Sambar Rice is a popular South Indian dish that combines the goodness of rice and lentils with a flavorful and aromatic sambar gravy. Traditionally cooked in a pressure cooker, this recipe has been adapted to make it even easier and more convenient. In this article, we will show you how to easily make Sambar Rice in a cooker, using simple ingredients and steps. So let’s get started with this delicious one-pot recipe!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we start cooking, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. For Sambar Rice, you will need:
– 1 cup of rice
– 1/2 cup of toor dal (split pigeon peas)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 tomato, chopped
– 1 carrot, chopped
– 1 drumstick, cut into pieces (optional)
– A handful of green beans, chopped
– A small piece of bottle gourd, chopped (optional)
– A small piece of tamarind, soaked in water
– A few curry leaves
– A pinch of asafoetida
– 1 tablespoon of sambar powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
– Salt to taste
– 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee
– Water as required
Prepare the Rice and Lentils
Start by washing the rice and lentils thoroughly under running water. This will help remove any impurities and starch, ensuring that the grains cook evenly. Soak the rice and lentils in water for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, you can chop the vegetables and keep them ready.
Sauté the Vegetables
To sauté the vegetables, heat oil or ghee in a cooker. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent. Then, add the curry leaves, chopped tomatoes, and other vegetables like carrots, drumstick, green beans, and bottle gourd. Sauté them for a few minutes until they are lightly cooked.
Add the Spices
Once the vegetables are sautéed, it’s time to add the spices. Add the sambar powder, turmeric powder, asafoetida, and salt to the cooker. Mix everything well, ensuring that the spices coat the vegetables evenly. This will enhance the flavor of the Sambar Rice.
Pressure Cook the Sambar Rice
Now, drain the soaked rice and lentils and add them to the cooker. Give it a good stir to mix everything together. Add enough water to cook the rice and lentils. The ratio of rice to water is usually 1:2. Close the cooker with the lid and put the weight on. Cook on medium heat for about 3-4 whistles, or until the rice and lentils are fully cooked.
Prepare the Tamarind Pulp
While the Sambar Rice is cooking, let’s prepare the tamarind pulp. Squeeze the soaked tamarind with your hands to extract its juice. Strain the juice to remove any seeds or impurities. Keep the tamarind pulp aside for later use.
Tempering the Sambar Rice
Once the rice and lentils are cooked, allow the pressure to release naturally from the cooker. Then, carefully open the lid and give the Sambar Rice a gentle stir. At this stage, the rice and lentils should be soft and well-cooked, and the vegetables should be tender.
Make the Sambar Paste
To make the sambar paste, heat a small pan and add a little oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies, and a few curry leaves. Sauté them for a minute until they release their aroma. Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool. Once cooled, grind these ingredients into a fine paste using a blender or mortar and pestle.
Add the Tamarind Pulp and Sambar Paste
Return to the cooked Sambar Rice and add the tamarind pulp to it. Also, add the freshly ground sambar paste. Mix everything gently to combine the flavors. Let the Sambar Rice simmer on low heat for a few minutes, so that the flavors meld together.
Tasty and Nutritious Sambar Rice is Ready!
Your delicious Sambar Rice is now ready to be served! It is a complete meal in itself, packed with the goodness of rice, lentils, and vegetables. Sambar Rice can be enjoyed on its own or accompanied by some papad or pickle.
Tips and Variations
– To enhance the taste and aroma, you can garnish the Sambar Rice with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
– Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or substitute them based on your preference.
– If you don’t have sambar powder, you can make your own by dry roasting and grinding coriander seeds, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and curry leaves.
– For a healthier version, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Adjust the cooking time and water accordingly.
Now that you know how to easily make Sambar Rice in a cooker, it’s time to try it out in your own kitchen. This one-pot recipe is not only delicious but also saves you time and effort. Enjoy the flavors of South India with this wholesome and satisfying dish!