Chow-Chow Sambar (Recipe)
Description:
Sambar is a delicious dish commonly prepared in South India. It can be served with idli or dosa for breakfast or with rice for a wholesome lunch. This version uses chow-chow (vegetable pear), which enhances the flavor of the dish.
Cuisine: South Indian Recipes
Course: Lunch
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Arhar Dal (Pigeon pea lentils)
- 2 cups Chow-Chow (chayote squash), chopped
- 30 grams Tamarind, soaked in 1 cup water
- 1 Onion, thinly sliced
- 2 Tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp Sambar Powder
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 4 sprigs Fresh Coriander, chopped
- Oil, as required
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil (or any cooking oil)
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds (Rai)
- 1/4 tsp Asafoetida (Hing)
- 1 Dry Red Chili
- 1 sprig Curry Leaves, torn
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
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To make Chow-Chow Sambar, start by adding the arhar dal, 2 cups water, turmeric powder, and salt to a pressure cooker. Cook for 2 whistles until the dal is tender. Once cooked, mash the dal well and set it aside.
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Heat oil in a pan, and add the sliced onion. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and chow-chow. Cook the chow-chow for about 3/4 of the way through, stirring occasionally.
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Add the tamarind water, sambar powder, and salt to the pan. Cook until the chow-chow is completely cooked and soft.
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Add the mashed dal and chopped coriander leaves to the pan. Continue cooking for 2-3 more minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Turn off the heat.
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In a small tempering pan, heat sesame oil and add the mustard seeds. Once they begin to pop, add the dry red chili, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté for about 15 seconds and turn off the heat.
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Pour the prepared tempering over the sambar and mix well.
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Serve the Chow-Chow Sambar with a side of beans and cauliflower poriyal, along with rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Enjoy your delicious and hearty Chow-Chow Sambar!
