Teresa's Recipes
Drumstick Sambar
Transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of South India with this vibrant and hearty Drumstick Sambar. This traditional South Indian lentil soup is brimming with tender drumsticks, robust lentils, tangy tamarind and a medley of spices each contributing to the complex flavor profile. This dish is not only rich in flavor but also packed with nutrition, making it a perfect blend of taste and health. This is a staple in many Indian households and has been passed down through generations, making it a comfort food for many.
Ingredients
- A handful Curry leaves
- 2 Dry red chillies
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- 2 tablespoons Oil
- As needed Water
- To taste Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Asafoetida (Hing)
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons Sambar powder
- A lemon-sized ball Tamarind
- 2, cut into 2-inch pieces Drumsticks
- 1 cup Toor dal (Split Pigeon Peas)
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 4g
- Carbs: 34g
- Protein: 11g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 4g
Instructions
- Rinse the toor dal under running water until the water runs clear. Pressure cook the dal with 3 cups of water for 3-4 whistles on medium heat. Allow the pressure to naturally release, then mash the dal and set aside.
- Soak the tamarind in 1 cup of warm water for 10 minutes, then squeeze to extract the juice. Strain and discard the pulp.
- In a large saucepan, combine the drumsticks, tamarind juice, sambar powder, turmeric powder, asafoetida, salt, and enough water to cover the drumsticks. Cook on medium heat until the drumsticks are tender.
- Add the mashed dal to the saucepan and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a small pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add the dry red chillies and curry leaves and sauté for a few seconds.
- Pour this tempering over the simmering sambar, stir well and remove from heat.
- Serve the Drumstick Sambar hot with steamed rice or idli for a comforting and wholesome meal.
Tips
- You can add other vegetables like okra, eggplant or pumpkin to the sambar for variation. Also, adjust the amount of tamarind based on your preference for tanginess.