Sambar Rice Recipe – South Indian Sambar Rice
Sambar Rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines rice, lentils, and a variety of vegetables with a tangy, spicy sambar seasoning. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for those days when you crave something delicious and quick. With its rich assortment of vegetables, it is not only tasty but also quite nutritious. A staple in South Indian cuisine, it brings the warmth and comfort of a hearty meal in one pot.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for Sambar Rice
For the Spice Paste:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ghee | 1 tsp |
| Chana Dal | 2 tbsp |
| White Urad Dal (split) | 1 tbsp |
| Coriander Seeds | 1 tbsp |
| Fenugreek Seeds | 1/4 tsp |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 tsp |
| Dry Red Chilies | 4 pieces |
| Coconut (grated) | 1/4 cup |
For the Rice and Vegetable Mixture:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Masoor Dal (split) | 1/2 cup |
| Potato (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Green Beans (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Bottle Gourd (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Onion (thinly sliced) | 1/2 cup |
| Ghee | 2 tsp |
| Oil | 2 tsp |
| Mustard Seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| Cumin Seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| Dry Red Chilies | 2 pieces |
| Green Chili (chopped) | 1 small |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/8 tsp |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Tamarind Water | 1/3 cup |
| Jaggery | 1 tbsp |
| Water | 4 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh Coriander (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Paste
- Heat Ghee: In a small saucepan, heat 1 tsp of ghee.
- Add the Spices: Once the ghee is warm, add chana dal, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds. Let them cook for 30 seconds.
- Add Coriander Seeds and Mustard Seeds: Next, add coriander seeds and mustard seeds. Allow them to cook for an additional minute.
- Add Red Chilies and Coconut: Now, add the dry red chilies and grated coconut to the mixture. Let it cook for another 30 seconds. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool.
- Grind the Paste: Once cooled, transfer the mixture into a grinder with a little water and blend it into a smooth paste. Set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Rice and Lentils
- Soak Rice and Lentils: Rinse the rice and masoor dal thoroughly. Soak them in water for 20 minutes, then drain the water.
- Pressure Cook: In a pressure cooker, add the soaked rice, masoor dal, chopped potato, bottle gourd, and green beans. Add turmeric powder and 4 cups of water. Close the lid and cook for 4 whistles. Let the pressure release naturally.
Step 3: Prepare the Tempering
- Heat Oil and Ghee: In a separate pan, heat 2 tsp of oil and 2 tsp of ghee.
- Add Tempering Spices: Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, asafoetida, and dry red chilies to the pan. Let them splutter for about 30 seconds.
- Saute Onion and Green Chili: Add thinly sliced onions and chopped green chilies. Cook until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Add Tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft.
- Add Tamarind Water and Boil: Pour in the tamarind water and bring it to a boil.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add Spice Paste: Once the tomatoes are soft, add the ground spice paste to the pan. Stir well and let it simmer for a minute.
- Add Jaggery and Salt: Add jaggery, salt, and cook for another minute to let the flavors combine.
- Mix with Cooked Rice and Vegetables: Add the cooked rice and vegetables mixture to the pan. Stir gently to combine everything evenly. Let it cook for 3 more minutes on medium heat.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Turn off the heat and garnish the sambar rice with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve Hot: Serve the sambar rice hot with a side of Beetroot Poriyal and Ilai Vadam for a complete South Indian meal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Protein | 7-8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fiber | 5-6 g |
| Fat | 8-10 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Sugar | 4 g |
Tips for Best Results:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and spices make a big difference in the flavor of this dish.
- Customize Vegetables: You can add or skip vegetables based on your preference. Common additions include carrots, drumsticks, and tomatoes.
- Adjust Tamarind: If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can increase the amount of tamarind water.
- Vegan Option: Use oil instead of ghee for a vegan version of this dish.
Enjoy your flavorful, comforting South Indian Sambar Rice, a perfect choice for both lunch and dinner!
