India > South Indian > Tamil Nadu

Ridge Gourd Sambar Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
- 2 cups water
- 1 medium-sized ridge gourd, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons sambar powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 dried red chilies
- A few curry leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves

Special equipment needed: None

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the toor dal and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. In a pressure cooker, add the soaked toor dal, 2 cups of water, chopped ridge gourd, chopped onion, chopped tomatoes, tamarind paste, sambar powder, turmeric powder, and salt to taste.
3. Mix well and pressure cook for 4-5 whistles or until the dal is cooked.
4. Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and mash the dal and vegetables with a ladle.
5. In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and curry leaves.
6. Once the mustard seeds start to splutter, add the mashed dal and vegetables to the pan.
7. Mix well and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.
8. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

30 minutes preparation time, 20 minutes cooking time
Temperature: None
Serving size: 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Toor dal can be substituted with any other lentil.
- Ridge gourd can be substituted with any other vegetable.
- Tamarind paste can be substituted with lemon juice.

Variations:
- Add boiled potatoes or carrots for a different flavor.
- Add coconut milk for a creamy texture.

Tips and tricks:
- Soak the dal for at least 30 minutes for faster cooking.
- Adjust the sambar powder according to your spice preference.

Storage instructions:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in a pan on low heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a bowl with rice or bread.

Garnishes:
- Chopped coriander leaves.

Pairings:
- Rice or bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Papadum or pickle.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sambar is too thick, add more water.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the dal and vegetables are cooked properly.

Food history:
- Sambar is a popular South Indian dish that originated in Tamil Nadu.

Flavor profiles:
- Spicy, tangy, and savory.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with rice or bread.

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Region: Indian

Taste: Spicy, Tangy, Savory, Earthy, Nutty