Sambar Recipe Without Vegetables Easy Home Cooking Method

Sambar Recipe Without Vegetables Easy Home Cooking Method is a simple and satisfying South Indian dal stew that you can make without traditional mixed vegetables, perfect for busy home cooks who want rich flavor with minimal prep. In this version, creamy lentils seasoned with authentic South Indian spices and tangy tamarind make up the heart of the dish, giving you the classic taste of sambar even when you’re short on veggies. Sambar is traditionally a lentil-based stew enjoyed across Southern India, but this easy no-vegetable approach keeps things quick and comforting. Wikipedia on Sambar offers historical context on how sambar evolved into this beloved staple, while the USDA official site provides authoritative nutrition details on lentils (dal), the main ingredient in this recipe.

Recipe Card

Ingredients You Need

• 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas), rinsed well
• 2 ½ cups water (for cooking dal)
• 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
• 1 small lemon-sized ball tamarind soaked in ½ cup warm water
• 2 tbsp sambar powder
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp jaggery or sugar (optional)
• Salt to taste (about 1 tsp)
• For tempering: 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• ½ tsp mustard seeds
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• ¼ tsp fenugreek seeds
• 10–12 curry leaves
• 1 pinch asafoetida (hing)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)

Step By Step Instructions

1. Cook The Dal (15 mins)

Place the rinsed toor dal in a pressure cooker. Add 2 ½ cups water, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Close the lid and pressure cook on medium heat for 3–4 whistles (about 10–12 minutes) until the dal is soft and mushy. Once the pressure releases, mash the dal well with a spoon until smooth. This creates the creamy foundation for your sambar.

2. Prepare Tamarind Extract (5 mins)

While the dal is cooking, soak the tamarind in ½ cup warm water for 5 minutes. Squeeze and strain the liquid into a bowl and discard the pulp. Set aside this sour, tangy liquid that will help give your sambar its signature flavour. Understanding Sambar Recipe Without Vegetables is essential.

3. Make The Base (10 mins)

In a heavy bottom pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter (about 30 seconds). Add cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, and hing; sauté for another 30 seconds until aromatic. Add the chopped tomato and sauté for 2–3 minutes until it softens. Sprinkle the sambar powder and mix well for 1 minute to roast the spices gently.

4. Combine And Simmer (10 mins)

Pour the tamarind extract into the pan and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Add the mashed dal and stir well. Add salt and jaggery (if using). Add water to adjust consistency to your preference (around 1–1.5 cups). Bring everything to a boil, then lower heat and let it simmer gently for 6–8 minutes so all flavours meld together and the sambar thickens slightly.

5. Final Touches

Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Cover and let rest for 2 minutes before serving. The result is rich, aromatic, and smooth sambar without any chopped vegetables, yet full of depth and comfort. This relates to Sambar Recipe Without Vegetables.

Pro Tips From My Kitchen

• If you’re short on time, mash the dal with the back of a ladle while it’s still hot — that creates the traditional velvety texture fast.
• I personally recommend using freshly roasted sambar powder if you can — it makes a noticeable flavour difference compared to store-bought blends.
• For a thicker sambar, reduce the water slightly and simmer longer; for a lighter soup-like feel with rice, add a little more water.
• Add a splash of lemon juice at the end if you like your sambar extra tangy.
• If you prefer heat, toss in a slit green chilli at the tempering stage for a subtle kick.

Chef’s Notes

Substitutions

No tomato? Use a teaspoon of tamarind paste and adjust salt to balance the tanginess. Coconut milk can add creaminess — add 2 tbsp at the end after removing from heat. If you can’t find toor dal, moong dal or a mix of moong + toor dal works well (though flavour changes slightly).

Storage Tips

Store leftover sambar in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on stovetop with a splash of water to loosen if it has thickened. Sambar also freezes well — freeze in portions and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (Approx.)

Note: Nutrition values are estimated for a typical sambar without vegetables and can vary based on exact ingredients and proportions used. According to nutrition databases, a cup of traditional sambar contains around 150–200 calories with plant-based protein and dietary fibre from the lentils. Learn more about Sambar Recipe Without Vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Vegan?

Yes — if you use oil instead of ghee for tempering, this recipe is completely vegan and still delicious.

Is This Healthy?

Lentils are rich in plant-based protein, fibre, and nutrients, making this sambar a nutritious choice, especially when paired with rice, dosa, or idli. Because there are no starchy vegetables added, the calorie count stays moderate.

Can I Make It Without Tamarind?

Yes — substitute with lemon juice or tamarind paste to maintain the sour profile. Adjust to taste.

What To Serve With This Sambar?

This no-vegetable sambar pairs excellently with steamed rice, idli, dosa, vada or even roti for a light meal.