Sambar, also spelled sambaar, is a lentil-based vegetable stew or chowder, cooked with dal and tamarind broth. It is popular in South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisines.
Ingredients
¼ cup yellow split lentil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon red chilli powder (optional)
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 pinch asafoetida
2 teaspoons salt
6-10 fresh curry leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons oil
1 cup, onions diced
2 big tomatoes, pureed
1 green chilli, (optional)
1 tablespoon coriander powder
1 tablespoon tamarind paste or fresh lemon juice
veggies – potatoes, okra, beans, carrots, eggplant, zucchini.
Method
Heat the oil.
When the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds, red chilli powder, coriander powder and asafoetida. Make sure you don’t burn the spices. Add the tomato puree. Add the curry leaves. Cook for 10 minutes.
Add the turmeric and salt. Add the lentils. Add the veggies and cook until the lentils are cooked.
Add the tamarind paste or fresh lemon juice.