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Delicious Sambar Rice Recipe: A Hearty South Indian Comfort Dish Ready in Just 40 Minutes

The Sambar Rice Recipe is a comforting and delicious South Indian dish made with rice, lentils (toor dal), and a medley of vegetables, all cooked together in a flavorful, spiced sambar broth. This one-pot meal combines the goodness of vegetables, the protein of lentils, and the aroma of sambar spices, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week. Ready in just 40 minutes, this hearty dish is packed with flavors from ingredients like tamarind, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and sambar powder. Serve it with a side of papadam or pickle for a complete and traditional South Indian experience that everyone will love.

Sambar Rice Recipe
Sambar Rice Recipe

Why is it Called “Sambar Rice”?

Sambar Rice, also known as “Sambar Sadam”, is named after the combination of sambar, which is a spicy and tangy South Indian lentil-based curry, and rice, which is the staple grain cooked along with the sambar. The name represents the coming together of two essential elements of South Indian cuisine—steamed rice and sambar. This dish originated in Tamil Nadu and quickly spread to other South Indian states due to its simple preparation and wholesome nutrition. The aromatic spices, tamarind, and vegetables make Sambar Rice a one-pot meal that is flavorful, filling, and perfect for enjoying a taste of authentic South Indian flavors.

How Should Sambar Rice Taste?

Sambar Rice should have a flavorful and balanced taste that is spicy, tangy, and earthy. The lentils add creaminess and depth to the dish, while the tamarind gives it a pleasant tanginess that is a signature flavor of South Indian cuisine. The vegetables should be tender, adding a variety of textures to the dish, while the sambar spices create warmth and complexity. The addition of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida (hing) during tempering adds a delightful aroma, and the cooked rice absorbs all the flavors of the sambar, making each bite a comforting experience. The result should be a hearty, fragrant dish that is rich in flavors and comforting to the soul.

Sambar Rice Recipe
Sambar Rice Recipe

How to Make it Super Yummy or Perfect?

To make the best Sambar Rice, follow these tips:

  1. Use Fresh Sambar Powder: Freshly ground sambar powder makes a huge difference in enhancing the flavors of the dish.
  2. Cook Lentils Well: Make sure the toor dal is cooked thoroughly and becomes soft and creamy before adding it to the dish. This helps in achieving a creamy texture in the Sambar Rice.
  3. Add Tamarind at the Right Time: Adding tamarind extract towards the end ensures the tanginess is well-balanced and not overpowering.
  4. Temper Generously: The tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida in ghee or oil gives the dish a delightful aroma and adds a depth of flavor.
  5. Serve with Ghee: Drizzling a little ghee over the Sambar Rice before serving adds richness and elevates the flavor, making it even more comforting.

Read More: Vibrant Paneer Jalfrezi Recipe: A Spicy Indian Stir-Fry Ready in Just 25 Minutes

Sambar Rice Recipe

Sambar Rice Recipe

Sambar Rice is a comforting South Indian dish made with rice, lentils, and vegetables, all cooked in a flavorful sambar broth. Ready in 40 minutes, it’s perfect for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine South Indian
Servings 4
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Pressure cooker or Instant Pot
  • Mixing spoon
  • Tempering pan

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rice
  • 1/2 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
  • 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
  • 10-12 curry leaves
  • 1 onion (sliced)
  • 1 carrot (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup eggplant (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup green beans (chopped)
  • 2 tomatoes (chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon sambar powder
  • 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook Rice and Lentils:

  • Rinse the rice and toor dal thoroughly.
  • Add them to a pressure cooker with 4 cups of water and a pinch of turmeric powder.
  • Pressure cook for 4-5 whistles or until the rice and dal are soft and well-cooked. Set aside.

Prepare the Vegetables and Sambar Base:

  • Heat oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
  • Add asafoetida and curry leaves, followed by sliced onions. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
  • Add chopped carrots, eggplant, green beans, and tomatoes. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Combine and Cook:

  • Add the cooked rice and lentils to the skillet with the vegetables.
  • Mix in turmeric powder, sambar powder, and salt.
  • Add tamarind paste and 1 cup of water. Mix well and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

Serve:

  • Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with papadam or pickle.

Notes

  • Variation: You can add other vegetables like drumsticks, pumpkin, or potatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Serving Tip: Drizzle some ghee over the Sambar Rice before serving for extra flavor and richness.

Conclusion

This Sambar Rice Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a comforting and flavorful South Indian meal at home. With rice, lentils, and vegetables cooked together in a spicy and tangy sambar broth, this dish is both satisfying and nourishing. Ready in just 40 minutes, Sambar Rice is ideal for a quick lunch or dinner that the entire family will love. Serve it with a side of papadam or pickle, and experience the authentic taste of South Indian cuisine. Try this recipe today and bring the flavors of Sambar Rice to your kitchen for a delightful meal!

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