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Bowl of sambar with vegetables, served with idli

South Indian lentil and vegetable stew with tamarind

Sambar

Sambar

45 minMedium

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

30 min

Total Time

45 min

Servings

5

6 cups

Difficulty

Medium

Cost

Budget

$

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Sambar

South Indian lentil and vegetable stew with tamarind

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

Indian CuisineSoup & StewSide DishVeganGluten-FreeDairy-Free
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

July 11, 2024(Updated April 12, 2026)

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.

Why This Recipe Works

Tamarind adds a bright, fruity acidity that balances the richness of the lentils. Cooking vegetables directly in the dal allows them to absorb flavor while contributing their own.

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. 1

    Cook toor dal until soft and mash; boil chopped vegetables separately until just tender.

  2. 2

    Combine mashed dal, cooked vegetables, tamarind water, sambar powder, turmeric, and salt in a pot.

  3. 3

    Bring to a boil and simmer 10 minutes until flavors meld and consistency is soupy.

  4. 4

    Heat oil in a small pan, pop mustard seeds, add curry leaves, dried chilies, and asafoetida.

  5. 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

DepthPantry

Test Kitchen Pick

Soy Sauce

Helpful Pantry Staple

Why the soy sauce matters

This is doing more than adding salt. The right soy sauce gives the recipe a rounder, more savory base than a thin generic bottle.

This pantry choice affects depth more than most seasonings here.

  • Builds savory backbone quickly
  • Useful across stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces

A better soy sauce is one of the easiest pantry upgrades for Asian cooking.

Shop soy sauce for this recipe

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.

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

More Indian RecipesMore Soup & StewMore Side DishVegan RecipesGluten-Free RecipesDairy-Free RecipesStovetop Recipes
Sarah Chen

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 →

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