A wealthy, tangy South Indian lentil stew filled with greens and fragrant spices. This do-it-yourself Masala Sambar combines purple 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 discovered this recipe from my grandmother, and it’s been my go-to consolation meals ever since. The magic lies in its good stability 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 mixture of drumstick, radish, and small onions provides great texture and taste. It’s simpler to make than you may suppose, and the outcomes are so a lot better than restaurant variations. Plus, you may alter 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 cook dinner this sambar. The recipe is versatile – you may swap greens primarily based on what’s in your fridge. The leftovers style even higher the following day because the flavors deepen. It’s good for batch cooking and freezes nicely. Better of all, it’s filled with protein from lentils and loaded with greens, making it a wholesome alternative for your loved ones.

Masala Sambar
Cooking Ideas
– 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 gentle and mushy
– Add salt steadily and style as you go
– Let the sambar simmer for at the least 5 minutes after including all substances
Serving and Storing Solutions
Serves 4-6 folks. Complete prep and cooking time: 45 minutes. Serve scorching with rice or idli. Shops nicely 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 mixture of turmeric and black pepper boosts absorption of vitamins. Garlic and onions present immune-boosting properties, whereas tamarind presents vitamin C and pure digestive advantages.

Masala Sambar
A wealthy, tangy South Indian lentil stew filled with greens and fragrant spices. This do-it-yourself Masala Sambar combines purple 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 Pink Gram
- 1 tsp Fenugreek Seeds
- 6 Pink 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 purple gram dal in a stress cooker.
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Add salt and turmeric powder to the tamarind extract. Maintain it in a pan over reasonable warmth.
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Fry the purple 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 scorching with rice.
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Often Requested Questions
Can I make this recipe much less spicy?
Sure. Cut back the variety of purple chilies or take away the seeds earlier than grinding. You can too skip the dry purple chilies solely.
Which greens can I substitute?
Any agency greens work nicely – strive carrots, pumpkin, or eggplant. Simply be sure that to chop them into similar-sized items for even cooking.
How do I repair sambar if it’s too thick?
Simply add scorching water little by short while stirring till you attain your required consistency. Bear in mind to regulate the seasoning accordingly.