A wealthy, tangy South Indian lentil stew full of greens and fragrant spices. This selfmade Masala Sambar combines pink gram (toor dal), contemporary greens, and a particular mix of roasted spices. Excellent for on a regular basis meals, it is each nutritious and comforting.
Masala Sambar is a heartwarming dish that brings collectively the goodness of lentils, greens, and conventional Indian spices. I realized this recipe from my grandmother, and it’s been my go-to consolation meals ever since. The magic lies in its excellent steadiness of tangy tamarind, spicy chilies, and fragrant spices that create a symphony of flavors in each spoonful.
In regards to the Recipe
This recipe stands out as a result of it makes use of each powdered spices and a freshly floor masala paste. The mix of drumstick, radish, and small onions provides fantastic texture and taste. It’s simpler to make than you would possibly assume, and the outcomes are so a lot better than restaurant variations. Plus, you’ll be able to modify the spice ranges to fit your style.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love how the kitchen fills with wonderful aromas as you prepare dinner this sambar. The recipe is versatile – you’ll be able to swap greens based mostly on what’s in your fridge. The leftovers style even higher the following day because the flavors deepen. It’s excellent for batch cooking and freezes properly. Better of all, it’s full of protein from lentils and loaded with greens, making it a wholesome alternative for your loved ones.

Masala Sambar
Cooking Suggestions
– Soak the tamarind in heat water for higher extraction
– Don’t skip roasting the spices – it makes an enormous distinction
– Cook dinner the lentils till they’re actually tender and mushy
– Add salt steadily and style as you go
– Let the sambar simmer for at the very least 5 minutes after including all components
Serving and Storing Ideas
Serves 4-6 individuals. Whole prep and cooking time: 45 minutes. Serve sizzling with rice or idli. Shops properly within the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, including a splash of water if wanted.
Nutrient Advantages
This dish is wealthy in protein from lentils, fiber from greens, and antioxidants from spices. The mix of turmeric and black pepper boosts absorption of vitamins. Garlic and onions present immune-boosting properties, whereas tamarind provides vitamin C and pure digestive advantages.

Masala Sambar
A wealthy, tangy South Indian lentil stew full of greens and fragrant spices. This selfmade Masala Sambar combines pink gram (toor dal), contemporary greens, and a particular mix of roasted spices. Excellent for on a regular basis meals, it is each nutritious and comforting.
Substances
- 1 cup Tamarind Extract (from 1 lemon measurement ball)
- 1 cup Crimson Gram
- 1 tsp Fenugreek Seeds
- 6 Crimson Chilli
- 1 tbsp Coconut (grated)
- 2 tsp Coriander Seeds
- 1 tbsp Onion
- 4 to five Garlic Seeds
- 1 tsp Poppy Seeds
- 1 tsp Fennel Seeds
- 1 Cinnamon
- 4 Cloves
- 4 Brown Cardamom
- 1/2 cup Small Onion
- 2 Drumstick
- 1 Radish
- 1 tsp Coriander Leaves (chopped)
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- Oil as required
- Salt to style
Directions
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Cook dinner the pink gram dal in a stress cooker.
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Add salt and turmeric powder to the tamarind extract. Preserve it in a pan over reasonable warmth.
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Fry the pink chilli, coriander seeds, chopped onion and grated coconut in oil and grind them.
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Dry roast the poppy seeds, fennel seeds, cinnamon, brown cardamom and cloves.
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Powder them easily.
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Lower greens into small items.
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Fry the small onion in oil and add it to the tamarind extract.
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When the sambar begins boiling, add all of the greens and masalas.
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After 2-3 minutes or when the aroma is nice, pour the boiled gram.
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Add coriander leaves.
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In a tsp of oil fry the mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds.
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Combine it with the sambar.
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Serve sizzling with rice.
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Continuously Requested Questions
Can I make this recipe much less spicy?
Sure. Scale back the variety of pink chilies or take away the seeds earlier than grinding. You can too skip the dry pink chilies fully.
Which greens can I substitute?
Any agency greens work properly – strive carrots, pumpkin, or eggplant. Simply ensure that to chop them into similar-sized items for even cooking.
How do I repair sambar if it’s too thick?
Simply add sizzling water little by few minutes stirring till you attain your required consistency. Bear in mind to regulate the seasoning accordingly.