Sambar with Arusuvai Sambar powder

Sambar is a beloved South Indian lentil-based curry made with toor dal, vegetables, and a
blend of spices. It’s a staple across Tamil kitchens, served with rice, idli, dosa, or pongal. We use Arusuvai Sambar Powder, which brings out the authentic, home-style flavor in every spoonful that is rich, aromatic, and comforting.

Ingredients

Toor dal (thuvaram paruppu)

½ cup

Tamarind

small lemon-sized ball (soaked in warm water)

Mixed vegetables

1½ cups (drumstick, carrot, brinjal, beans, etc.)

Tomato

1 medium, chopped

Small onions (shallots)

6–8 (optional)

Arusuvai Turmeric powder

¼ tsp

Arusuvai Sambar Powder

2 heaped tsp

Salt

to taste

Jaggery

½ tsp (optional)

Coriander leaves

for garnish

Method

Cook the dal

Pressure cook toor dal with Arusuvai Turmeric Powder and enough water until soft. Mash and keep aside.

Boil vegetables

In a pan, cook chopped vegetables and tomato with tamarind extract, salt, and a little Arusuvai Turmeric Powder until tender.

Add Spice

Add Arusuvai Sambar Powder and boil until the raw smell goes (5–7 mins)

Mix Dal

Add mashed dal to the boiling mixture. Adjust consistency with water if needed and simmer for a few more minutes.

Tempering

In a small pan, heat oil/ghee. Add mustard, cumin, fenugreek, red chillies, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Let them splutter and pour over the sambar.

Garnish

Top with chopped coriander leaves.
This sambar can be easily adapted to suit your taste. Add vegetables like ash gourd, pumpkin, or ladies’ finger, or even a handful of moong dal along with toor dal for a softer texture. With Arusuvai Sambar Powder, every version turns out full of traditional South Indian flavor that is wholesome and delicious!

Tempering (Thalippu)

Mustard seeds

1 tsp

Cumin seeds

½ tsp

Fenugreek seeds

¼ tsp

Asafoetida

a pinch

Dry red chillies

2

Curry leaves

1 sprig

Gingelly oil or ghee

2 tbsp