Authentic Tamil-Style Sambar with Tamarind

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-07 · Updated 2026-04-07

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

A fragrant, tangy lentil stew from southern India, featuring authentic tamarind infusion and slow-cooked spices for deep, complex flavors. This Indian-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, pairs Toor dal, Tamarind pulp, Mashed tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 220 cal/serving

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Ingredients

1/2 cup Toor dal
2 tablespoons Tamarind pulp
1 cup Mashed tomatoes
3 cups Vegetable stock
1 teaspoon Mustard seeds

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Instructions

Step 1: Rinse 1/2 cup of toor dal under cold water until water runs clear, then simmer in 3 cups of vegetable stock for 20 minutes until dal is soft but holds shape.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, soak 2 tablespoons of tamarind pulp in 1/4 cup warm water for 10 minutes, then strain to remove seeds; add to the simmering dal along with 1 cup of mashed tomatoes.
Step 3: Heat 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds in a small skillet until they pop (about 1 minute), then pour over the dal; cook uncovered for 15 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, stirring occasionally.