By Vidushi Singh
June 28, 2024
Kadamba sambar is a Tamil Nadu speciality made with a mix of vegetables, lentils, and spices, simmered in a tangy tamarind broth, and finished with a flavourful tempering, traditionally prepared without onion or garlic.
1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas) 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, potato, eggplant, drumstick, pumpkin) 1 tomato, chopped 1/2 cup tamarind extract 2 tbsp sambar powder 1/2 tsp turmeric powder Salt to taste Water as needed
For Tempering: 1 tbsp oil 1 tsp mustard seeds 1 tsp cumin seeds 2 dried red chilies 8-10 curry leaves A pinch of asafoetida (hing) 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves (for garnish)
Rinse toor dal and cook with 2 cups water and turmeric until soft. Mash and set aside.
Now, cook mixed vegetables, and tomato in water until tender.
Mix in tamarind, sambar powder, and salt. Simmer for 5-7 mins, mix it well.
Now, add mashed dal, adjust consistency as desired by adding water, and simmer for 10-15 mins.
Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, cumin, red chillies, curry leaves, and asafoetida ( Hing ). Saute well.
Now, Pour the tadka over the prepared sambar, and mix well, to meld in flavours.
Garnish Sambar with coriander. Serve hot with rice, idli, dosa, or vada.