Drumstick SambarCook

Drumstick Sambar

Also known as Homestyle Sambar · Veg · Curries & Gravies, Kuzhambu, Sambar & Rasam

Curries & GraviesKuzhambu, Sambar & RasamDal

Total40 min
Prep20 min
Cook20 min
Serves4
Per serving222 cal
Spicemedium
Drumstick Sambar

Cook along

2 steps, each one filmed

A short video for every step, so your hands never have to leave the pan.

Drumstick sambar from Tamil Nadu: toor dal simmered with drumstick, shallots, tamarind and sambar powder. Medium-spicy, serves 4, 40 minutes, with video.

Low calorie

Ingredients

15 items
Cooking for4 servings
  • WaterWater3.5 cup
  • Turmeric PowderTurmeric Powder1 tsp
  • Sunflower OilSunflower Oil2 tsp
  • SaltSalt1 1/2 tsp
  • Small Onion (Shallots)Small Onion (Shallots)200 grams
  • TomatoTomato, Diced40 grams
  • Sambar PowderSambar Powder2 tbsp
  • AsafoetidaAsafoetida1 1/2 tsp
  • GheeGhee1 tbsp
  • Mustard SeedsMustard Seeds1/2 tsp
  • Curry leavesCurry leaves2 sprigs
  • Coriander LeavesCoriander Leaves1 tbsp
  • DrumstickDrumstick, Diced2
  • Toor DalToor Dal1/2 cup
  • TamarindTamarind15 grams

Contains: milk, wheat.

Nutrition

One serving, and the whole batch of 4. Worked out from the ingredients, so treat it as a close guide.

NutrientPer servingAll 4
Energy222kcal888kcal
Protein8.4g34g
Carbohydrate32g128g
Fat7.6g30g
Fibre7.9g32g
Sugar6.8g27g

Cookd masalas for drumstick

Method

  1. 1

    In a pressure cooker, pour water and add turmeric powder and toor dal. Pressure Cook it for 5 whistles on a moderate flame (around 7-8 minutes) Mash the dal until completely smooth and set aside. In a kadhai or mud pot, pour oil and add drumsticks, salt and water, cook the drumsticks for 2-3 minutes on a high flame (this will make sure the salt is absorbed by the drumstick) Add the shallots and tomato, saute for 30 seconds and add asafoetida and sambar powder. Cook on a low medium flame for 1-2 minutes or until the raw flavour disappears. Pour tamarind water along with regular water, cover and cook for 5-6 minutes on a moderate flame or until the drumsticks and shallots are cooked thoroughly.

    WaterTurmeric PowderSunflower OilSaltSmall Onion (Shallots)TomatoSambar PowderAsafoetidaWaterDrumstickToor DalTamarind

  2. 2

    Add the mashed dal to the sambar and cook for another 2-3 minutes on a high flame or until the sambar is cohesive. For the tempering, add ghee and mustard seeds, once they crackle add curry leaves and let them splutter. Add the tempering to the sambar and serve hot.

    GheeMustard SeedsCurry leavesCoriander Leaves

Before you start

How long does Drumstick Sambar take?
40 minutes from start to finish. That is 20 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking.
How many people does Drumstick Sambar serve?
4. The ingredient quantities on this page rescale if you are cooking for a different number.
Is Drumstick Sambar vegetarian?
Yes. No meat, no fish and no egg.
Is Drumstick Sambar spicy?
It is medium: 2 on our scale of 3. Chilli scales gently when you change the servings, so doubling the recipe does not double the heat.
What do I need to make Drumstick Sambar?
2 Drumstick, 2 tbsp Sambar Powder, 1/2 cup Toor Dal, 15 grams Tamarind, 200 grams Small Onion (Shallots), 40 grams Tomato, and a few more listed on this page.
Do I need a pressure cooker for Drumstick Sambar?
No, it is cooked in an open pot.
How many calories are in Drumstick Sambar?
About 222 a serving. The full nutrition table is on this page, per serving and for the whole batch.

Tips from other cooks

2 notes
  • K

    Karthi KathirvelSeptember 2025

    grams kanakul solama 1 23 nu sona nalla iruku apro kushka potato poriyal receipe venu receipes all are exacellent thanks for cookd

  • M

    Moni ShaaSeptember 2024

    Yummy sambar ready!😋

    A cook's photo of Drumstick Sambar

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