Sambhar...... just the way I like it

Sambar or sambhar or Sambaaru is a dish common in southern part of India, It essentially is a vegetable stew or chowder based on a broth made with Tamarind and Tuhar Dal.( sometimes also called as Toor dal)

Base of Sambhar

1.  1/2 cup Tuhar ( Toor ) dal- soaked in warm water for 20 min

Dry Ingredients :

1. 2 Teaspoon Turmeric powder 
2. 2 Teaspoons Tamarind soaked in warm water for 10 min
3. 2 Teaspoons salt (to taste)
4. 1 Tablespoon ginger garlic paste (  conversion 1 Teaspoon = 1/3 Tablespoon)
5. 3 Teaspoons Sambhar Powder
6. 2 Bay leaves

For the Desi Tadka

1. 8-10 Curry leaves 
2. 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida powder 
3. 2 tablespoons of Sunflower Oil 
4. 1 1/2 teaspoons black mustard seeds
5. 2-3 whole dried red chillies
6. 3 Teaspoons Red chilly powder
7. 2-3 cloves of garlic finely chopped

Veggie delights: ( This is what makes it awesome and healthy) 

1. 3 medium onions finely chopped
2. 2 medium size tomatoes
3. 1 stem of drumstick cut
4. 1/3 cup cut eggplant / brinjol
5. 1/3 cup cut bottleguard
6. 1/3 cup shredded Carrots
7. 1/3 cup cut okra

Important reminder : we will certainly need fresh Coriander leaves finely chopped to garnish!


 

Fry the onions in a pressure cooker heated with the oil in it. when they turn golden brown add the ginger garlic paste. Add all the veggies and fry for about 5 min on high flame, keep stirring it constantly to avoid charring at the bottom of the pan. Add dry ingredients and mix it well.

Add drained Tuhar dal and and warm water to cover the mix properly. Cook for 15 min, till 2-3 whistles. Let the pressure come down on its own. Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and pour it to the serving vessel.

 

Prepare the Tadka and pour it on the sambhar. Do you hear a sizzle....this is what makes it so aromatic and heavenly. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.







Server it to your near and dear ones with Dosa, Idli or Medu Wada.

See you soon... all set for Tiranga special day tomorrow to celebrate Indian republic day!

-Take care and Stay warm Chicago
  Pallavi