Traditional Sambar Sadam in Tamil Nadu style | Perfect Lunchbox Recipe | How to make Sambar Sadam step-by-step Recipe

Sambar Sadam is a beloved South Indian dish that beautifully blends the flavors of sambar and rice into one wholesome, aromatic meal. Made with Toor dal, rice, tamarind, and a medley of vegetables, it’s seasoned with traditional spices that give it a rich, tangy, and mildly spicy taste. This one-pot dish is not only hearty and nutritious but also perfect for busy days when you crave something comforting yet flavorful. Whether served with papad, pickle, or a dollop of ghee, Sambar Sadam captures the essence of South Indian home cooking in every bite. I learned this recipe from my mom she makes an aromatic Sambar Podi which gives a nice flavor and aroma to the dish. Sambar Rice offers the wholesome goodness of sambar with the heartiness of rice, making it a perfect dish for lunch or dinner. Click to view more Tamil Nadu Variety Rice Recipes.

Click the link to view Side dish fo Sambar Sadam

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Chow Chow Poriyal

Ingredients for making Sambar Sadam

1 cup rice

¼ cup toor dal (pigeon peas)

3 cups water

3 tbsp ghee 

Salt to taste

½ cup chopped carrots

½ cup chopped beans

½ cup chopped drumstick pieces

¼ cup chopped brinjal (eggplant)

1 small tomato, chopped

A handful of small onions

1 small piece of tamarind (soaked in warm water)

Sambar Powder - 5 tbsps.

For Tempering

1 tbsp oil or ghee

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 tsp urad dal

A handful of cashews

A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

A few curry leaves

Instructions for making Sambar Sadam

Step 1: Cook Rice and Dal 

Wash rice and toor dal together. Add 3 cups of water, a pinch of turmeric, and cook until soft and mushy. You can even cook in pressure cooker for 4 whistles. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Sambar Powder

For preparing Sambar Powder click the below link:

Sambar Powder

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables with tamarind extract

1. Heat oil in a pan, add small onions, and sauté until translucent.
2. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
3. Add all vegetables, turmeric, and salt.
4. Pour in tamarind extract and let the vegetables cook until tender.

Step 4: Combine the Rice and vegetables together

1. Add the cooked rice and dal mixture to the vegetables.
2. Mix in the prepared sambar powder and adjust salt.
3. Add water as needed to reach desired consistency.
4. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 5: Tempering

1. Heat ghee or oil in a small pan.
2. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, cashews, asafoetida, and curry leaves.
3. Pour the tempering over the sambar sadam and mix well.
4. Add the remaining ghee on top of the rice and mix well.

Serving Suggestion

 

Serve Aromatic Sambar Sadam hot with any South Indian Varuval, papad, pickle, or a drizzle of ghee for an authentic South Indian experience.

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