North Karnataka Style Nuggekai Kharbyaali (Spiced Drumstick Sambar)
Description:
Nuggekai Kharbyaali, also known as North Karnataka Spiced Drumstick Sambar, is a flavorful and hearty vegetarian dish that is a staple in North Karnataka cuisine. This delicious sambar is made with toor dal (split pigeon peas), drumsticks, and a special homemade spice blend called Kharbyaali Masala (a fiery, aromatic blend of spices). The rich tamarind water and jaggery add a beautiful balance of tanginess and sweetness, creating an unforgettable experience. Enjoy this nutritious, high-protein dish paired with steamed rice and a side of vegetables for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Cuisine: North Karnataka
Course: Lunch
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arhar Dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1 cup |
| Tamarind Water | 1 cup |
| Jaggery (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
| Drumstick (Moringa) | 2, cut into 2โ pieces, cooked |
| Onion | 1, roughly chopped |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, roughly chopped |
| All Spice Powder (Kharbyaali Masala) | 2 tablespoons |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Ingredients for Seasoning:
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 5 leaves |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 4 sprigs, finely chopped for garnish |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Instructions
-
Soak and Cook the Dal:
Begin by washing and soaking the toor dal (Arhar dal) in water for a few minutes. In a pressure cooker, combine the soaked dal, drumstick pieces, turmeric powder, and salt. Add 2 cups of water to the cooker and cook for 4 whistles. Allow the pressure to release naturally. Once done, set aside the cooked dal and drumsticks for later use. -
Prepare the Base:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and onion to the pan. Fry the garlic and onion until they turn golden brown and fragrant, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. -
Add the Spice Powder and Cook:
Once the onions and garlic are golden, add the Kharbyaali Masala (all spice powder) to the pan and stir well. This spice powder is the star of the recipe, so ensure it gets a good stir with the onions and garlic. Add the cooked dal, tamarind water, jaggery (optional), and the cooked drumsticks to the pan. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. -
Simmer the Sambar:
Once the curry begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and allow the sambar to simmer for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the dal from sticking to the bottom. -
Prepare the Seasoning (Tadka):
While the sambar is simmering, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a small pan. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the pan. Let them crackle for a few seconds. Add the asafoetida and curry leaves to the pan and fry for an additional 10-15 seconds until the fragrance is released. -
Combine and Garnish:
Pour the hot seasoning (tadka) over the simmering sambar and stir well. Turn off the heat and let the sambar rest for a few minutes. Garnish the sambar with freshly chopped coriander leaves. -
Serve:
Serve the delicious Nuggekai Kharbyaali with hot steamed rice and a side of Murungai Keerai Poriyal (drumstick greens stir fry) for a complete, comforting North Karnataka-style meal.
Tips:
- Adjusting Sweetness and Tanginess: The addition of jaggery balances the tanginess of the tamarind, but you can adjust the sweetness to your liking. Feel free to omit the jaggery if you prefer a less sweet sambar.
- Substitute for Drumstick: If fresh drumsticks are unavailable, you can substitute with frozen drumsticks or even another vegetable like long beans or green beans, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
- Serving Suggestions: This sambar goes wonderfully with steamed rice, chapati, or even ragi mudde (finger millet balls), making it an adaptable dish to various North Karnataka meals.
This Nuggekai Kharbyaali (Spiced Drumstick Sambar) is a wholesome and rich dish that brings together the comforting flavors of lentils, drumsticks, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a weekday lunch, this dish will not only nourish you but also transport you to the heart of North Karnatakaโs culinary traditions.
