Sambar is a South Indian stew or chowder that is similar to a stew or chowder. It’s typically made with toor dal, a type of pea, and may also include vegetables like onion, tomato, or carrot. Curry, cilantro, or mustard seeds can be used to season it. It can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or a meal’s main course.
This vegetable stew is thought to have originated in Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India. It is now available throughout the United States as well as in Sri Lanka. Different parts of these two countries have their own versions of this dish, as well as different names for it. Depending on the location and ingredients used, sambar is also known as sambhar, kuzambu, or sambaaru.
In sambar, toor dal is usually one of the main ingredients. This could be due to the fact that this crop is primarily grown in India. While tomatoes, onions, and carrots are common ingredients in sambhar, other vegetables like okra, potatoes, shallots, and even pumpkin are also used. Chili peppers are used as one of the main ingredients in some recipes, while the seeds or juice of the pepper are used in others.
This lentil dish can be spiced up with a variety of spices. Many cooks prefer to use sambar powder, which already contains many of the common seasonings. Mustard seeds, cloves, cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, and coriander are a few examples. To add flavor, people may also add cilantro, curry, and salt and pepper.
Typically, this Indian dish is served for lunch or dinner. It’s also sometimes served as an appetizer before a meal that includes a variety of rice dishes. It could be served with idli, a black lentil cake, as the main course of a meal. Along with the sambar, chutney, a fruit or vegetable-based sauce, can be drizzled over the idli. It can also be eaten on its own, similar to a soup, making it a good option for a light lunch or late dinner.
Even for inexperienced cooks, sambar can be a simple stew to make. In general, it’s a nutritious dish with a lot of flavor and aroma. People who want to try Indian cuisine but aren’t brave enough to try new foods might enjoy preparing and eating this popular lentil dish.