Sambar Vada recipe with tips and health benefits

Balasahana Suresh
Sambar Vada Recipe

Ingredients:

For Vada:

  • 1 cup urad dal (split black gram)
  • 1 tsp ginger, finely chopped
  • 2 green chilies, finely chopped
  • ¼ tsp asafoetida (hing)
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for deep frying
For Sambar:

  • 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 small tomato, chopped
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • 1–2 tbsp sambar powder
  • Tamarind pulp (lemon-data-sized ball soaked in warm water)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1–2 cups water
For Tempering:

  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2 dried red chilies
  • A few curry leaves
  • 1 tsp oil
Instructions:

Prepare Vada:

Soak urad dal for 4–5 hours. Drain and grind to a smooth batter, adding minimal water.

Mix in ginger, green chilies, asafoetida, and salt.

Heat oil in a pan, shape batter into small doughnut-shaped vadas, and deep fry until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.

Prepare Sambar:

Cook toor dal until soft and mash lightly.

In a pot, combine dal, chopped onion, tomato, turmeric powder, sambar powder, tamarind pulp, and water. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.

Adjust consistency to your preference; sambar should be slightly thick but pourable.

Tempering:

Heat oil, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and curry leaves. Pour over the sambar.

Assemble sambar Vada:

Place fried vadas in a serving bowl and pour hot sambar over them. Let them soak for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Best Results:

  • Soak urad dal for at least 4 hours to get soft, fluffy vadas.
  • Ensure the batter is thick enough to hold shape while frying.
  • Fry on medium heat to ensure vadas are cooked inside and crisp outside.
  • Fresh tamarind pulp enhances the tangy flavor of sambar.
  • Allow vadas to soak in sambar for a few minutes for perfect texture.
Health Benefits of sambar Vada

  • Protein-Rich: urad dal and toor dal provide plant-based protein, supporting muscle health.
  • Digestive Aid: tamarind, spices, and asafoetida improve digestion and reduce bloating.
  • High in Fiber: Lentils and vegetables in sambar provide dietary fiber, promoting gut health.
  • Rich in Antioxidants: Spices like cumin, curry leaves, and sambar powder help combat oxidative stress.
  • Bone Health: Lentils and tamarind provide essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
  • Immune Support: Ingredients like turmeric and curry leaves enhance immunity.
  • Energy Boost: Lentils offer complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
Conclusion:
Sambar Vada is a classic South indian dish, combining crispy vadas and flavorful, tangy sambar. It’s not only delicious but also nutritious, offering protein, fiber, and essential minerals, making it an ideal breakfast or snack.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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