Loading...
A light and fragrant lentil stew from South India, perfect for pairing with idli, dosa, and vada. This quick version uses a mix of lentils for a smooth, flavorful finish that's ready in under 45 minutes.
Cook the Dals
Prepare the Sambar Base
Combine and Simmer
A classic Karnataka one-pot meal, reimagined for a low-glycemic diet. This version uses wholesome foxtail millet instead of rice, combined with lentils and vegetables in a fragrant, spicy tamarind broth. It's comfort food that's both hearty and healthy.
A wholesome and savory South Indian pancake made with a low-glycemic blend of millets, brown rice, and mixed lentils. Packed with fiber and protein, this diabetic-friendly adai is a delicious and guilt-free choice for breakfast or dinner.
Crispy, golden crepes made from a fermented rice and lentil batter, filled with a savory spiced potato mixture. A beloved South Indian classic, perfect for a hearty breakfast or light dinner, best served with sambar and coconut chutney.
A warm, savory breakfast dish made from roasted semolina and simple spices. This quick, comforting, and classic South Indian tiffin item is soft, fluffy, and ready in under 30 minutes.
A light and fragrant lentil stew from South India, perfect for pairing with idli, dosa, and vada. This quick version uses a mix of lentils for a smooth, flavorful finish that's ready in under 45 minutes.
This south_indian recipe takes 40 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 241.68 calories per serving with 9.91g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for breakfast or brunch or lunch or dinner.
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
Finish and Serve
For a heartier sambar, add 1 cup of chopped vegetables like drumsticks, carrots, or yellow pumpkin along with the onions and tomatoes in Step 2. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Simply omit the sambar onions for a no-onion version. The flavor profile will be different but equally delicious.
Increase the number of green chilies to 3-4 or add 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder along with the sambar powder for extra heat.
For a richer, creamier finish, add 2-3 tablespoons of thin coconut milk or 1 tablespoon of ground fresh coconut paste during the final 2 minutes of simmering.
The combination of toor and moong dal provides a complete protein profile with essential amino acids, crucial for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
High in dietary fiber, this sambar promotes healthy bowel movements, prevents constipation, and supports a healthy gut microbiome. Spices like hing (asafoetida) are traditionally used to aid digestion and reduce bloating.
Loaded with spices like turmeric and ingredients like tomatoes and coriander, this sambar is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that help strengthen the immune system and protect the body against infections.
One cup (approximately 250g) of this Tiffin Sambar contains around 210-230 calories, making it a light yet satisfying and nutritious dish.
Yes, it is very healthy. It is an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber from the lentils. It's also low in fat and packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the tomatoes, spices, and herbs.
Tiffin Sambar is typically lighter, thinner, and less tangy than the sambar served with rice. It uses a mix of toor and moong dal for a smoother texture and generally has fewer vegetables, focusing on small onions (shallots) and tomatoes.
Absolutely. Soak the dals for at least 30 minutes. Then, cook them in a regular pot with water over medium heat until they are completely soft and mushy. This will take approximately 40-50 minutes. Mash well before proceeding.
If your sambar is too thick, stir in some hot water until you reach the desired consistency. If it's too thin, allow it to simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to help it reduce and thicken.
Yes, while classic tiffin sambar is simple, you can add quick-cooking vegetables like carrots, yellow pumpkin, or drumsticks. Add them along with the tomatoes and onions in step 2.