Authentic South Indian Sambar

Ingredients

• 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small drumstick, cut into 3-inch pieces
• 2 medium-sized carrots, diced
• 1 small eggplant, cubed
• 10-12 small shallots
• 1/2 cup tamarind pulp
• 3 tablespoons sambar powder
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste

For Tempering:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2 dried red chilies
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

Instructions

1. Wash and pressure cook toor dal with turmeric powder until soft and mushy (about 4-5 whistles).
2. Soak tamarind in warm water for 15 minutes and extract the pulp.
3. In a large pot, combine tamarind extract with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
4. Add all the chopped vegetables and cook until tender.
5. Add sambar powder, salt, and the mashed toor dal. Mix well.
6. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the flavors blend together.
7. For tempering, heat oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
8. Add dried red chilies, curry leaves, and asafoetida.
9. Pour this tempering over the sambar and mix well.
10. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot!

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with steamed rice, idli, dosa, or vada. Add a dollop of ghee on top for extra richness. You can also serve it with some papad and pickle on the side for a complete meal.