Murungakkai Sambar (Drumstick Sambar) Recipe

Murungakkai Sambar (Drumstick Sambar) Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Sambar:

• 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 2-3 drumsticks (moringa pods), cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, slit
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste (or a small lemon-sized tamarind ball soaked in water)
• 1 tablespoon sambar powder
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

For Tempering:

• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 2 dried red chilies
• 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Toor Dal:
   • Rinse the toor dal thoroughly and pressure cook it with 2 cups of water, turmeric powder, and a few drops of oil until soft and mushy. You can use a stovetop pressure cooker (4-5 whistles) or an Instant Pot.
   • Once the dal is cooked, mash it well and set it aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In a large pot, heat some oil and sauté the chopped onions until they turn translucent.
   • Add the tomatoes, green chilies, and drumstick pieces. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften.
3. Prepare the Sambar:
   • Add the cooked toor dal to the pot along with enough water to achieve your desired consistency.
   • Stir in the sambar powder and tamarind paste (or strained tamarind water if using soaked tamarind). Add salt to taste.
   • Let the sambar simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the drumsticks to become tender.
4. Tempering (Tadka):
   • In a small pan, heat the oil or ghee. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
   • Add cumin seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, dried red chilies, and fenugreek seeds (if using). Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
   • Pour the tempering over the simmering sambar and stir well.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish the sambar with fresh coriander leaves.
   • Serve hot with steamed rice, dosa, idli, or even as a soup.

This sambar is a flavorful and nutritious dish, rich in protein from the dal and vitamins from the drumsticks. It’s a staple in South Indian cuisine and is loved for its tangy and spicy taste. Enjoy your meal!