By Bornika Das
May 28, 2024
Moong dal sambar is a comforting South Indian dish that is a delightful blend of lentils and vegetables in a tangy, spicy broth. It can be paired with rice, dosa or idli. Here’s how you can make this nutritious and flavourful sambar. Take a look:
1 cup moong dal (yellow split gram) 1 small onion, chopped 1 small tomato, chopped 1 carrot, diced 1 drumstick, cut into 2-inch pieces 1 small brinjal (eggplant), diced 1/2 cup tamarind water 2-3 green chilies, slit 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 tablespoon sambar powder Salt to taste 2 tablespoons oil 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds A pinch of asafoetida (hing) 2 dried red chilies A few curry leaves Fresh coriander leaves forgarnish
Wash the moong dal thoroughly and cook it in a pressure cooker with 2 cups of water and a pinch of turmeric until soft. Mash it lightly and set aside.
In a large pot, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chilies, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Once they splutter, add onions and green chilies. Sauté until onions are translucent.
Add tomatoes, carrot, drumstick, and brinjal. Sauté for a few minutes before adding sambar powder, turmeric, and salt. Pour in the tamarind water and let it simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Add the cooked moong dal to the pot. Adjust the consistency with water if needed and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with rice or idli.