Classic Rice Sambar (Tamarind Sambar)

Classic Rice Sambar is a traditional South Indian lentil-based curry made with toor dal, vegetables, tamarind, and aromatic seasoning. This comforting sambar is specially prepared to be enjoyed with hot rice and is a staple in many households.

Cooking Time: Approximately 35–40 minutes

Ingredients:

- 1 cup toor dal

- 1 tsp turmeric powder

- ½ tsp castor oil

- 2 medium onions (chopped)

- 3 tomatoes (chopped)

- 2 drumsticks (cut)

- 1 turnip (sliced)

- 3 brinjals (cut)

- 1½ tbsp salt (adjust to taste)

- 2–3 tbsp sambar powder

- 2 tbsp chilli powder

For Seasoning:

- 4–5 tbsp refined oil

- 1 tsp mustard seeds

- 1 tsp urad dal

- 1 tsp bengal gram dal

- 7–8 curry leaves

- ¾ cup tamarind juice

- ½ tsp hing (asafoetida)

- 1 dried red chilli

- Coriander leaves for garnish

Method:

1. Add toor dal, turmeric powder, castor oil, and 3 cups of water to a pressure cooker.

2. Close the lid and cook for 3–4 whistles until the dal is soft. Mash well and keep aside.

3. Add turnip, drumstick, onion, tomatoes, brinjal, chilli powder, sambar powder, salt, and 1½ cups water to the cooker.

4. Cook on high flame and switch off before the first whistle. Allow it to cool naturally.

5. Heat a kadai with oil. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, bengal gram dal, and dried red chilli.

6. Once they splutter, add curry leaves, hing, and tamarind juice. Sauté for 2 minutes.

7. Add the cooked vegetables and mashed dal. Mix well and adjust salt.

8. Boil the sambar on high flame for 5 minutes.

9. Garnish with coriander leaves and switch off the flame.

Serving Suggestion:

Serve hot with steamed rice.