Authentic Tamil Nadu Tuticorin Thoothukudi Thoothukudi Vaa Pazha Pazhamurungai Sambar with Warm Steamed Ponni Rice
A fragrant, aromatic drumstick lentil stew slow-cooked with freshly ground roasted spices and tamarind. Served alongside piping hot steamed Ponni rice, it offers a comforting taste of coastal Tamil cuisine.
65min
Total Time
4
Servings
Tamil Nadu
Cuisine
Recipe
1
Wash and pressure cook the toor dal with turmeric powder and a cup of water for 4 to 5 whistles until completely soft and mashed.
2
Extract tamarind juice from the soaked pulp and set aside.
3
Heat coconut oil in a deep heavy-bottomed pot, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and let them splutter.
4
Add asafoetida, dried red chilies, and fresh curry leaves, sautéing for a few seconds until fragrant.
5
Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, then toss in the tomatoes and cook until soft.
6
Add the drumstick pieces and sauté for 3 minutes before pouring in the extracted tamarind juice and two cups of water.
7
Stir in the sambar powder and salt, cover, and simmer until the drumsticks are tender and cooked through.
8
Pour in the cooked mashed toor dal and mix well, adjusting the consistency with warm water if needed.
9
Simmer the sambar on low heat for another 8 to 10 minutes to let all the flavors meld together.
10
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed Ponni rice and a dollop of ghee.
Ingredients
1 cup Toor dal
4 Drumsticks cut into 3-inch pieces
1 large Onion chopped
2 tomatoes chopped
1 lemon-sized ball of tamarind soaked in warm water
2 tbsp Sambar powder
1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
Salt to taste
2 tbsp Coconut oil
1 tsp Mustard seeds
1 tsp Cumin seeds
1/4 tsp Asafoetida (Hing)
2 sprigs Fresh curry leaves
2 dried red chilies
1/2 cup Freshly grated coconut
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
*This AI-generated recipe may contain inaccuracies.