 276.3 calories per serving with 12.83g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner or side.

Sambar

Ingredients

Nutrition per Serving

Instructions

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About This Sambar Recipe

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Pro Tips

Recipe Variations

Arachuvitta Sambar

Tiffin Sambar

Different Vegetables

No Onion No Garlic

Health Benefits

Rich in Plant-Based Protein

High in Dietary Fiber

Packed with Vitamins and Minerals

Aids in Digestion

Frequently Asked Questions