Tiffin sambar is a delicious, aromatic stew filled with a mix of lentils, vegetables, and a harmonious blend of spices. This flavorful dish is a popular side to traditional South Indian breakfast items like idli and dosa.
The stew has a delightful balance of tanginess and a subtle hint of sweetness. It is best served hot alongside idli, dosa, or vada, and also pairs perfectly as a side dish with other South Indian dishes. With its rich combination of lentils, vegetables, and spices, tiffin sambar provides a nutritious and deeply satisfying experience, making it an excellent choice for a hearty breakfast or leisurely brunch.
Recipe: Yields for 4 persons
Ingredients:
- Toor Dal (Pigeon peas) 1 cup
- Tomato 1 finely chopped
- Onion 1 sliced
- Pumpkin 1 small cup (cut into cubes)
- Green chilli 1 slit
- Curry leaves 1 sprig
- Mixed veggies carrot, beans and small brinjal 1 cup. (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Turmeric 1/2 tsp
- Asafoetida a pinch
- Jaggery a small piece
- Ghee/Oil 1 to 2 tbsp
- Tamarind pulp 1 small cup ( extracted twice)
To Tamper :
- Ghee /oil 1 to 2tbsp
- Mustard seeds 1/2 tsp
- Jeera 1/2 tsp
- Asafoetida a pinch
- Curry leaves a sprig
Sambar Masala :
- Dry whole red chillies 3-4
- Channa dal 1tbsp
- Coriander seeds 1tbsp
- Jeera 3/4tsp
- Methi seeds (Fenugreek) 1/4tsp
- Asafoetida a pinch
Method:
Wash the toor dal. Add a pinch of turmeric and presuure cook it for about 3 whistles
For Sambar powder :-
Take a pan, and add some ghee/oil. Heat it. Roast whole dry red chilies, channa dal, coriander seeds, jeera (cumin), and methi seeds. Add asafoetida. Roast it golden brown. Let it cool down completely. Grind it in a mixer into a fine powder and keep it aside.
Heat a pan. Add 1 tbsp of oil /ghee. Throw the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. let it splutter. Add asafoetida and curry leaves. Add the onions and fry it for a min. Add the tomatoes. Saute it for a min.
Add the pumpkin and other veggies (mentioned in the ingredients table). Saute it again for a min. Add salt to taste, turmeric powder, and give a mix.
Add the tamarind pulp. Let it boil on medium heat until the raw smell of the tamarind goes away. Reduce it to half. Add the sambar powder and stir well. Make sure there are no lumps after adding the sambar powder. Add some jaggery to it. Add the cooked toor dal to it. Adjust the consistency by adding half or one cup of water. Let it boil for about 5 to 6 mins. Delicious sambar is ready. Serve with crispy dosa or idli.
Overall, tiffin sambar is a must-try for anyone who loves South Indian cuisine. Its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a satisfying and delicious dish that is sure to become a favorite.
Tiffin Sambar is a wholesome and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. It pairs well with various South Indian breakfast items, adding both nutrition and flavor to your meal.
Enjoy!!!
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