Murungakkai Sambar
Veg
Vegan
Murungakkai Sambar is a classic Tamil Brahmin dish prepared with drumsticks simmered in a tangy tamarind and lentil broth. It's a nutritious and hearty dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
Cuisines
Tamil Brahmin
Best for
Lunch
Dinner
Recipe
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min
Total: 45 min
2-3 servings
Ingredients
| 1/2 cup | toor dal (pigeon peas) |
| 1 medium | drumstick (murungakkai) |
| 1 small | tomato |
| 1 small | onion |
| 1 tsp | tamarind paste |
| 1/4 tsp | turmeric powder |
| 1 tsp | sambar powder |
| — | salt to taste |
| 1 tbsp | oil |
| 1/2 tsp | mustard seeds |
| 1/2 tsp | cumin seeds |
| 1 pinch | asafoetida |
| 1 sprig | curry leaves |
| 2 cups | water |
| — | coriander leaves, for garnish |
Instructions
- 1 Wash the toor dal thoroughly and pressure cook with 1 cup of water and turmeric powder for about 3-4 whistles until soft.
- 2 Chop the drumstick into 2-inch pieces, and dice the tomato and onion.
- 3 In a pot, add the cooked dal, drumstick pieces, chopped tomato, onion, tamarind paste, sambar powder, and salt.
- 4 Add 1 cup of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Simmer until the drumstick is cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
- 5 In a small pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves.
- 6 Pour the tempering over the sambar and mix well.
- 7 Garnish with chopped coriander leaves before serving.
Tips
For a richer flavor, add a spoonful of ghee before serving.