Spicy Recipes

Vendakkai Sambar / Okra Sambar

This traditional South Indian dish is made with okra, dal, and a variety of spices, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

I am a big fan of my mom’s vendakkai sambar. Unfortunately, she is no more. But I learned a lot of south Indian dishes from her. This vendakkai sambar is also one of her tastiest dishes. While she was cooking this vendakkai sambar, a nice aroma fills the entire house. Even today when I am cooking this sambar my entire family feels the same. So I wanna share this recipe with you. I hope you like it!

In today's post, we are going to explore the delicious and flavorful recipe of Vendakkai Sambar. This traditional South Indian dish is made with okra, dal, and a variety of spices, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Stick around to learn how to make this unique and tasty sambar that will surely become a favorite in your home.

What Is Vendakkai Sambar?

Vendakkai sambar is a traditional South Indian dish that combines succulent pieces of okra with flavorful Indian spices and unique seasoning. This delectable dish is a perfect blend of ingredients that results in a mouth-watering and aromatic sambar. The combination of okra, dal, tamarind, and a variety of spices makes vendakkai sambar a delightful and wholesome meal that is loved by many.

Why You'll Love Vendakkai Sambar?

Delicious Texture: The vendakkai sambar is known for its unique texture, with the okras adding a crunchy and flavorful element to the dish. The combination of the soft, cooked dal and the stir-fried okras creates a delightful texture that is sure to please your palate.
Nutritious and Healthy: Okra, the star ingredient of this dish, is a rich source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is known for its potential to support digestive health, aid in weight management, and contribute to heart health. Additionally, the dal in the sambar provides a good source of protein, making this dish a wholesome and nutritious addition to your diet.
Low in Calories: Vendakkai sambar is a low-calorie dish, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight or follow a calorie-controlled diet. Despite its lightness, it doesn't compromise on flavor, making it a win-win for your taste buds and your health.
Balanced Flavors: The sambar is a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors. The tamarind juice adds a tangy touch, while the spices and seasoning contribute to the savory and spicy elements. The blend of flavors creates a harmonious taste that is sure to leave you craving for more.
Versatile Dish: This vendakkai sambar can be paired with a variety of main dishes such as rice, dosa, idli, and more. Its versatility makes it a go-to option for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal.
Easy to Make: Despite the detailed instructions, the vendakkai sambar is actually quite simple to make. With a few easily available ingredients and step-by-step guidance, you can whip up this delicious and nutritious dish in no time.

Ingredients for Vendakkai Sambar

Dal: The main source of protein in the sambar, the dal adds a creamy texture and nutty flavor to the dish.
Vendakkai: The main vegetable in the sambar
Fenugreek Seeds and Cumin Seeds: These spices add a depth of earthy and slightly bitter flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the sambar.
Asafoetida Powder: Also known as "hing," this ingredient provides a savory and umami flavor to the sambar.
Red Chili Powder and Turmeric Powder: These spices not only add a vibrant color to the sambar but also contribute to the overall flavor profile, providing a hint of heat and warmth.
Sesame Oil: It adds a nutty and rich flavor to the dish, enhancing the aroma and taste of the sambar.
Tamarind: This ingredient adds a tangy and sour note to the sambar, balancing out the flavors and adding a refreshing touch to the dish.

How To Make Vendakkai Sambar?

Vendakkai sambar is a delicious South Indian dish that combines the goodness of okra and flavorful spices. To make this mouthwatering dish, follow these simple steps to ensure a flavorful experience.

Start by washing the okras properly, pat drying them, and cutting them into 2-inch pieces. This step is essential to ensure the okras are clean and ready to be cooked.
Chop the onions and tomatoes to add to the sambar later on. These ingredients will enhance the taste and texture of the dish.
Soak the tamarind in hot water while you prepare the other ingredients. The tamarind will add a tangy flavor to the sambar.
Wash and drain the dal, then soak it in a pressure cooker with water and other ingredients for 30 to 60 minutes. This is an important step to ensure the dal is fully cooked and flavorful.
Pressure cook the dal until it is fully cooked, then set it aside.
Dry roast or stir-fry the okra pieces until they develop black spots and the slimy texture disappears. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture of the okras in the sambar.
In a separate pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, urad dal, onions, tomatoes, and other spices to create a flavorful base for the sambar.
Add the stir-fried okras to the pan and cook them until they are fully cooked.
Once the okras are cooked, add the cooked dal and mix well. Adjust the consistency with water if needed.
Finally, add the tamarind juice, remaining spices, and cook the sambar until the oil separates and floats on the surface.
Garnish the vendakkai sambar with chopped coriander leaves for a fresh and aromatic touch.

By following these steps, you can create a delicious vendakkai sambar with the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Rice: Serve the vendakkai sambar with steamed white rice for a classic and comforting South Indian meal.
Accompany with Appalam: Add a crispy texture to your meal by pairing vendakkai sambar with some appalam or papad.
Serve with Coconut Chutney: For a burst of flavor, serve the sambar with a side of coconut chutney. The creamy and spicy chutney perfectly complements the tangy sambar.
Pair with Vegetable Stir-Fry: Complete your meal by serving the vendakkai sambar with a side of freshly prepared vegetable stir-fry. It adds a healthy and crunchy element to the meal.
Enjoy with Pickles: Add a punch of flavor to your meal by pairing the sambar with some tangy and spicy pickles. The combination of flavors will elevate your dining experience.
Garnish with Coriander Leaves: Top off your vendakkai sambar with a generous sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and color. It adds a finishing touch to the dish.

Tips for Making Vendakkai Sambar

Furthermore, I want to share some easy tips and suggestions for you to make a tasty vendakkai sambar.

Firstly, make sure to clean and wipe the okra before chopping them. Then dry roast or stir-fry the okras for 5 to 7 mins, then only add 1 to 2 tsp of ghee and stir-fry another 3 mins or until black spots appear over its ridges and the slimy thing disappears. Adding of ghee helps to disappear the slimy thing comes out from the okra while frying and it also adds a nice aroma to the sambar. This is the secret of my tasty vendakkai sambar. Stir occasionally in between to avoid burning.
Also, allow the sambar to simmer after adding the tamarind juice to let the flavors meld together.
Then try to add sesame oil to cook this sambar. Finally, adding 1/4 tsp red chili powder, at last, gives a nice color to your sambar.
Garnishing the vendakkai sambar with chopped coriander leaves not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall presentation of the dish, making it more appetizing.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your vendakkai sambar turns out delicious every time!

Variations for Vendakkai Sambar

Vegetable Variations: You can add different vegetables like carrots, drumsticks, or eggplant to give your sambar a unique twist. Experiment with different combinations to see which flavors you like best.
Spice Level: Adjust the spice level according to your preference. You can increase or decrease the amount of red chili powder or add green chilies for an extra kick.
Coconut Milk: For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of coconut milk to the sambar. This will also add a subtle hint of coconut flavor to the dish.
Whole Spices: Try adding whole spices like cloves, cinnamon, or cardamom to enhance the aromatic flavor of your sambar.
Protein Addition: To make the dish more nutritious, you can add cooked chickpeas or tofu to the sambar. This will also add a different texture to the dish.
Fresh Herbs: Consider adding fresh herbs like curry leaves or cilantro to enhance the overall flavor of the vendakkai sambar. Fresh herbs will add a burst of freshness to the dish. Experiment with these variations to create your own unique vendakkai sambar recipe!

How to Store Vendakkai Sambar

Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness of the key ingredients used in making vendakkai sambar. Here are some simple storage tricks to ensure the longevity of your ingredients:

Dal: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture from affecting its texture and flavor.
Okra/Vendaikkai: Keep the okra in a paper bag or perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator to maintain its crunchiness and prevent it from becoming slimy.
Tamarind: Store the tamarind in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight to prevent it from drying out.
Spices and Seasonings: Keep the spices and seasonings in airtight containers in a dark, cool place to maintain their flavor and aroma.
Fenugreek Seeds and Cumin Seeds: Store these seeds in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to retain their flavor and prevent them from turning rancid.
Fresh Vegetables: For the chopped onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves, store them in the refrigerator in airtight containers or resealable bags to keep them fresh and prevent them from wilting.

By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your vendakkai sambar turns out fresh and flavorful every time you prepare it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use any other vegetables instead of okra in vendakkai sambar?

Yes, you can definitely use other vegetables like drumsticks, brinjal, or even mixed vegetables to make sambar. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the vegetables are cooked through.

How can I make the vendakkai sambar less spicy?

If you prefer a milder sambar, you can reduce the amount of red chili powder and adjust the level of spiciness according to your taste. You can also add a little bit of jaggery to balance out the flavors.

Can I substitute tamarind with anything else?

If you don't have tamarind, you can use tamarind paste or even a small amount of lemon juice as a substitute. Just remember to adjust the quantity based on the tanginess you prefer in your sambar.

What type of dal is best for making vendakkai sambar?

To make a traditional South Indian vendakkai sambar, you can use toor dal or pigeon pea lentils. However, you can also use masoor dal or a combination of different lentils for a unique flavor.

How long can I store leftover vendakkai sambar?

You can store leftover vendakkai sambar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

Can I make vendakkai sambar without a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can make vendakkai sambar without a pressure cooker by simply cooking the dal in a regular pot or saucepan until it is fully cooked and soft. Keep in mind that it may take longer to cook the dal using this method.

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