Sambar Recipe To Go With South Indian Idli, Dosa, And More

By Krati Purwar

June 25, 2025

South Indian sambar is a delightful vegetable stew that is paired with idli, rice, uttapam, vada, and dosa. It is healthy, tangy, slightly spicy, and a comforting preparation. Check out the recipe.

Ingredients

2 cups water ¾ cup toor dal 1 tbsp jaggery, ghee 1 tsp urad dal 2 tbsp tamarind paste ¼ tsp turmeric, hing 1 sprig of curry leaves ¼ cup coriander leaves ½ tsp chilli powder, mustard Salt to taste 1 tomato, onion 1 carrot, drumstick, green chilli 3-4 okra, red chillies 1 tbsp coriander, chana dal ½ tsp methi, cumin seeds

Step 1

In a pressure cooker, cook dal with turmeric powder, salt, coriander leaves, and jaggery.

Step 2

In a pan, dry roast red chillies, chana dal, urad dal, methi seeds, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds.

Step 3

Once the whole spices cool off, blend them into a slightly coarse powder.

Step 4

In the same pan, cook onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables. Add powdered spices and sambar masala.

Step 5

Pour the lentil blend into the pan and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes.

Step 6

Once a boil comes, check the salt and consistency. After adjusting, turn off the heat, and enjoy the sambar.