Sambar is a popular South Indian Lentil based vegetable stew that is popular in South Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala,Karnataka,Telangana, etc. Sambar with steamed rice is one of the most comforting meals, not just for the people in South India but others too. Arachuvitta Sambar Recipe is a traditional South Indian Sambar that is made from freshly roasted spices and coconut which adds a special touch to this authentic sambar recipe. The sambar tastes best with seasonal vegetables like Radish, Pumpkin, Drumstick and small baby onions are a must in this sambar to give its fresh flavors and taste.
What is Arachuvitta Sambar?
‘Arachuvitta’ literally translates to ‘ground’ in Tamil. Since the spices are first roasted and then freshly ground with coconut for the masala in this sambar. Hence, the name Arachuvitta Sambar. it can make in two ways with or without coconut. Adding coconut definitely make the sambar much richer, both in terms of taste and calories. It’s your choice to make this sambar with /without coconut.
Difference between regular sambar and Arachuvitta Sambar
The main difference is that spices are first roasted, then freshly ground with coconut and added to the Arachuvitta Sambar whereas the regular sambar is a tangy stew made with lentils, vegetables and tamarind.
Araithuvita sambar is very tastier than the sambar made with stored sambar powder. Freshly ground sambar powder always gives fresh aroma and the sambar tastes better than the sambar made with already stored sambar powder.
Fresh ground masala powder:
For this particular sambar, the amount of each ingredient in this spice powder plays an important role. If it’s added in correct measurements, it turns out perfect.
To make the authentic sambar, always use drumsticks in it. Here I prepare with plenty of small onions. It tastes good without any vegetables also. It is good for digestion too. Add a bit of jaggery to get a faintly sweet taste and it also enhances the flavors of the spices. Sambar is a healthy side dish with a simple recipe that can be customized as per one’s taste. Tamarind extract, turmeric powder, curry leaves, red pepper and mustard seeds have a number of health benefits, ranging from good digestion, weight loss and high immunity. Due to the presence of water and fibre, sambar is one of the best foods for smooth digestion.
Once the sambar is rested it may turn thick consistency. this is due to the fact; we are adding lentil with the ground masala. hence you may need to bring it back to the original consistency by adding water and boiling it.
It is ideally prepared for feast, celebrations and served mainly with steamed rice, but can also be served with idli, dosa, set dosa or any South Indian snack.
Watch Arachuvitta sambar / freshly ground masala sambar recipe video.
Arachuvitta Sambar Recipe | Sambar Recipe | South Indian Sambar Recipe
Ingredients
Fresh sambar masala ingredients
Arachuvitta onion sambar ingredients
How to make Sambar Recipe
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Take toor dal and wash twice.
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Add water and turmeric powder and mix.
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Pressure cooks in medium flame for 2 whistles.
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Should not be over cook or under cook. Should be cooked under rite consistency so that it can be mashed well.
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To prepare fresh masalas, heat oil in a pan.
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Add chana dal sauté till get golden brown.
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Add coriander seeds and sauté them till aromatic.
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Add red chilli and grated coconut.
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Transfer these sauteed items in to a plate and allow to cool.
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To prepare sambar, heat oil in a pan.
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Add mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds.
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Add whole asafoetida and dry red chilli and green chilli allow to splutter.
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Add fresh curry leaves.
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Add shallots and sauté in medium flame until onion get aromatic.
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Add chopped tomatoes sauté until it become half mushy.
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Add homemade sambar powder and sauté onion and tomato well with masalas.
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Add tamarind water from big gooseberry sized tamarind pulp.
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Add natural sea rock salt to this sambar.
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Cover and boil for 5-8 minutes until tamarind and spice’s raw smell leaves.
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Add all sauteed coconut masala to mixie jar.
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To this add shallots.
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Grind them all with little water to make little rough coarse paste.
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Sambar boiled well until onion get cooked well.
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Now add ground masala paste and mix well.
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Add hot water to reach right consistency.
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Add mashed dal to the sambar.
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Boil again for 5 minutes in medium flame.
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Add little jaggery powder.
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Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
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Tasty and flavourful sambar is ready for serving.
Note
- We usually use toor dal for sambar. We can even use a mix of toor dal and moong dal.
- You can use drumsticks, ash gourd and carrots in this same sambar. you can add your favorite vegetables too.
- Try to use fresh coconut and avoid using frozen or desiccated coconut for this recipe.
