If you are hosting a brunch gathering then try out this simple yet delicious recipe Thakkali sambhar with your main course menu, and easily impress your guests with this comfort food. Despite its humble ingredients this recipe has a ton of flavors to dive in. Undoubtedly, it makes for a healthy nutrient dense wholesome meal..
Rinse the toor dal (pigeon peas) under running water and soak it for about 15 minutes. Then, drain the water and transfer the dal to a pressure cooker.
Add chopped tomatoes, chopped onions, diced carrot, diced potato, and drumstick pieces to the pressure cooker.
Add turmeric powder, sambar powder, salt, and water to the pressure cooker. Give it a good stir.
Close the pressure cooker and cook on medium heat for about 4-5 whistles or until the dal and vegetables are well cooked and mushy.
Allow the pressure to release naturally from the cooker. Open the lid and mash the cooked dal and vegetables using the back of a spoon or a potato masher until you get a smooth consistency.
Add tamarind pulp to the cooked dal and mix well. Adjust the consistency of the sambar by adding water if needed. Simmer the sambar on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
In a separate small pan, heat oil for tempering. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add cumin seeds, dried red chili, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Saute for a few seconds until the spices release their aroma.
Pour the tempering mixture over the simmering sambar and give it a quick stir.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.