The Ultimate Tamil Brahmin Sambhar Recipe

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Serves: 4–5 people

Ingredients

• 1 cup toor dal, boiled until soft and thick
• 2 tbsp Zest Sambhar Masala
• 1 medium radish, sliced
• 1 drumstick, cut into pieces
• 1 handful okra, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit
• ½ tsp Zest turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp tamarind pulp
• 2 tbsp ghee
• Salt to taste

Tempering

• 1 tbsp ghee
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 2 dried red chilies
• 12 curry leaves
• Pinch of Zest asafoetida

Method

1. Cook dal with turmeric until soft and thick. Mash.
2. Heat ghee. Add tomatoes, chilies, and vegetables. Sauté lightly.
3. Add tamarind pulp, salt, and Zest Sambhar Masala. Add water for thick sambhar consistency. Simmer 10 minutes.
4. Add dal. Mix well and simmer 5 minutes.
5. Temper with ghee, mustard, red chilies, curry leaves, and asafoetida.
6. Serve hot with idli, dosa, or steamed rice.

Notes / Tips

1. Use ghee for tempering to enhance aroma.
2. Radish gives earthy depth; replace with drumstick if unavailable.
3. Ideal with idli, dosa, or pongal.