South Indian One Pot Sambar Rice Recipe
Introduction
Sambar Rice, a beloved South Indian dish, is a comforting one-pot meal that combines a delightful mix of vegetables, lentils, and rice, all enveloped in the rich flavors of spices. This recipe is an excellent choice for a quick and wholesome lunch or dinner, offering a perfect balance of nutrition and taste. Ideal for vegetarians, it incorporates the traditional South Indian spices and ingredients like tamarind, jaggery, and coconut, making it a flavorful and soul-satisfying dish. Whether you are looking for an easy-to-make family dinner or a meal to impress your guests, this Sambar Rice is sure to be a hit.
Cuisine
- South Indian
Course
- Main Course
Diet
- Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Masala Paste:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ghee | 1 teaspoon |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 2 tablespoons |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander Seeds (Dhania) | 1 tablespoon |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chillies | 4 |
| Fresh Coconut (roughly chopped) | 1/4 cup |
For Sambar Rice:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice (Sona Masuri variety) | 1 cup |
| Pink Masoor Dal (Split) | 1/2 cup |
| Potato (Aloo), cubed | 1/4 cup |
| Green Beans (French Beans), chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Bottle Gourd (Lauki), chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Onion, sliced | 1/2 cup |
| Ghee | 2 teaspoons |
| Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Green Chilli, slit | 1 |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Tamarind Water | 1/3 cup |
| Jaggery | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 4 cups |
| Salt | to taste |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania), chopped | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time:
- 20 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 45 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Masala Paste:
- Heat a small saucepan and add 1 teaspoon of ghee.
- Once the ghee is hot, add the chana dal, urad dal, and methi seeds. Fry them on a low to medium flame until they turn golden brown and release a pleasant aroma.
- Stir in the coriander seeds and mustard seeds, sautéing them for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add the dry red chillies and the chopped fresh coconut, and sauté well for another minute or so. The coconut should lightly brown and release a sweet aroma.
- Once done, transfer the mixture onto a plate and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Add a little water and grind the mixture into a thick, smooth paste. Set this aside for later use.
-
Cook the Sambar Rice:
- In a large pot or pressure cooker, heat 2 teaspoons of ghee and 2 teaspoons of oil over medium heat.
- Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add the dry red chillies and the slit green chilli.
- Stir in the sliced onion and sauté until it turns soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cubed potatoes, chopped green beans, and bottle gourd. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the rice and pink masoor dal to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Now, add the freshly prepared masala paste to the rice and dal mixture. Stir to coat the grains and vegetables evenly with the spices.
- Pour in the tamarind water, turmeric powder, and jaggery. Add salt to taste and give everything a good mix.
- Add 4 cups of water, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes on medium heat, or until the rice and dal are cooked through and tender.
(If using a pressure cooker, cook for about 3-4 whistles on medium heat.)
-
Final Touch:
- Once the rice is fully cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions:
Sambar Rice is delicious when served with a side of crispy papad, yogurt, or even a simple vegetable raita. For an added treat, you can pair it with a tangy pickle or a refreshing salad to complete the meal. Whether you’re preparing it for lunch, dinner, or as a comforting weekend meal, this dish is bound to delight.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Quantity per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 65 g |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
| Sugars | 5 g |
Conclusion:
South Indian One Pot Sambar Rice is the perfect blend of flavors and nutrition, offering a hearty meal in a single pot. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting meal or need a quick lunch to whip up, this easy recipe is bound to satisfy your cravings for something wholesome and delicious. So, get ready to indulge in the flavors of South India with this incredibly satisfying dish!
