Arachuvitta Sambar: A Traditional South Indian Delicacy

Are you a fan of authentic South Indian cuisine? If yes, then you must have tried the delicious Arachuvitta Sambar. This traditional dish is a must-try for anyone who loves a blend of spices and flavors. In this article, we will explore the origins of Arachuvitta Sambar, its ingredients, the cooking process, and the nutritional value of this delectable dish.

What is Arachuvitta Sambar?

Arachuvitta Sambar is a traditional South Indian dish that originated in the state of Tamil Nadu. The word ‘Arachuvitta’ means ground or pounded in Tamil, while ‘Sambar’ is a lentil-based vegetable stew. As the name suggests, Arachuvitta Sambar is made by grinding a mixture of spices and adding it to the cooked lentils and vegetables.

Ingredients Required for Arachuvitta Sambar

Arachuvitta Sambar: A Traditional South Indian Delicacy

Recipe by SAYEDCourse: MainCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

189

kcal

Total time

45

minutes

Arachuvitta Sambar is a traditional South Indian dish that originated in the state of Tamil Nadu. The word ‘Arachuvitta’ means ground or pounded in Tamil, while ‘Sambar’ is a lentil-based vegetable stew.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup toor dal

• 2 cups water

• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 tomato, chopped

• 1 drumstick, cut into 2-inch pieces

• 1 carrot, chopped

• 1 small brinjal, chopped

• 10-12 curry leaves

• 2 tbsp tamarind paste

• Salt to taste

• For Roasting and Grinding:

• 1 tbsp oil

• 1 tbsp chana dal

• 1 tbsp urad dal

• 2 tbsp coriander seeds

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 5-6 dried red chilies

• 1/2 cup grated coconut

• For Tempering:

• 1 tbsp oil

• 1 tsp mustard seeds

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 dried red chili

• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

Directions

• Rinse toor dal and add it to a pressure cooker along with 2 cups of water and turmeric powder. Cook for 3-4 whistles or until the dal is cooked and mushy.
• Meanwhile, in a pan, heat oil over medium flame.
• Add chana dal, urad dal, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and grated coconut.
• Roast until the coconut turns golden brown. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool.
• Grind the roasted mixture to a smooth paste by adding little water.
• In a separate pot, heat oil over medium flame for tempering.
• Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chili, and asafoetida.
• Once the seeds start to splutter, add chopped onions and curry leaves. Saute until the onions turn translucent.
• Add chopped tomatoes, drumstick, carrot, and brinjal. Mix well and cook for 5-6 minutes.
• Add tamarind paste, salt, and the ground masala paste. Mix well and cook for 5-7 minutes.
• Add the cooked toor dal and mix well. If the sambar is too thick, add water to adjust the consistency.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes on medium flame or until the vegetables are cooked and the sambar comes to a boil.
• Serve hot with steamed rice, dosa, or idli.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Nutrition Facts: Calories: 189 | Total Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 206mg | Total Carbohydrates: 21g | Dietary Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Protein: 5g

The ingredients required for making Arachuvitta Sambar are easily available in most Indian households. Here’s a list of the main ingredients:

For Sambar:

• Toor Dal (split pigeon peas)
• Tamarind pulp
• Vegetables (such as drumsticks, pumpkin, carrots, brinjal, and okra)
• Sambar powder
• Turmeric powder
• Salt
• Water
• Curry leaves
• Coriander leaves

For Spice Paste:

• Dried red chilies
• Coriander seeds
• Cumin seeds
• Chana dal (split Bengal gram)
• Urad dal (split black gram)
• Fresh coconut
• Fenugreek seeds

How to Make Arachuvitta Sambar?

The preparation of Arachuvitta Sambar involves three main steps – cooking the lentils, preparing the spice paste, and combining the two to make the final dish. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Arachuvitta Sambar:

1. Wash the Toor Dal and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Then, pressure cook it with turmeric powder and water until soft and mushy.
2. In a pan, dry roast the ingredients for the spice paste – dried red chilies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, chana dal, urad dal, fenugreek seeds, and fresh coconut. Roast them until they turn golden brown, then allow them to cool.
3. Once cooled, grind the roasted ingredients to a fine paste using a mixer or blender. Add a little water if required.
4. In a separate pan, heat some oil and add the chopped vegetables along with some salt. Saute them for a few minutes until they turn slightly soft.
5. Add the tamarind pulp and water to the pan and let it cook for a few more minutes.
6. Add the cooked Toor Dal and Sambar powder to the pan and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes.
7. Finally, add the ground spice paste to the pan and stir well. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until the flavors blend well.
8. Garnish with curry leaves and coriander leaves before serving hot with steamed rice or idlis.

Nutritional Value of Arachuvitta Sambar

Arachuvitta Sambar is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. The lentils used in Sambar are a rich source of dietary fiber, which helps in maintaining digestive health. The vegetables used in the dish provide essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for good health.

Conclusion

Arachuvitta Sambar is a traditional South Indian dish that is loved by people all over the world. The unique blend of spices and the use of fresh ingredients make this dish stand out. It is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for all. You can experiment with different vegetables and adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds.

So, next time you crave some authentic South Indian food, try making Arachuvitta Sambar at home. It’s a sure shot way to satisfy your taste buds and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.

See also: Recipe Pesarattu: A Delicious and Nutritious South Indian Breakfast Delight

FAQs

1. Is Arachuvitta Sambar a spicy dish?

• Arachuvitta Sambar can be made as spicy or mild as you like. Adjust the amount of Sambar powder and red chilies to suit your taste buds.

2. Can I use canned lentils for this dish?

• It is best to use fresh Toor Dal for this dish. However, if you don’t have access to fresh lentils, you can use canned lentils as a substitute.

3. What are the best vegetables to use in Arachuvitta Sambar?

• You can use a variety of vegetables such as drumsticks, pumpkin, carrots, brinjal, and okra. Use vegetables that are in season for the best flavor.

4. Can I make Arachuvitta Sambar without tamarind pulp?

• Tamarind pulp is a key ingredient in this dish, as it provides the sourness to balance the flavors. However, you can use alternatives such as lemon juice or kokum if you don’t have access to tamarind pulp.

5. Can I make Arachuvitta Sambar in a slow cooker?

• Arachuvitta Sambar is traditionally made on a stovetop. However, you can make it in a slow cooker by adjusting the cooking time and liquid quantity accordingly.