Quick & Easy Sambhar

Posted On May 4, 2010

I would call it an instant sambhar as the usual method takes a longer time. When I have surprise guests, simply I go for this recipe and only 5 minutes of manual time required. Sambhar is a Lentils curry with vegetables, which goes very well with  South Indian dishes like Idli, Dosa, Vada, Pongal, and Rice.

Ingredients:

1. Onion – 1 no, finely chopped
2. Tomato – 1, finely chopped
3. Zucchini – 1/4 cup, cut into pieces
4. Capsicum – 1/4 cup, cut into pieces
5. Toor Dhal – 1 Cup
6. Tamarind – 1 small lemon sized ball
7. Sambhar powder – 1Tsp
8. Turmeric – 1/4 tsp
9. Cumin – 1/2 tsp
10. Salt for taste
11. Water – 3 cups

For tempering

1. Oil – 1 Tsp
2. Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
3. Asafoetida – 1/4 tsp
4. Corriander and curry leaves for garnishing

Method:

1. Add all the above ingredients in a pressure pan or cooker and close the lid.  Once it starts buzzing, reduce to the flame to low and let it cook for 15 minutes.

2. Now open the pressure cooker and smash the sambhar to get all the ingredients and dhal mixed up. Add some more water if required for Sambhar consistency.

3. Add oil to the pan and add mustard seeds after it crackles add asafoetida and curry leaves. Finish sambhar by adding this tempering. Sprinkle some coriander leaves on top and serve it.