This is my MIL’s method of making Tamilnadu style drumstick sambar/ murungakkai sambar for rice. My MIl’s sambar is very easy when compared with my mom’s version. There is no grinding job. A tsp of sambar powder is enough to make this yummy sambar. After many attempts , I got hooked to this measurement. I usually add my MIL’s home made sambar powder for this sambar but you can use store bought sambar powder too. My in-laws are here in my place. I made this sambar last week and it was tasting great. My in-laws loved it. Here I have given the measurements for 4 people.

U can either half the quantity for two people or make the same quantity and use it for lunch & dinner. This sambar can be converted to idli sambar by adding a powder which I have given in “notes” section. We usually do this with leftover sambar.

It tastes similar to hotel sambar. Do try this sambar & let me know your feedback friends.

Drumstick sambar / Murungakkai sambar recipe for rice

Cuisine: Tamilnadu

Category: Side dish

Serves: 4

Prep time: 20 Minutes

Cook time: 20 Minutes

Total time: 40 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

To pressure cook

Toor dal – 1/3 cup
Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
Asafetida/hing – A pinch
Cooking Oil – a drop
Water – as needed
To soak in water:
Tamarind – Big gooseberry size

To add in drumstick water

Drumstick – 2 nos (medium sized)
Sambar powder – 1 tsp
Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
Hing / asafetida – 2 pinches
Salt – as needed
Curry leaves – few

To temper & saute

Cooking oil – 1 tbsp
Methi seeds – 1/4 tsp
Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
Red chilli– 2 (pinched)
Green chilli – 2
Big onion – 1 no
Curry leaves – few
Coriander leaves – to garnish

How to make drumstick sambar

Wash and pressure cook toor dal adding hing, turmeric powder and a drop of oil in required water for 2 whistles in low flame. Mash and set aside.
Soak tamarind in warm water, take extract using 3 cups of water.
Add sambar powder, salt, turmeric powder, hing and curry leaves.
Cut drumstick into finger size pieces. Heat oil in a kadai. Add methi seeds, mustard seeds, chilli, onion and curry leaves.
Add drumstick pieces, some water, salt and cook well. Add tamarind extract.
Boil till raw smell goes off. Lastly add the cooked toor dal. Mix well.
Boil for few minutes, switch off the flame.
Garnish with coriander leaves. Enjoy with rice.

HOW TO MAKE DRUMSTICK SAMBAR FOR RICE – METHOD

Pressure cook toor dal adding turmeric powder, required water, hing and a drop of oil. Cook for 1 to 2 whistles in low flame. After the steam is released, open the lid, mash well and set aside.
Soak tamarind in warm water and take the extract using 3 cups of water. To this extract add sambar powder, salt, turmeric powder, hing & raw curry leaves.. Cut the drumstick into finger size pieces. Slit them half the way.

In a wide kadai heat oil and add the methi seeds. When it starts to splutter add the mustard seeds and let it splutter completely. Then add the pinched red chilli, green chilli, sliced big onion and curry leaves. Saute well.

Now add the tamarind extract & drumstick pieces. Cover and cook in medium flame. Allow it to boil till the drumstick is cooked well. To check if it is cooked, take a piece of drumstick, open & remove the seeds. If it comes out easily, it is done.

Finally add the cooked and mashed dal, some water if needed and allow it to roll boil twice. Switch off the flame and garnish with coriander leaves.

Add a tsp of ghee while serving. Mix with plain rice and enjoy !!

NOTE

How to convert this sambar to idli sambar

For converting this sambar into idli sambar, add the below powder & allow it to boil. Add lots of coriander leaves & serve hot with idli, dosa. U can also saute & add small / big onions & one tomato to get additional flavour.

For sambar powder:

Methi seeds – 1/2 tsp
Dhania – 1.5 tsp
Chana dal – 2 tsp
Red chilli – 2 nos
Hing – A big pinch

Method:

Roast all the above ingredients in a drop of oil till you get a nice smell. Powder them nicely and add this to sambar. In a kadai, add a tsp of oil and saute the onions & tomatoes. Add 1/2 cup of water and cook them. Then add the sambar. Allow it boil. Garnish with coriander leaves & serve hot adding a tsp of ghee !!

Try this easy, yummy Murungakkai sambar for rice and enjoy !