Udipi Sambar Recipe: A Taste of Mangalorean Cuisine
This delightful Udipi Sambar, renowned in the esteemed Udipi restaurants worldwide, offers a culinary experience rich in flavors and aromas. Traditionally paired with crispy dosas or soft idlis, this vegan-friendly dish brings together a harmonious blend of spices and vegetables, creating a symphony of taste that is both comforting and satisfying. Whether you choose to include an array of vegetables or keep it simple, this recipe is designed to delight your palate and warm your heart.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Description
This recipe captures the essence of Mangalorean cuisine, offering a hearty and aromatic sambar that is perfect for any meal. You can easily adapt this recipe based on the vegetables available to you; it can be just as delightful without any vegetables. Enjoy this dish during family gatherings, festive occasions, or even as a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Fenugreek seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
Urad Dal | 1/2 teaspoon |
Red chilies | 1 |
Curry leaves | 6 sprigs |
Grated coconut | 1 1/2 tablespoons |
Shallots | 5 |
Hing (asafoetida) | 1/4 teaspoon |
Green chilies | 25-30 (adjust according to spice preference) |
Tamarind pulp | 1/2 cup |
Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Jaggery | 1 tablespoon |
Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
Cooked tuvar dal (pigeon peas) | 50 grams (mashed) |
Water | To adjust consistency |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 242.1 |
Total Fat | 1.1 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.1 g |
Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Sodium | 172.2 mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 50.8 g |
Dietary Fiber | 10.2 g |
Sugars | 10.3 g |
Protein | 11.8 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tuvar Dal: Begin by cooking the tuvar dal until it becomes tender, then mash it thoroughly and set it aside.
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Roast the Spices: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the fenugreek seeds and roast them until they turn light red. Next, incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of urad dal and allow it to sauté until it changes color.
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Add Aromatics: Introduce the red chili and coriander seeds to the pan. Follow with 3 sprigs of curry leaves and the grated coconut. Continue roasting the mixture until everything turns a light brown and becomes aromatic.
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Grind the Spice Mix: Once the spices are roasted, remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool. Then, grind it to a fine paste using a little water to aid the process.
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Prepare the Base: In the same pan, heat another tablespoon of oil. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Once they do, add 1/2 teaspoon of urad dal and a pinch of hing (asafoetida). Fry for about a minute until fragrant.
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Cook the Vegetables: Add the finely chopped shallots and slit green chilies to the pan, followed by the remaining curry leaves. If you are using vegetables, add them now and sauté until you can smell their aroma.
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Add Water and Cover: Pour in a little water to help the cooking process, then cover the pan and cook until the vegetables are tender.
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Incorporate Tamarind: Extract the pulp from the tamarind and add it to the cooked vegetables. Season the mixture with salt and crumble in the jaggery (you may substitute brown sugar if desired). Cook until the raw smell of the tamarind disappears, stirring occasionally.
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Combine Ingredients: Stir in the mashed dal along with the ground spice paste. Mix well, adjusting the consistency with additional water if necessary. Allow the sambar to simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors together beautifully.
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Serve: Your delicious Udipi Sambar is now ready! Serve it hot with crispy dosas, soft idlis, or steamed rice for a wholesome meal. Enjoy every spoonful of this authentic Mangalorean dish, and let the flavors transport you to the bustling streets of Udipi.
Tips for Enjoying Udipi Sambar
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Versatile Vegetables: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables such as carrots, beans, or potatoes. You can even skip the vegetables for a more straightforward version.
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Storage: Leftover sambar can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Simply reheat and enjoy again with your choice of side.
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Serving Suggestions: Pair your sambar with a side of coconut chutney for a balanced and flavorful meal.
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Spice Levels: Adjust the number of green chilies according to your preference for heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the quantity or remove the seeds from the chilies.
This Udipi Sambar recipe not only brings the authentic taste of Mangalorean cuisine to your kitchen but also offers a fulfilling way to enjoy wholesome ingredients. Gather your loved ones and savor the warmth and comfort that this dish brings to the table. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delightful recipe!