Ingredients

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, potato, pumpkin, eggplant, drumstick, and zucchini)
• 1/4 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 1/4 cup tamarind pulp
• 1 teaspoon sambar powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1-2 green chilies, slit
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

Instructions

To prepare this delicious South Indian style sambar, start by washing the toor dal thoroughly. In a pressure cooker, add dal and enough water to cook until soft (about 3 whistles). In a separate pot, boil the mixed vegetables with turmeric powder, salt, and water until tender.

Once the dal is cooked, mash it lightly. In a large pot, heat oil, and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add cumin seeds, green chilies, and curry leaves, sautéing for a few seconds until fragrant. Stir in the boiled vegetables and mashed dal, along with tamarind pulp and sambar powder. Add more water if needed to achieve desired consistency. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Adjust salt as needed. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve hot with steamed rice and wheel chips for a delightful lunch box option. This sambar is not only healthy but also packed with the goodness of various vegetables, making it perfect for a nutritious meal.