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Craving the soul-soothing flavors of authentic South Indian cuisine at home? Dive into the comforting world of Sambar, a hearty lentil stew bursting with tangy tamarind, fragrant homemade Sambar Masala, and garden-fresh vegetables. Whether you’re pairing it with fluffy idli, crispy dosa, or steaming rice, this easy Sambar recipe promises restaurant-worthy taste with simple ingredients and quick steps.
From health-conscious readers hunting for a nutritious Sambar packed with protein and vitamins to busy cooks seeking a fuss-free yet flavorful homemade Sambar solution—this blog is your go-to guide. Discover how to whip up a batch of mouthwatering South Indian Sambar in just one pot, mastering the perfect balance of spice, tang, and tradition.
About South Indian Sambar
Sambar is more than just a dish—it’s the heart of South Indian cuisine and a comfort food loved across India and beyond. This wholesome lentil-based stew is flavored with tangy tamarind, aromatic sambar powder, and a medley of fresh vegetables, making it a perfect blend of taste, health, and tradition.
The history of Sambar dates back to the royal kitchens of Tamil Nadu. Legend has it that the dish was first prepared in the 17th century during the reign of the Maratha ruler Shahuji, who accidentally experimented with tamarind in a dal-based curry. The result was a tangy, flavorful stew that soon came to be known as Sambar, named after Sambhaji, the son of the great Maratha king Shivaji. Over time, this dish spread across the southern states, with each region—Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh—adding its own unique twist.
Today, homemade Sambar is cherished not just as an everyday meal but also as a festive delicacy. It pairs beautifully with idli, dosa, vada, or simply hot steamed rice, making it one of the most versatile recipes in Indian cooking. Packed with protein-rich toor dal and immunity-boosting spices, healthy Sambar is also a nourishing choice for modern lifestyles.
If you’re looking for an easy Sambar recipe that brings authentic flavors straight to your kitchen, you’re in the right place. From its royal origins to your dining table, this dish continues to be a symbol of warmth, tradition, and the rich heritage of South Indian food.
Ingredients – South Indian Sambar
Toor dal – 1/2 cup
Tamarind – 1 small piece
Water for soaking and boiling
Bottle gourd – 1/2 chopped
Carrot – 1 chopped
Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
Oil – 2 tbsp
Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
A few curry leaves
Onions – 2 sliced
Tomato puree – 1 cup
Homemade sambar masala – 1/2 cup
Salt – 1 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste)
Red chili powder – 1/4 tsp (adjust to taste)
Grated coconut – 2 tbsp
Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Step By Step Guide – How To Make South Indian Sambar At Home
Prepare the Dal and Tamarind
1. First, soak the toor dal with enough water. The dal should soak for about 30 minutes.
2. Soak tamarind in separate bowl with enough water. Tamarind should soak for 15 minutes to soften.
Boil the Vegetables
3. In a pressure cooker, put the chopped bottle gourd.
4. Add carrot.
5. Add 1 glass of water.
6. Add turmeric powder.
7. Add about half a teaspoon of salt.
8. Pressure cook for 2-3 whistles until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
Cook the Dal
9. Boil the soaked toor dal in a separate pot until it’s soft and well-cooked. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
Sauté the Aromatics
10. Heat oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat.
11. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. .
12. Then, add the curry leaves.
13. Add sliced onions.
14. Sauté until the onions turn soft and translucent.
Create the Sambar Base
15. Pour in the tomato puree and cook.
16. Stirring occasionally, until the oil begins to separate from the mixture. This indicates that the puree is cooked and the flavors have deepened.
Add the Spices
17. Add the sambar masala.
18. Add salt.
19. Add red chili powder to the pan.
20. Mix everything well and cook for a minute to toast the spices and release their aroma.
Combine and Simmer
21. Pour in about 2 glasses of water.
22. Cook properly until the oil release from it.
23. Add the boiled vegetables.
24. Add cooked toor dal to the pan.
25. Add tamarind water in sambar.
26. Stir everything thoroughly to combine.
Final Touches
27. Let the sambar simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
28. Just before serving, stir in the grated coconut
29. Stir fresh coriander leaves.
30. Give it a final mix, and your delicious homemade sambar is ready!
Serve and Enjoy!
31. Ladle the hot sambar into a bowl.
32. Serve it with soft, fluffy idlis.
33. A side of coconut chutney.
34. Now, it’s time to enjoy this perfect, comforting meal.
Recipe Video On YouTube
More Recipes
Recipe Card
South Indian Sambar Recipe
Course: BreakfastCuisine: SouthernDifficulty: Medium6
servings15
minutes20
minutes35
minutesSambar is a delicious and comforting South Indian lentil stew made with toor dal, fresh vegetables, tamarind, and flavorful homemade sambar masala. This easy, step-by-step recipe will help you prepare a perfect idli sambar or dosa sambar at home.
Ingredients
½ cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
1 small piece tamarind (soaked in water)
1 cup bottle gourd (chopped)
1 carrot (chopped)
2 medium onions (sliced)
1 cup tomato puree
2 tbsp oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
A few curry leaves
½ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp red chili powder
1 ½ tsp salt (adjust as needed)
½ cup homemade sambar masala
1 glass + 2 bowls water (as required)
2 tbsp grated coconut
Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the Tamarind and Dal
- Soak tamarind in a small bowl of water and set it aside.
- Rinse ½ cup toor dal thoroughly and soak it in water for 10–15 minutes.
- Pressure cook the dal until soft and mushy. Mash it lightly and keep aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- In a pressure cooker, add chopped bottle gourd, carrot, 1 glass of water, ½ tsp turmeric powder, and ½ tsp salt.
- Pressure cook until vegetables turn soft but not mushy.
- Step 3: Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan.
- Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add curry leaves and sliced onions. Sauté until golden brown.
- Add 1 bowl of tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
- Mix in ½ bowl of homemade sambar masala, 1 ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp red chili powder.
- Add 1 bowl of water and cook again until the oil separates.
- Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the boiled vegetables and cooked dal into the pan.
- Pour in tamarind pulp (strained) and 1 more glass of water.
- Mix well and simmer for 10 minutes on medium flame so that flavors blend beautifully.
- Stir in grated coconut and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot in a bowl along with fluffy idlis, crispy dosas, or steamed rice.
- Don’t forget a side of coconut chutney for the ultimate South Indian meal experience.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Always soak tamarind in warm water for better flavor extraction.
Adding fresh curry leaves enhances the authentic aroma of South Indian sambar.
Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing red chili powder and sambar masala.
You can also add drumstick, pumpkin, or beans for variety.
For a healthier version, reduce oil and serve as healthy sambar with brown rice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make sambar without tamarind?
A1: Yes, you can replace tamarind with tomatoes or lemon juice for tanginess, but traditional South Indian sambar tastes best with tamarind.
Q2: What is the best dal for sambar?
A2: Toor dal (pigeon peas) is the most commonly used, but you can also mix in moong dal or masoor dal for variation.
Q3: Can I store leftover sambar?
A3: Yes! Refrigerate it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for 2–3 days. Reheat with a splash of water before serving.
Q4: Is sambar healthy?
A4: Absolutely! Sambar is rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s a complete meal when paired with idli, dosa, or rice.
Q5: Can I use store-bought sambar powder?
A5: Yes, but homemade sambar masala adds a more authentic and flavorful touch.