September 2, 2014

Vellai Sambhar / Easy Sambhar without using sambhar powder.


Everyone must be in confusion that why this sambhar is called vellai sambhar. Am I right ? This sambhar has no chilli powder and coriander powder or sambhar powder.  The spiciness of sambhar is due to the addition of green chillies and color of sambhar is also light yellow without red chilli powder so we used to call this as vellai sambhar. This is my grandmom's recipe which we follow till now on special occasions. Sometimes, we add ash gourd or bottle gourd to this sambhar and it tastes really delicious. This goes well with hot rice along with spicy side dish like yam fry,potato fry or vazhakai(Plantain) fry. And this can also be served with Idli and dosa. Addition of Tamarind juice and green chillies can be adjusted according to taste buds.



Here is the recipe for simple Sambhar with no veggies...

Ingredients :

  • 2 Onions, sliced
  • 1 Big Tomato, chopped
  • 2-3 Green chillies, slitted or sliced
  • 1 Cup Toor dal
  • 1/4 Cup Tamarind Juice ( Soak one small lemon sized Tamarind in water and extract the juice)
  • 1/4 Tsp Turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed
  • Few Curry leaves and Coriander leaves
  • 1 Tbsp Oil
  • 1/2 Tsp Mustard Seeds
  • 1/4 Tsp Methi seeds / Fenugreek seeds
  • 1/4 Tsp Jeera / Cumin seeds

Method :

  • Wash Toor dal and add 2 cups of water. 
  • Pressure cook it for 4-5 whistles and remove from the flame. keep aside.
  • Add sliced onions, tomato and green chillies in a pan.
  • Add Turmeric powder and salt.
  • Add 1-1/2 Cups water, close the lid and cook it for 5 minutes in a medium flame.


  • Now remove dal from cooker and mash it using masher or ladle.
  • Add mashed dal to the sambhar followed by Tamarind juice.


  • Mix well and cook it for another 10 minutes in a medium flame.
  • Add curry leaves and coriander leaves. 


  • Switch off the flame and serve.


Serving Options :

Serve with hot rice, Idli or Dosa.




Linking this recipe with mykitchenodyssey's " First Anniversary Giveaway ".






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