Kerala Sambar | Varuthu Araicha Sambar

Kerala sambar or varuthu araicha sambar is a delectable, traditional and quintessential dish for onam sadya.The flavour of this sambar comes from the freshly roast (varuthu) and ground (araicha) sambar masala hence it is called varuthu araicha sambar. Check out how to make this delicious and authentic Kerala sambar below.

Ingredients

Toor dal-100 gms

Mixed vegetables - (drumstick,carrot,beans)-1 1/2 cups

Small onions -10-15 nos

Tomatoes -2 chopped

Garlic -4 nos crushed

Tamarind extract -from small lemon sized tamarind

Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp

Asafetida a pinch

Salt to taste

Oil -1 tbsp

Curry leaves few

Sambar masala ( Roast in 1 tsp oil and powder it)-

Coriander seeds-2 tbsps

Red chillies -6-8 nos

Fenugreek seeds -1/4 tsp

Cumin seeds-1 tsp

Grated coconut -2 tbsps

Oil -1 tsp

Method

👉Pressure cook the dal along with turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp oil and required water(just enough to immerse dal fully )for 5-6 whistles, mash the dal well and set aside.

👉Cook the vegetables by boiling or pressure cooking set aside along with the water to be used later.

👉Saute the ingredients given under sambar masala in oil until you get nice aroma and light golden colour and powder it finely set aside.This is very a important step as the unique flavour of this sambar comes from sauteing the masalas correctly,  so be cautious while frying them.

👉Heat oil in a kadai add mustard seeds,curry leaves,asafetida and allow it to splutter.
👉Add crushed garlic,onions and saute well.

👉Once the onions become soft add the tomatoes and sauté until they are done.

👉Add the cooked dal, tamarind extract, turmeric powder, ground sambar powder, required water, salt and allow the sambar to boil until raw smell goes.

👉Add the cooked vegetables mix everything well and bring to a boil .

👉Garnish and serve hot.

Preparation Time -20 mins

Serves- 6

Note -

✍️You can add any vegetable of your choice.