Mangalorean Sambar is a delicious South Indian dish with a unique flavor profile. A step-by-step recipe to prepare Mangalorean Sambar:
Ingredients:
For Sambar Paste:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- 1/4 cup grated coconut
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2-3 dried red chilies
- 1-inch piece of ginger, chopped
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
For Sambar:
- 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas), washed and soaked for 30 minutes
- 1 small lemon-sized ball of tamarind, soaked in water
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as drumsticks, carrots, beans, eggplant)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- Few curry leaves
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
- Chopped coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Sambar Paste
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, grated coconut, chopped onion, dried red chilies, chopped ginger, and garlic cloves. Roast them until fragrant and the onions turn translucent.
3. Transfer the roasted ingredients to a blender or food processor.
4. Add tamarind paste and a little water to the blender. Grind into a smooth paste. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook Toor Dal
1. In a pressure cooker, add the soaked toor dal along with enough water to cover it.
2. Add turmeric powder and salt to taste.
3. Pressure cook the dal until soft and mushy, usually about 4-5 whistles on medium heat. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare Tamarind Water
1. Soak the tamarind in warm water for about 15 minutes.
2. Squeeze the tamarind pulp to extract the juice. Strain the pulp and discard the solids. Keep the tamarind water aside.
Step 4: Cook Vegetables
1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
2. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add asafoetida (hing) and curry leaves. Stir for a few seconds.
4. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
5. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
6. Add the mixed vegetables and slit green chilies. Stir well.
Step 5: Add Sambar Paste
1. Once the vegetables are slightly cooked, add the prepared sambar paste to the pot.
2. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 6: Combine Dal and Tamarind Water
1. Add the cooked toor dal to the pot of vegetables.
2. Pour in the tamarind water, adjusting the quantity based on your taste preference and the consistency of the sambar you desire.
3. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 7: Simmer and Garnish
1. Let the sambar simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
2. Check for seasoning and adjust salt if needed.
3. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
Your delicious Mangalorean Sambar is now ready to be served! Enjoy it hot with steamed rice or idli/dosa for a comforting and flavorful meal.