Udupi style sambar

This sambar is prepared with freshly ground sambar masala. Its a famous sambar served in south indian restaurants for breakfast, lunch , snack and dinner. The aroma of freshly ground spices along with coconut & the sweetness of the little jaggery makes it a wonderful combination with idli, dosa, vada, rice etc. If you have already cooked toor dal then this sambar can be prepared in 15 minutes.

Preparation time : 10 minutes

Cooking time : 30 minutes

Serves : 6

Ingredients :
For sambar masala :

• Dry red long chilly (byadagi) – 4
• Coriander seeds – 1 teaspoon
• Cumin seeds – 1/4 teaspoon
• Urad dal – 1/4 teaspoon
• Fenugreek ( methi ) seeds – less than 1/4 teaspoon
• Grated coconut – 2 tablespoons

Other ingredients :

• Toor dal – 1/4 cup
• Potato – 1 large
• Onion – 1 medium
• Tomato – 1 medium
• Add any sambar vegetables of your choice
• Turmeric powder – 1/4 teaspoon
• Tamarind – 1 lemon sized ball, soaked in water
• Grated jaggery – 1-2 teaspoon
• Salt – to taste

For tempering :

• Oil – 2 teaspoon
• Mustard seeds- 1/2 teaspoon
• Hing – a pinch
• Curry leaves – few
• Dry red chilly – 1

Method :

1. I prefer to cook dal & sambar in pressure cooker. You can also prepare in a kadai.
2. Cook toor dal in a pressure cooker. Then add roughly chopped onion, potatoe ,tomato, sambar vegetables, turmeric powder, salt and cook till its done. (In cooker it takes 1 whistle for vegetables to cook on high heat)
3. Mean while , prepare the sambar masala. Heat a pan, dry roast coriander seeds, red chilly, methi seeds, cumin seeds, urad dal. Blend the dry roasted spices along with coconut and 1/4 th cup water, to a smooth paste.
4. Add this masala to the cooked dal & vegetables
5. Note :

   You can use readymade sambar powder too.

   Grind sambar powder with coconut to a fine paste and then add to the cooked dal & vegetables.

6. Next add tamarind pulp, jaggery.
7. Add water and adjust the consistency.
8. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes. Switch off the flame.
9. Prepare the tempering and pour over the prepared sambar.
10. Udupi style sambar is ready to serve with Idli, dosa , vada or plain rice.