Sambar - Spicy Indian Curry

Ingredients

• 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon pea)
• 1 teaspoon tamarind paste
• 2 tablespoons sambar powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 dry red chili, broken into pieces
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 potato, diced
• 3 cups water
• Salt, to taste
• Cilantro, to garnish

Directions

1. In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and fenugreek seeds. Let the seeds crackle for a few seconds.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown.
3. Now add the chopped tomatoes, diced carrot and potato, and sauté for a few minutes.
4. Add the toor dal, tamarind paste, sambar powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix everything together.
5. Add 3 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the dal simmer for about 20 minutes or until the dal is cooked and the vegetables are tender.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or roti.

Interesting Facts

• Sambar is a popular South Indian dish that is served with rice, roti, or idli.
• It is made with a combination of lentils, vegetables, and spices.
• The tamarind paste gives the Sambar its unique flavor.
• Sambar is healthy, vegan-friendly, and can be easily prepared at home.