Sambar Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Authentic South Indian Sambar

Sambar is a flavorful and nutritious South Indian dish that is loved across India. Made with lentils, vegetables, and a unique blend of spices, this dish pairs perfectly with rice, idli, dosa, and vada. If you are looking for an authentic Sambar recipe, you’re in the right place!

Sambar Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Authentic South Indian Sambar

In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare homemade Sambar with a step-by-step process, tips, and variations. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, this easy Sambar recipe will help you make restaurant-style Sambar at home.

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What is Sambar?

Sambar is a South Indian lentil stew made with toor dal (pigeon peas), tamarind, vegetables, and special spice blends. It is a staple in South Indian cuisine and is enjoyed with various dishes.

Why Should You Try This Sambar Recipe?

✔ Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple steps with easily available ingredients.
✔ Authentic Flavor – Uses traditional South Indian spices.
✔ Perfect for All Meals – Goes well with rice, idli, dosa, and vada.

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Ingredients for Sambar Recipe

To make homemade Sambar, you will need the following ingredients:

1. Lentils (Dal) for Sambar

• Toor dal (pigeon peas) – 1 cup (soaked for 30 minutes)
• Water – 3 cups
• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

2. Vegetables for Sambar

You can use a mix of the following vegetables:

• Drumsticks (2, cut into pieces)
• Carrot (1, chopped)
• Beans (½ cup, chopped)
• Pumpkin (½ cup, diced)
• Tomatoes (2, chopped)
• Onion (1, sliced)
• Brinjal (1, cubed)

3. Spices and Flavoring

• Tamarind – Lemon-sized ball (soaked in warm water)
• Sambar powder – 2 tbsp (homemade or store-bought)
• Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
• Curry leaves – 10 leaves
• Asafoetida (Hing) – ¼ tsp
• Dry red chilies – 2
• Green chilies – 1 (slit)
• Salt – To taste
• Oil – 1 tbsp (preferably coconut oil or ghee)

4. Garnishing

• Fresh coriander leaves – 2 tbsp (chopped)
• Ghee – 1 tsp (optional)

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How to Make Sambar at Home – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Cook the Lentils (Dal)

1. Wash the toor dal and soak it for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a pressure cooker, add toor dal, turmeric powder, and 3 cups of water.
3. Cook for 4-5 whistles until the dal is soft and mushy.
4. Mash the dal well using a ladle or whisk. Keep it aside.

Step 2: Prepare Tamarind Extract

1. Soak tamarind in ½ cup of warm water for 10 minutes.
2. Squeeze out the pulp and strain it. Keep aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. In a large pot, heat 1 tsp oil and add onions, green chilies, and tomatoes.
2. Sauté for 2 minutes, then add all the chopped vegetables.
3. Pour in 2 cups of water and let it cook for 10 minutes until veggies turn soft.
4. Add tamarind extract, salt, and Sambar powder. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cooked Lentils to Sambar

1. Add the mashed dal to the simmering vegetable mixture.
2. Mix everything well and let it boil for another 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare Tempering (Tadka) for Sambar

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a small pan.
2. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add dry red chilies, curry leaves, and asafoetida (hing).
4. Pour this tempering over the simmering Sambar and mix well.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Turn off the heat and add chopped coriander leaves.
2. Drizzle 1 tsp of ghee for extra flavor.
3. Serve hot with steamed rice, idli, dosa, or vada.

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Tips for Making the Best Sambar

👉 Use Fresh Spices – Freshly ground Sambar powder enhances the taste.
👉 Adjust Spiciness – Reduce or increase red chilies based on your preference.
👉 Cook Dal Properly – Well-cooked toor dal gives a creamy consistency.
👉 Don’t Overcook Vegetables – Keep them slightly firm for the best texture.
👉 For a Richer Taste – Add a spoon of ghee before serving.

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Variations of Sambar Recipe

1. Tiffin Sambar (Hotel-Style Sambar)

• Uses moong dal instead of toor dal.
• Mild and slightly sweet in taste.
• Pairs perfectly with idli and dosa.

2. Kerala-Style Sambar

• Includes coconut paste for a rich texture.
• Slightly different from Tamil Nadu Sambar in terms of spices.

3. Instant Pot Sambar

• Can be made in one pot using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
• Reduces cooking time significantly.

4. Sambar Without Sambar Powder

• Use a mix of red chilies, coriander seeds, cumin, and pepper instead.
• Gives a fresh, homemade taste.

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What to Serve with Sambar?

Sambar is a versatile dish that can be served with many South Indian delicacies:
🍛 Steamed Rice – The most traditional way to enjoy Sambar.
🥞 Dosa – Crispy and light, dosa with Sambar is a classic combo.
🧆 Medu Vada – Soaks up the Sambar beautifully.
🍽️ Idli – Soft idlis absorb the flavorful Sambar perfectly.

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FAQs About Sambar Recipe

1. Can I make Sambar without toor dal?

Yes, you can use moong dal or masoor dal as alternatives.

2. How can I store leftover Sambar?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat before serving.

3. Can I freeze Sambar?

Yes! Freeze in portions for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before eating.

4. Is Sambar gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free when prepared without hing (asafoetida).

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Conclusion: Enjoy This Authentic Sambar Recipe Anytime!

Now that you have a complete Sambar recipe, you can easily make this delicious dish at home. Whether paired with rice, idli, or dosa, Sambar is a comfort food loved by many. Try this recipe today and experience the flavors of South India in your kitchen!

💬 Did you try this Sambar recipe? Share your experience in the comments!

Different Types of Sambar in India: Regional Variations and Unique Flavors

Sambar is a staple dish in South India, but did you know that it varies significantly across different states and regions? While the base ingredients—lentils, tamarind, and spices—remain the same, the choice of vegetables, the method of preparation, and the use of specific spices create distinct flavors in each variety.

Let’s explore the different types of Sambar in India, each offering a unique taste experience.

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1. Tamil Nadu Sambar (Traditional Tamil Sambar) 🍛

This is the classic Tamil Nadu-style Sambar, commonly served with rice, dosa, and idli.

Key Features:

✅ Uses toor dal (pigeon peas) as the base.
✅ Sambar powder (homemade or store-bought) adds rich flavors.
✅ A variety of vegetables like drumsticks, brinjal, carrots, and pumpkin are used.
✅ Tamarind pulp is a key ingredient for tangy flavor.

Best Served With: Rice, Idli, Dosa, Pongal, Vada

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2. Tiffin Sambar (Hotel-Style Sambar) 🥞

This is the Sambar served in South Indian restaurants and is specially made for idli, dosa, and vada.

Key Features:

✅ Uses moong dal instead of toor dal for a lighter consistency.
✅ Slightly sweet and less tangy compared to traditional Sambar.
✅ Garnished with fresh coriander and ghee for a rich taste.

Best Served With: Idli, Dosa, Medu Vada, Upma

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3. Kerala Sambar (Varutharacha Sambar) 🥥

Kerala-style Sambar, also known as Varutharacha Sambar, has a distinct flavor due to the use of roasted coconut.

Key Features:

✅ Uses toor dal or a mix of lentils.
✅ Coconut is roasted with spices and ground into a paste.
✅ Uses coconut oil for tempering, enhancing the aroma.
✅ Typically includes vegetables like ash gourd, pumpkin, carrots, and beans.

Best Served With: Rice, Appam, Puttu

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4. Karnataka Sambar (Huli Sambar or Udupi Sambar) 🌿

In Karnataka, Sambar is known as Huli and has a slightly sweeter taste compared to other variations.

Key Features:

✅ Uses jaggery to balance the sourness of tamarind.
✅ Made with Udupi-style Sambar powder, which includes fenugreek and coriander seeds.
✅ Common vegetables include brinjal, ash gourd, and pumpkin.
✅ Tempered with ghee, curry leaves, and mustard seeds.

Best Served With: Rice, Bisibele Bath, Dosa

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5. Andhra Sambar (Pappu Charu) 🌶️

In Andhra Pradesh, Sambar is called Pappu Charu and is similar to Dal Rasam.

Key Features:

✅ Uses less tamarind compared to Tamil Nadu Sambar.
✅ Includes chili powder and green chilies for extra spiciness.
✅ Lentils are not heavily mashed, keeping a thick texture.
✅ Uses a simple tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and garlic.

Best Served With: Steamed Rice, Ghee, Pickles

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6. Telangana Sambar (Mudda Sambar) 🍲

Telangana-style Sambar, also called Mudda Sambar, is thicker and more rustic.

Key Features:

✅ Uses a combination of toor dal and chana dal.
✅ Thick consistency, making it perfect for mixing with rice.
✅ Uses spicy tempering with garlic, red chilies, and curry leaves.

Best Served With: Jowar Roti, Rice

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7. Malabar Sambar (North Kerala Style) 🏝️

This variation comes from the Malabar region of Kerala and is quite different from regular Kerala Sambar.

Key Features:

✅ Made with a blend of toor dal, moong dal, and masoor dal.
✅ Uses roasted coconut and black pepper for depth of flavor.
✅ Has a richer, thicker texture compared to other Sambars.

Best Served With: Steamed Rice, Kerala Parotta

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8. Chettinad Sambar (Spicy & Aromatic) 🌶️

This variation comes from Chettinad cuisine, which is famous for its bold and spicy flavors.

Key Features:

✅ Made with Chettinad Sambar powder, which contains a unique blend of spices.
✅ Uses a combination of toor dal and masoor dal.
✅ More aromatic and spicier than Tamil Nadu Sambar.
✅ Often includes vegetables like okra (ladies’ finger) and drumsticks.

Best Served With: Rice, Dosa, Idiyappam

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9. North Indian Sambar (Dal Sambar) 🥄

Though Sambar is traditionally a South Indian dish, some variations exist in North Indian cuisine as well.

Key Features:

✅ Made with a mix of toor dal and masoor dal.
✅ Includes basic vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes.
✅ Less tangy compared to traditional Sambar.

Best Served With: Jeera Rice, Chapati

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10. Instant Pot Sambar (Quick & Easy Version) ⏳

For busy people, an Instant Pot Sambar recipe is a lifesaver.

Key Features:

✅ Uses one-pot cooking with an Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker.
✅ Cooks in less than 20 minutes.
✅ Great for meal prepping and busy schedules.

Best Served With: Any South Indian Dish

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Which Sambar Is Your Favorite?

As you can see, there are many types of Sambar in India, each with its own distinct taste and preparation method. Whether you prefer the tangy Tamil Nadu Sambar, the coconut-rich Kerala Sambar, or the spicy Andhra Pappu Charu, there’s a Sambar for everyone!

💬 Which type of Sambar do you love the most? Let us know in the comments!