Udupi Style Sambar Recipe – Masala Huli with Mixed Vegetables
Overview
Udupi Style Sambar, also known as Masala Huli, is a vibrant and flavorful South Indian dish that embodies the essence of Udupi cuisine, famed for its vegetarian dishes brimming with aromatic spices and fresh ingredients. This recipe showcases a harmonious blend of lentils and assorted vegetables, enriched with a homemade spice mix and coconut, making it a delightful accompaniment for rice, idlis, or dosas. With a preparation time of approximately 20 minutes and a cooking time of about 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for those seeking a nourishing and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Here is a comprehensive list of the ingredients required to prepare Udupi Style Sambar with Mixed Vegetables:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1/2 cup (soaked for 90 minutes) |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1 pinch |
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 3 tablespoons |
| Coriander seeds (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Methi seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1 teaspoon |
| White urad dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Byadagi dried chillies | 4 (or to taste) |
| Curry leaves | 12 leaves (or a few sprigs) |
| Sunflower oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion (finely sliced) | 1 |
| Tomato (cubed) | 1 |
| Drumstick (peeled and cut) | 2 (cut into 2-inch pieces) |
| Kaddu (Pumpkin, cubed) | 100 grams |
| Tamarind paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Jaggery | 1 tablespoon (or to taste) |
| Red chili powder | 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste) |
| Salt | to taste |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Methi seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| White urad dal (Split) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry red chillies | 2 (broken into pieces) |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 2 pinches |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s a glimpse of the nutritional content of Udupi Style Sambar per serving. This will help you understand the health benefits of this dish, making it a perfect addition to your meal planning.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Preparation Instructions
Creating the Udupi Style Sambar is a straightforward process, and it all begins with the preparation of the lentils, followed by the roasting of spices and the assembly of ingredients to create a rich and wholesome dish.
-
Soak the Lentils:
Start by soaking the toor dal (Arhar dal) in sufficient water for about 90 minutes. This soaking process softens the lentils, allowing for quicker cooking and better flavor absorption. -
Cook the Lentils:
Once the dal is soaked, thoroughly wash it under running water and drain. In a pressure cooker, combine the soaked dal with a pinch of asafoetida, turmeric powder, and 1.5 cups of water. Pressure cook the lentils until they are soft and cooked through, which should take about two whistles. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally. -
Roast the Spice Mix:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat about a teaspoon of oil. Add the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, methi seeds, chana dal, white urad dal, Byadagi red chillies, and curry leaves (reserve the grated coconut for later). Roast these ingredients for about a minute until they change color and release a delightful aroma. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. -
Grind the Spice Paste:
Once the roasted spices have cooled, transfer them to a blender along with the grated coconut. Add a little water and grind to a smooth paste. This homemade masala is what gives the sambar its signature flavor. -
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same heavy-bottomed pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add mustard seeds and allow them to sizzle. Then, add the methi seeds, urad dal, broken dry red chillies, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds before adding the finely sliced onions. Cook until the onions turn translucent. -
Cook the Drumsticks:
Once the onions are translucent, add the peeled drumsticks and 1 cup of water. Cover with a lid and let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the drumsticks to become tender. -
Add the Vegetables:
After 15 minutes, add the cubed pumpkin, red chili powder, and continue cooking for another 15 minutes. This step allows the pumpkin to soften and infuse the sambar with its natural sweetness. -
Incorporate the Tomatoes:
When the vegetables are tender, stir in the cubed tomatoes and cook until they break down and meld into the sambar. -
Combine the Ingredients:
While the vegetables are cooking, mash the cooked dal in the pressure cooker to a smooth consistency. Once the vegetables are ready, add the tamarind paste, salt, jaggery, and the ground masala to the pan. Mix in the mashed dal, adding water as necessary to achieve your desired consistency. -
Bring to a Boil:
Stir everything well, and bring the sambar to a gentle boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or jaggery if needed. -
Simmer and Serve:
Reduce the heat and let the sambar simmer for a few minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Once ready, switch off the stove.
Serving Suggestions
Udupi Style Sambar is best served piping hot, making it an excellent side dish for soft idlis or crispy dosas, providing a perfect balance of flavors and textures. To elevate your meal further, pair it with a side of Red Chilli Coconut Chutney for that classic South Indian breakfast experience.
Conclusion
This Udupi Style Sambar recipe not only offers a delightful explosion of flavors but also showcases the rich culinary heritage of South India. With its medley of spices and wholesome vegetables, it is a nourishing choice that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Enjoy preparing this authentic dish, and relish the warmth and comfort it brings to your table!
