By Rajan Bhattacharya
November 11, 2024
Vendakkai Sambar, also called Bhindi Sambar, is a comforting South Indian dish made with okra, tuvar dal, tamarind, and spices. It pairs wonderfully with rice, idli, or dosa for a satisfying meal.
⅓ cup tuvar dal (pigeon pea lentils) 1 medium onion, diced 10-12 okra, chopped 1 medium tomato, diced ½ tbsp tamarind 3 tsp sambar powder ¼ tsp red chilli powder ¼ tsp turmeric powder Salt as required 1 tbsp sesame or coconut oil ½ tsp mustard seeds ½ tsp urad dal 2 dry red chillies 1 sprig curry leaves Pinch of asafoetida 2 cups water (divided)
Soak ½ tbsp tamarind in ½ cup hot water for 30 minutes, then extract and set aside.
Rinse ⅓ cup tuvar dal, add diced onion, 1.5 cups water, and pressure cook for 6-7 whistles. Mash the cooked dal well
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan, add chopped okra, and sauté on low flame for 2 minutes.
Add diced tomato to the pan, sauté for 2-3 minutes, then add the mashed dal, water, tamarind pulp, and spices.
Simmer the mixture on a medium flame for 10 minutes until the okra is tender. Set aside.
Heat oil, add mustard seeds, urad dal, red chillies, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Pour into sambar. Serve hot with steamed rice, idli, or dosa