Everyday sambar with drumstick style vegetables
A sour, spicy lentil and vegetable stew from South India that goes with rice, idli or dosa.
- Time1 hr
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £1.57 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
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Method
- 1
Rinse the dal. Simmer it in the water with the turmeric for 30 minutes until it falls apart, then mash lightly.
30 min - 2
In another pan, put the carrot, beans, aubergine, onion and tomatoes with 300 ml water. Cook for 12 minutes until just tender.
12 min - 3
Add the vegetables and their liquid to the dal along with the tamarind, sambar powder and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes.
10 min - 4
Heat the oil in a small pan. Add the mustard seeds until they pop, then the dried chillies, curry leaves and asafoetida for 20 seconds.
- 5
Tip the tempering into the sambar and stir. Thin with a splash of water if needed and serve hot with rice.
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.