Vegan Red Lentil Indian Sambar

By
Jolinda Hackett
Jolinda Hackett
Jolinda Hackett has written five books about plant-based cooking and has developed hundreds of vegan and vegetarian recipes.
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Updated on 08/12/19
Dosa with sambar

 

NarenderSanwariya / Getty Images 
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 60 mins
Total: 75 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
436 Calories
9g Fat
74g Carbs
21g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 436
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9g 12%
Saturated Fat 1g 6%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 166mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 74g 27%
Dietary Fiber 16g 56%
Protein 21g
Calcium 212mg 16%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Sambar (sometimes spelled sambhar) is a popular vegetarian Indian food dish, that is also vegan as well. It's made with red lentils, mustard seeds, onion, and fiery green chilies.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 3 1/2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons cold-pressed canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 hot green chilies, seeded and minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons sambar powder (see note below)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup cauliflower, chopped
  • 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup  eggplant, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Combine the lentils and water in a pot and bring to a boil.

  3. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer until soft, 30 minutes. Set aside, do not drain.

  4. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds.

  5. When they begin to pop, add the onion, garlic, chiles, and ginger and cook until softened - about 5 minutes.

  6. Stir in the tomatoes, then add the sambar powder, coriander, cayenne, cumin, and salt.

  7. Add the carrots, cauliflower, green beans, and eggplant. Cover and cook for 5 minutes to soften.

  8. Add the vegetable mixture to the reserved lentils, cover, and simmer until the vegetables are soft - about 20 minutes. If the mixture becomes too thick, add more water.

  9. Stir in the lime juice and cilantro and cook 5 minutes longer. Taste and adjust the seasonings.

  10. Serve and enjoy!

Tip

Vegetarian red lentil sambar recipe reprinted with permission from "Vegan Fire & Spice: 200 Sultry and Savory Global Recipes" by chef Robin Robertson.

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