Arachuvitta Sambar Recipe: Sambar with Fresh Ground Spices
Introduction
Arachuvitta Sambar, a beloved dish from Tamil Nadu, offers a tantalizing and authentic South Indian experience with every bite. This hearty, flavorful dish is distinguished by its fresh ground spices and coconut, which elevate the taste and aroma to new heights. The combination of seasonal vegetables such as radish (Mullangi), pumpkin, drumstick, and small pearl onions gives this sambar its characteristic freshness and deep flavor. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, a dollop of ghee, and a side of crispy vegetable curries or raita for a truly satisfying meal.
Cuisine
- Region: Tamil Nadu, South India
- Course: Lunch or Dinner
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
This sambar is made with a variety of wholesome ingredients, from lentils to fresh spices, to create a robust and flavorful dish. The key is the perfect balance of freshly roasted and ground spices, paired with tender vegetables and a tamarind base.
Main Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arhar Dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1 cup |
| Tamarind Water | 1-1/2 cups |
| Pearl Onions (Sambar Onions), quartered | 1/2 cup |
| Mooli/Mullangi (Radish), diced | 1 |
| Carrot (Gajjar), diced | 2 |
| Tomato, diced | 1 |
| Drumstick, cut into 1-inch pieces | 1 |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt, to taste | As needed |
Ingredients to Roast & Grind:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Coriander (Dhania) Seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1 tablespoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 tablespoon |
| Dry Red Chillies | 4 |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Coconut, grated | 1/4 cup |
Ingredients for Seasoning:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sesame (Gingelly) Oil or Regular Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, finely chopped | 6 sprigs |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Toor Dal
- Cook the Dal: In a pressure cooker, add 1 cup of toor dal (arhar dal) and 2 cups of water. Cook for 2-3 whistles, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
- Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and whisk the cooked dal to make it smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Tamarind Water
- Soak a small piece of tamarind in water, and once it softens, extract the pulp. Dilute the pulp with water to get about 1-1/2 cups of tamarind water. Set this aside for use in the sambar.
Step 3: Roast and Grind the Spices
- Roast the Dal and Seeds: In a small skillet, dry roast the chana dal, urad dal, and coriander seeds on medium heat until they turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn them. The key is to roast on low to medium heat so the dal doesn’t brown too quickly.
- Add Methi Seeds and Red Chilies: Once the dal is roasted, add the methi seeds and dry red chilies. Roast for another minute until the spices release their fragrant aroma.
- Add Fresh Coconut: Finally, add the grated fresh coconut to the pan and roast it until the coconut turns lightly golden and releases its aroma. Turn off the heat and allow the roasted spices to cool slightly.
- Grind the Spices: Once the mixture has cooled, grind the roasted spices and coconut into a smooth powder using a mixer or spice grinder. Keep this freshly ground sambar powder aside.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
- In a separate pressure cooker, add the tamarind water, diced radish, carrot, drumstick, pearl onions, turmeric powder, and salt. Add the freshly ground sambar powder and stir well to combine.
- Pressure cook the vegetables and tamarind water for 2-3 whistles. Once done, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
Step 5: Combine the Dal and Vegetables
- After the pressure has released, add the cooked toor dal into the tamarind vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring the dal and vegetables are well integrated.
- Check and Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sambar and adjust the salt to your preference. Let the sambar come to a brisk boil for a few minutes. If the consistency is too thick, add a little water and allow it to simmer for a few more minutes.
Step 6: Make the Tadka (Seasoning)
- Prepare the Tadka: In a small pan, heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and curry leaves. Allow them to crackle and release their flavor.
- Add Asafoetida: Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the hot oil and stir for a few seconds. Turn off the heat once the spices are fragrant.
Step 7: Final Touch
- Pour the hot tadka over the prepared sambar and stir to combine. The aroma of the freshly made tadka will enhance the flavors of the sambar.
- Stir in finely chopped fresh coriander leaves just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Arachuvitta Sambar hot with steamed rice and a dollop of ghee. For a wholesome meal, you can pair it with Andhra Style Pavakkai Curry, Avarakkai Poriyal, or Masala Roasted Baby Potatoes. For an added touch, you can also make Sambar Sadam (sambar rice) and serve it with Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita for a complete South Indian lunch or dinner.
Tips for Perfect Arachuvitta Sambar:
- Fresh Spices: Roasting the spices fresh for each batch of sambar really enhances the flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought sambar powder, but freshly ground spices will make a significant difference.
- Vegetables: You can experiment with different seasonal vegetables depending on availability, but radish, drumstick, and onions are traditional ingredients that lend a unique taste.
- Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the sambar by adding water based on your preference. Some like it thicker, while others prefer a more soup-like consistency.
- Tamarind: The tanginess from the tamarind is an essential part of this dish, so make sure to get the right balance for a perfect flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
| Nutrient | Value per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Enjoy your homemade Arachuvitta Sambar, a flavorful South Indian delicacy that brings the vibrant tastes of Tamil Nadu right to your dining table.
