Meal Prep · South Indian
Drumstick Sambar
A flavorful and aromatic South Indian lentil stew with tender drumsticks, perfect for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
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Step-by-step- Wash and soak Toor Dal for 15-20 minutes. Pressure cook the dal with 2 cups of water and a pinch of turmeric until soft and mushy (about 3-4 whistles). Mash lightly and set aside.
- Extract tamarind pulp by squeezing the soaked tamarind and straining the liquid. Discard the fibrous residue.
- In a large pot or kadai, heat oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds, dry red chillies, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
- Add the drumstick pieces, turmeric powder, and sambar powder. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the tamarind extract and 1-1.5 cups of water. Add salt and jaggery (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until drumsticks are tender.
- Once drumsticks are cooked, add the mashed toor dal to the pot. Mix well and bring the sambar to a gentle boil.
- Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Check for seasoning and adjust if needed.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving hot with rice, idli, or dosa.
Nutrition
Per serving| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280-320 kcal |
| Protein | 12-15 g |
| Fat | 8-10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35-40 g |
| Fiber | 8-10 g |
Storage & Freezer Guide
Make it last Refrigerator 3-4 days
Store in an airtight container. Ensure it cools completely before refrigerating.
Freezer Up to 2 months
Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags once cooled. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat Stovetop/Microwave
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until simmering. Add a splash of water if it’s too thick. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Chef’s Corner
- For a richer flavor, roast the sambar powder lightly in a dry pan before adding it to the sambar.
- Adjust the consistency of the sambar by adding more hot water if you prefer it thinner. Always bring it back to a gentle boil after adding water.
- A pinch of jaggery helps balance the sourness of the tamarind and enhances the overall flavor profile.
