Preparing authentic sambar is an art that requires attention to detail and a passion for traditional South Indian cuisine. Here's a step-by-step guide on the traditional method for preparing authentic sambar:
Ingredients
- 1 cup split red lentils ( Toor dal )
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes)
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons sambar powder (or homemade spice blend)
- 2 cups water
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Tamarind paste or juice, for serving (optional)
Traditional Method
1. Roast the spices: Dry roast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and red chilies in a pan over medium heat, until fragrant.
2. Grind the spices: Grind the roasted spices into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
3. Prepare the dal: Rinse the tuvar dal and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. Sauté the onions: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they're translucent and starting to brown.
5. Add aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and sauté for another minute, stirring constantly.
6. Add spices: Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant.
7. Add vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until they're tender.
8. Add dal and water: Add the soaked and drained tuvar dal to the pan, along with 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the dal is cooked and the vegetables are tender.
9. Add sambar powder: Stir in the sambar powder (or homemade spice blend) and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the flavors have melded together.
10. Season and serve: Season the sambar with salt to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with steaming hot rice, idlis, or dosas.
Tips and Variations
- Use a variety of vegetables to add texture and flavor to the sambar.
- Adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.
- Add a splash of tamarind paste or juice for a tangy flavor.
- Experiment with different types of dal, such as chana dal or masoor dal, to create different flavor profiles.
- Serve sambar with a dollop of ghee or a sprinkle of sambar powder for added flavor and nutrition.
Purchase Dal via Online - www.seenaavaanaa.com
Comments
Post a Comment