Vegan Red Lentil Indian Sambar
Sambar is a popular vegetarian Indian food dish, made with red lentils, mustard seeds, onion and fiery green chilies. This version is vegan as well.
- Preparation:
- Cooking:
- Total:
- Serves: 4 persons
Ingredients
- 1cup red lentils
- 3 ½cups water
- 2tablespoons cold-pressed canola oil
- 1teaspoon black mustard seeds
- 1onion, chopped
- 4cloves garlic, minced
- 2hot green chilies, seeded and minced
- 1teaspoon grated ginger
- 1(14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 ½teaspoons sambar powder (see note below)
- ½teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- ¼teaspoon ground cumin
- 1teaspoon salt
- 1cup carrots, chopped
- 1cup cauliflower, chopped
- 1cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1cup eggplant , chopped
- 1tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ¼cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
Step 1
Gather the ingredients.Step 2
Combine the lentils and water in a pot and bring to a boil.Step 3
Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer until soft, 30 minutes. Set aside, do not drain.Step 4
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds.Step 5
When they begin to pop, add the onion, garlic, chiles, and ginger and cook until softened - about 5 minutes.Step 6
Stir in the tomatoes, then add the sambar powder, coriander, cayenne, cumin, and salt.Step 7
Add the carrots, cauliflower, green beans, and eggplant. Cover and cook for 5 minutes to soften.Step 8
Add the vegetable mixture to the reserved lentils, cover, and simmer until the vegetables are soft - about 20 minutes. If the mixture becomes too thick, add more water.Step 9
Stir in the lime juice and cilantro and cook 5 minutes longer. Taste and adjust the seasonings.Step 10
Serve and enjoy! Vegetarian red lentil sambar recipe reprinted with permission from "Vegan Fire & Spice: 200 Sultry and Savory Global Recipes" by chef Robin Robertson.