Verusenaga Sambar Recipe (Fresh Groundnuts Sambar)
Verusenaga Sambar, a delightful South Indian dish, is a hearty, protein-packed vegetarian curry made with fresh roasted peanuts, tamarind, and aromatic spices. This sambar offers a delicious balance of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors, making it an ideal dish to serve with steamed rice for lunch or dinner. Perfect for those seeking a high-protein, vegetarian meal, this recipe blends the richness of groundnuts (peanuts) with traditional Indian ingredients, creating a wholesome, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali) – peeled | 2 cups |
| Onion (medium-sized) | 1 |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1-1/2 teaspoons |
| Sambar Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Tamarind Paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves – finely chopped | 4 sprigs |
| Tomato (chopped) | 1 |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
Servings
| Servings | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 4 | servings |
Cuisine
| Cuisine | Type |
|---|---|
| South Indian | Vegetarian |
Diet
| Diet | Category |
|---|---|
| High Protein | Vegetarian |
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Peanuts
To begin making the Verusenaga Sambar, take the peeled roasted peanuts and place them in a pressure cooker. Add enough water to cover the peanuts and cook them until the cooker releases 2 whistles. Once done, drain the extra water and set the peanuts aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Onion and Spice Paste
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it until it becomes soft and translucent. Once the onions are cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
In a blender, combine 1/2 cup of the boiled peanuts, cumin seeds, tamarind paste, the fried onions, coriander leaves, and sambar powder. Blend this mixture to a smooth paste.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Add the blended paste to the cooked peanuts in the pressure cooker. Add salt, chopped tomatoes, and 1 cup of water. Stir well and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
Step 4: Temper the Sambar
In a tadka pan, heat 2 teaspoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Add dry red chillies and curry leaves, and cook for about 10 seconds, allowing the flavors to infuse the oil.
Step 5: Final Touch
Pour the tempering mixture into the sambar and mix everything together. Let it simmer for another minute.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the Verusenaga Sambar hot with steamed rice, Kerala-style Vendakkai Thoran (okra stir fry), and Elai Vadam (crispy rice crackers) for a complete South Indian meal.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
| Sugar | 3g |
Tips and Variations
- Peanut Substitute: You can replace roasted peanuts with other legumes such as lentils or chickpeas if preferred.
- Adjust Spice Levels: To adjust the spice levels, add more dry red chillies or increase the quantity of sambar powder as per your preference.
- Make it Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan-friendly, but if you prefer a richer flavor, a dollop of coconut milk can be added during cooking for a creamier texture.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add chopped vegetables such as carrots, drumsticks, or pumpkin to enhance the dish’s flavor and nutrition.
This Verusenaga Sambar, with its rich taste and nutritious ingredients, is a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. It’s not only healthy but also versatile enough to pair with different accompaniments like idli, dosa, or even chapati. Try it today for a delicious, satisfying South Indian feast!
