Thakkali Kai Sambar | Raw Tomato Sambar
Thakkali Kai Sambar (Unripe Tomato Sambar) is a unique and flavorful twist on the traditional South Indian sambar. While ripe tomatoes are typically used to add tanginess to sambar, this recipe replaces them with unripe green tomatoes, offering a refreshing and mildly tangy flavor profile. This variation is perfect for those looking to experiment with sambar while staying true to its authentic roots.
Unripe tomatoes, known as Thakkali Kai in Tamil, lend a distinct taste and aroma to the dish. Their subtle tanginess blends beautifully with the toor dal (pigeon pea lentils) and sambar masala, creating a perfectly balanced dish. The spices, tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida, enhance the earthy flavor of the unripe tomatoes, making this sambar a comforting and delicious option for your meal.
This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy mornings or when you want a simple yet satisfying dish. Thakkali Kai Sambar pairs excellently with steamed rice, idli, dosa, or pongal, making it versatile enough to be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
If you’re looking to try a sambar variety that’s both unique and packed with flavor, this Unripe Tomato Sambar is a must-try! It’s a delightful way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of unripe tomatoes while savoring a traditional South Indian delicacy.
Toor dhal-1 cup
Thakkalikkai(Unripe tomato)-2 or3 nos chopped
Small onions-10 nos
Tamarind extract-from small lemon sized tamarind
Sambar powder-3 tsps
Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp
Asafetida a pinch
Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp
Asafetida a pinch
Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp
Salt to taste
Curry leaves and coriander leaves few
Oil-1 tsp
Method
👉First cook toor dal separately in a pressure cooker by adding turmeric powder, asafetida, 1/4 tsp oil and required water for 6 whistles mash it and set aside.
👉Heat oil in a kadai add mustard seeds, small onions and saute until the onions are half cooked.
👉Add the thakkalikkai and saute for a minute.
👉Then add the cooked dhal,sambar powder, tamarind extract, salt and required water mix everything well and cook until raw smell goes and the sambar thickens.
👉Garnish and serve hot with rice,idli, dosa etc.
Preparation time-20 mins
Serves-4
✍️DO NOT overcook the tomatoes.
Preparation time-20 mins
Serves-4
Note
✍️Buy green colour tomatoes(Unripe) the greener the better.✍️DO NOT overcook the tomatoes.
Tags
sambars