Sambhar Vada Recipe

If you're a fan of South Indian cuisine, you might have heard of sambhar vada, a tasty snack that combines crispy fried lentil donuts with a savory vegetable stew. This dish is a favorite among many Indians and has also gained popularity in other parts of the world due to its unique flavors and textures.

In this article, we'll explore the history of sambhar vada, its key ingredients, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious dish at home. So, let's get started!

Table of Contents

1. What is Sambhar Vada?
2. History and Origins of Sambhar Vada
3. Ingredients for Sambhar Vada
4. Steps to Make Sambhar Vada
5. Tips and Tricks for Making Perfect Sambhar Vada
6. Serving Suggestions for Sambhar Vada
7. Health Benefits of Sambhar Vada
8. Sambhar Vada Variations
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. Conclusion

1. What is Sambhar Vada?

Sambhar vada is a popular South Indian dish that consists of crispy, deep-fried lentil donuts soaked in a tangy vegetable stew called sambhar. The vada is made from urad dal, a type of black lentil that is soaked, ground, and mixed with spices before being shaped into donuts and fried until golden brown. The sambhar, on the other hand, is made from a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, carrots, and drumsticks, and is flavored with a blend of spices and tamarind juice.

The combination of crispy vada and flavorful sambhar makes for a delicious and satisfying snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

2 History and Origins of Sambhar Vada

Sambhar vada has its roots in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India, where it is a popular street food snack. It is believed to have originated in the 18th century when the Maratha ruler, Shahuji Maharaj, visited the state and brought with him a new type of lentil called urad dal. The locals began experimenting with this new ingredient and came up with the idea of making vada out of it.

Over time, the dish evolved, and the addition of sambhar became a common practice, giving birth to the delicious sambhar vada that we know and love today.

3 Ingredients for Sambhar Vada

To make sambhar vada, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the Vada:

• 1 cup urad dal (black lentils)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• Oil for deep frying

For the Sambhar:

• 1/2 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 drumsticks, chopped
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp coriander powde
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds
• 2 tbsp tamarind juice
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed
• Coriander leaves for garnishing

4 Steps to Make Sambhar Vada

Step 1: Soak the Urad Dal

1. Rinse 1 cup of urad dal (black lentils) thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 4-5 hours.

Step 2: Make the Vada Batter

1. Drain the water from the soaked urad dal and grind it to a fine paste using a mixer or a wet grinder.
2. Add 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp of black pepper, and 1/2 tsp of baking soda to the batter and mix well.
3. Beat the batter well until it becomes fluffy and aerated.

Step 3: Fry the Vada

1. Heat oil in a deep pan for frying.
2. Wet your hands and take a small portion of the vada batter and make a small hole in the center of the ball.
3. Gently drop the vada into the hot oil and fry on medium heat until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove the vada from the oil and place it on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Sambhar

1. Rinse 1/2 cup of toor dal (split pigeon peas) and cook it in a pressure cooker with 2 cups of water until soft and mushy.
2. In a separate pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil and add 1/2 tsp of mustard seeds, 1/2 tsp of fenugreek seeds, and 1/2 tsp of cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
3. Add 1 chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it turns golden brown.
4. Add 2 chopped tomatoes, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped drumsticks to the pan and sauté for a few minutes.
5. Add 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder, 1 tsp of red chili powder, and 1 tsp of coriander powder to the pan and mix well.
6. Add 2 cups of water to the pan and let the vegetables cook until they become tender.
7. Add 2 tbsp of tamarind juice and salt to taste.
8. Add the cooked toor dal to the pan and let the sambhar simmer for a few minutes.
9. Garnish with coriander leaves and turn off the heat.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Soak the fried vada in the sambhar for a few minutes until it soaks up the flavors.
2. Serve hot with coconut chutney and enjoy the delicious flavors of sambhar vada.

5. Tips and Tricks for Making Perfect Sambhar Vada

• Soaking the urad dal for a longer time will result in a better texture for the vada.
• Adding baking soda to the vada batter will make it crispy and fluffy.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the vada to prevent it from getting soggy.
• You can adjust the spices in the sambhar according to your taste preferences.
• To get a smoother texture for the sambhar, you can blend the cooked vegetables before adding the dal.

6. Serving Suggestions for Sambhar Vada

Sambhar vada is typically served as a snack or breakfast dish. It is often accompanied by coconut chutney and sambar on the side. You can also serve it with a side of crispy papadum and a refreshing glass of buttermilk.

7 Health Benefits of Sambhar

Sambhar vada is a nutritious and healthy dish that is packed with numerous health benefits. Some of the health benefits of sambhar vada are:

• Rich in protein: Urad dal is a rich source of protein, which helps in repairing and building tissues in the body. Consuming protein-rich foods like sambhar vada can help in maintaining healthy muscles, skin, hair, and nails.
• Good for digestion: Sambhar vada contains toor dal, which is a good source of dietary fiber. Fiber helps in regulating bowel movements and prevents constipation. It also helps in maintaining a healthy gut by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria.
• Boosts immunity: Sambhar vada contains various spices like cumin seeds, black pepper, mustard seeds, and turmeric powder, which are known for their immunity-boosting properties. These spices help in strengthening the immune system and fighting against infections.
• Lowers cholesterol: Sambhar vada contains lentils, which are low in fat and high in fiber. Consuming foods that are low in fat and high in fiber can help in lowering cholesterol levels in the body and reducing the risk of heart diseases.
• Helps in weight loss: Sambhar vada is a low-calorie and high-protein dish, which makes it an ideal food for weight loss. Protein helps in keeping you full for a longer time, reducing your appetite, and aiding in weight loss.

8 Sambhar Vada Variations

Here are 8 sambhar vada variations that you can experiment with:

1. Onion Sambhar Vada Add finely chopped onions to the vada batter to give it a sweet and savory flavor. Serve it with a tangy onion sambhar for a tasty and filling meal.
2. Masala Sambhar Vada Add some Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric to the vada batter to give it a spicy and aromatic flavor. Serve it with a flavorful masala sambhar for a satisfying and comforting meal.
3. Cheese Sambhar Vada Add some grated cheese to the vada batter to give it a gooey and cheesy texture. Serve it with a spicy sambhar for a unique and delicious combination.
4. Paneer Sambhar Vada Add some crumbled paneer to the vada batter to give it a creamy and soft texture. Serve it with a rich and creamy paneer sambhar for a luxurious and indulgent meal.
5. Palak Sambhar Vada Add some finely chopped spinach to the vada batter to give it a fresh and healthy twist. Serve it with a flavorful palak sambhar for a nutritious and delicious meal.
6. Mysore Sambhar Vada Add some Mysore chutney to the vada before soaking it in the sambhar to give it a spicy and tangy flavor. Serve it with a classic Mysore sambhar for a flavorful and authentic taste.
7. Tomato Sambhar Vada Add some pureed tomatoes to the sambhar to give it a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Serve it with crispy vadas for a tasty and filling meal.
8. Coconut Sambhar Vada Add some grated coconut to the sambhar to give it a creamy and nutty flavor. Serve it with crispy vadas for a unique and flavorful meal.

9 FAQs about Sambhar Vada

Q Is sambhar vada a healthy dish?
Ans Yes, sambhar vada is a healthy dish that is packed with numerous health benefits. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and various essential nutrients.

Q Can I use any lentils to make sambhar vada?
Ans No, it is best to use urad dal to make sambhar vada as it gives the dish a distinct flavor and texture.

Q How long does it take to make sambhar vada?
Ans It takes around 4-5 hours to soak the urad dal, and around 30-40 minutes to make the vada and sambhar.

Q Can I make sambhar vada without frying the vada?
Ans No, frying the vada is an essential step in making sambhar vada, as it gives the dish its signature crispy texture and enhances its flavor.

Q What are the different variations of sambhar vada?
Ans There are various variations of sambhar vada, such as dahi vada sambhar, sambar vadai, and masala vada sambhar. These variations include different ingredients and spices, giving the dish a unique taste and flavor.

10 Conclusion

In conclusion, sambhar vada is a healthy and delicious dish that is popular in many parts of India. It is a perfect snack or breakfast item that can be enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Making sambhar vada at home is easy and requires only a few ingredients that are easily available in most kitchens. By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, anyone can make this tasty dish in the comfort of their own home.

So why not try making sambhar vada at home today? It's a great way to experience the authentic taste of Indian cuisine and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills