Sambar along with fresh sambar masala

Sambar is one of the most popular traditional Indian dishes. Sambar's origins may be traced to Tamil nadu. But now, sambar is more or less universally accepted as a protein packed and nutrient dish.

Sambar is lentil-based vegetable stew cooked with dal and tamarind broth.

Sambar is eaten along with rice for lunch or dinner. It is served along with idli or dosa as a side dish for breakfast.

Usually one or more of these vegetables are added to sambar. The vegetables are okra (bhindi), moringa, carrot, radish, pumpkin, potato, tomato, whole or halves shallots or onions.

Sambar powder, which is a powdered mixture of roasted dals, coriander seeds etc. Sambar powder is commercially available in stores and also in the Indian stores in USA. Sometimes shop bought powder is spicy. For people who do not want spicy powder, I have given a recipe for fresh ground masala.

Every household has their own recipe for making sambar. This is possibly my version of sambar.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup toor dal
• 1/2 cup masoor dal
• 1/2 cup diced sorakaya (lauki/bottle gourd)
• 1/2 cup sliced onions
• 1/2 cup sliced tomatoes
• 4 or 5 pieces of drumsticks( saijan or moringa pieces)
• Any vegetables of your choice can be added.
• 
  
• 1/2  teaspoon turmeric powder
• Pinch of hing
• 2 teaspoons sambar powder
• 2 to 3 teaspoons tamarind paste
• 2 teaspoons grated coconut (fresh or dehydrated) 
• A few curry leaves
• A few leaves of cilantro.
• Salt to taste.

Directions:

1. Wash and cut all the vegetables.
2. Wash and cook dal with enough water in a pressure cooker.
3. Set aside the cooked dal. 
4. Cook the vegetables in a thick bottomed vessel or a pressure cooker.
5. When vegetables are cooked and not mushy, add cooked dal.
6. Add a pinch of hing.
7. Add tamarind paste, turmeric powder, sambar powder and grated coconut.
8. Let the mixture cook for 5 to 20 minutes.
9. Add salt and mix well.
10. Add curry leaves.
11. Transfer to a serving dish.
12. Garnish with cilantro.

Fresh Sambar masala recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
• Red chile (optional)
• 1 teaspoon chana dal
• 1 teaspoon urad dal
• A few grains methi seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 table spoon grated coconut 

Directions:

1. Roast all the ingredients except coconut, without oil.
2. Add grated coconut.
3. Remove from heat.
4. When cool, grind together after adding some water.
5. Grind till the paste is smooth.
6. Add the paste to the sambar mixture and let cook.