INDIAN ROOTS · EVERYDAY KITCHENS
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South Indian · Vegan

Sambar.

Lentils, vegetables, and tamarind in a fragrant South Indian stew.

◷ ~60 min4 servingsCurry Table version
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Sambar — dish illustration
Dish illustration · Not a photograph of this exact recipe

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

A little context.

Tamarind concentrates vary widely in strength. Start with less and taste.

Read the full method first, measure the ingredients, and prepare the equipment before turning on the heat. Choose the measurement view that works for you.

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CURRY TABLE · HOME-STYLE RECIPE

Sambar

~60 minutes estimated. Tamarind concentrates vary widely in strength. Start with less and taste.

Servings4

US weights are ounces by weight; liquids are US fluid ounces. Values are rounded. Scaling changes ingredient quantities, not cooking time, pan size, or seasoning judgement.

Ingredients

Method

  1. 01

    Rinse and simmer the dal in half the water until very tender. Mash lightly.

  2. 02

    In another pot, simmer vegetables and tomato in the remaining water until tender.

  3. 03

    Combine dal and vegetables. Add sambar powder, salt, and a little tamarind; simmer and adjust the sourness gradually.

  4. 04

    Heat oil, let mustard seeds splutter, then add curry leaves carefully. Pour this tempering over the sambar.

THE CURRY TABLE TOUCH · OPTIONAL VARIATION

A roasted-coconut spoonful

Add: 1 tbsp fresh grated coconut

Dry-toast the coconut lightly, stirring continuously. Scatter a little over each bowl instead of simmering it into the full pot.

A suggested variation. Try a small portion first; the planner uses the main recipe only.
A little cooking note

Tamarind concentrates vary widely in strength. Start with less and taste.

Focus view enlarges the recipe text. It does not prevent your screen from sleeping.

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