When it comes to South Indian lunch recipes, one dish that stands out is Sambar Rice. This delicious, comforting, and nutritious meal is a staple in many South Indian households. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience filled with spices, lentils, and fresh vegetables that come together to create a beautiful blend.
In this blog, I’ll tell you everything about Sambar Rice, including its ingredients, how to make it, and some tips to make it perfect every time. So, let’s get started!
What is Sambar Rice?
Sambar Rice is a dish where rice and toor dal are cooked with various vegetables in a spicy and tangy sambar. This dish uses traditional South Indian spices and is finished with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies. Sambar Rice is not only tasty but also rich in nutrients, making it a balanced and satisfying meal.
Why Sambar Rice is a Popular South Indian Lunch Recipes
Sambar Rice is popular for several reasons:
- Easy to Make: It doesn’t require any special cooking skills.
- Nutritious: The combination of rice, dal, and vegetables makes it rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- Comfort Food: The warm spices make it a comforting choice for lunch.
- Versatile: You can add different vegetables according to your preference or what’s in season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the ingredients needed to make Sambar Rice. Most of these can be easily found in an Indian kitchen.
For Rice and Dal:
- 1 cup rice (preferably Sona Masoori or any small-grain rice)
- ½ cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 3 cups water
- Salt to taste
For Sambar:
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 small potato, chopped
- 5-6 okra, chopped
- ¼ cup drumstick, cut into pieces (optional)
- 1 teaspoon tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons sambar powder (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2-3 cups water
For Tempering:
- 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2-3 dried red chilies
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 10-12 curry leaves
- 1 tablespoon grated coconut (optional)
Method
The process of making Sambar Rice is broken down into simple steps:
Cook the Rice and Dal
- Wash the rice and toor dal thoroughly.
- In a pressure cooker, add the washed rice, toor dal, turmeric powder, salt, and 3 cups of water.
- Cook on medium heat for 3-4 whistles. Let the pressure release naturally.
- After the pressure releases, mash the rice and dal mixture slightly and set it aside.
Prepare the Vegetables
- While the rice and dal are cooking, chop the vegetables (onion, tomato, carrot, potato, okra, and drumstick).
- Heat oil in a large pan and add the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Then add the chopped tomato and cook until soft and mushy.
- Now add the chopped carrot, potato, okra, and drumstick. Sauté for a few minutes.
Make the Sambar
- Add turmeric powder, sambar powder, and salt to the sautéed vegetables.
- Mix well and cook the spices for a few minutes.
- Add tamarind paste and 2-3 cups of water. Mix well.
- Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat until the vegetables are fully cooked.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, add the rice and dal mixture. Mix everything well.
- Let it simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes so that all the flavors blend together. You can adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
Temper the Sambar Rice
- In a small pan, heat oil or ghee. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add cumin seeds, dried red chilies, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Pour this tempering over the prepared Sambar Rice and mix well.
- Garnish with grated coconut if using and serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Sambar Rice
-
- Consistency of Rice: Sambar Rice should be a bit thick, so don’t hesitate to add more water while cooking if it feels too thick.
- Choice of Vegetables: You can also add other vegetables like eggplant, pumpkin, or radish as per your preference.
- Homemade Sambar Powder: For an authentic flavor, you can use homemade sambar powder, which enhances the taste compared to store-bought powder.
- Balancing Tamarind: Adjust tamarind according to your taste. The dish should have a good balance of tanginess and spice.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve Sambar Rice with papad, pickle, and yogurt or raita to enhance the overall taste.
Why Sambar Rice is a Must-Try South Indian Lunch Recipes
Sambar Rice is not just a meal; it’s a taste of South Indian tradition. The combination of rice, dal, and vegetables in a tangy, spicy sambar creates a dish that’s not only delicious but also rich in nutrients. It’s an ideal dish for those who want to experience authentic South Indian cuisine.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to make and guarantees a satisfying meal. The aroma of spices, the richness of lentils, and the freshness of vegetables make Sambar Rice a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Conclusion
Sambar Rice is a traditional South Indian lunch recipe loved by people of all ages. Its simplicity, nutritional value, and amazing taste make it a favorite for many. Whether you’re making it for a regular lunch at home or serving it at a family gathering, Sambar Rice is sure to be a hit.
So next time you’re in the mood for something comforting and delicious, give Sambar Rice a try. With this recipe, you’re just a few steps away from enjoying a tasty and nutritious South Indian meal.
Happy Cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out this post.
