South Indian lentil and vegetable stew with tamarind
Sambar
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
5
6 cups
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Budget
$
Sambar
South Indian lentil and vegetable stew with tamarind
★4.4(25)
A tangy, spiced lentil stew loaded with seasonal vegetables and flavored with sambar powder and tamarind. The essential accompaniment to idli, dosa, and rice.
15m
Prep Time
30m
Cook Time
45m
Total Time
5
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Sambar is the soul of South Indian meals—a tangy, vegetable-studded lentil stew that accompanies everything from idli to rice. Tamarind provides the signature sourness while sambar powder delivers layers of warm, earthy spice.
Indian cuisine is a masterclass in building complex flavor through layered spices. This recipe distills that wisdom into a straightforward method with spectacular results.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup toor dal, cooked and mashed
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (drumstick, carrot, eggplant, okra)
- 1 tbsp sambar powder
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste dissolved in 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp mustard seeds, 8 curry leaves, 2 dried red chilies
- 2 tbsp oil and 1/4 tsp asafoetida
Instructions
- 1
Cook toor dal until soft and mash; boil chopped vegetables separately until just tender.
- 2
Combine mashed dal, cooked vegetables, tamarind water, sambar powder, turmeric, and salt in a pot.
- 3
Bring to a boil and simmer 10 minutes until flavors meld and consistency is soupy.
- 4
Heat oil in a small pan, pop mustard seeds, add curry leaves, dried chilies, and asafoetida.
- 5
Pour the tadka into the sambar, stir well, and serve hot with idli, dosa, or steamed rice.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with warm naan bread or basmati rice
Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime
Pair with a cooling cucumber raita on the side
Substitutions
Sambar powder1 tsp coriander + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp chili powder + 1/4 tsp fenugreek
A basic approximation
Tamarind pasteKokum or 2 tbsp lemon juice
Different tangy profiles but both work
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use drumstick (moringa pods) if available—they are the most traditional and flavorful sambar vegetable.
Adjust tamarind to taste; it should be noticeably tangy but not overwhelmingly sour.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors improve overnight.
Reheating
Warm on stovetop with water as sambar thickens considerably when stored.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (0mg) · 5 servings
Calories190
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein10g
Carbohydrates30g
Fat4g
Fiber520mg
Sugar7g
Sodium6g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is sambar powder?
- A spice blend of coriander, cumin, chili, fenugreek, and other spices specifically for sambar.
- Can I make sambar without tamarind?
- Tomatoes can substitute in a pinch, but tamarind provides the authentic tangy flavor.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
View all recipes →