Love sambar but hate the hassle of cooking it from scratch every time craving strikes? Especially on chaotic, busy mornings? Then this freezer-safe sambar recipe is for you. Frozen sambar can be used for up to three months. All you need are the right storage and reheating tips.
Rinse the toor dal thoroughly under running water and keep aside. Also, cut all mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces and chop the onions and tomatoes. Ensure all ingredients are handy to use when cooking.
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Cook the dal
In a pressure cooker, add the rinsed toor dal with 2 cups of water and the turmeric and cook until it is very soft and mushy. This can take about 3-4 whistles in a stovetop cooker. Mash the cooked dal with a spoon or whisk and set aside.
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Sauté the vegetables
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add the fenugreek seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves, and sauté for a few seconds until aromatic. Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft, then add the tomatoes and cook until they break down.
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Add the mixed vegetables
Add the mixed vegetables, sambar powder, and the remaining 2 cups of water. Cover and simmer until the vegetables are fork-tender.
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Combine the dal and vegetables
Stir in the mashed dal, tamarind paste, salt, and jaggery (if using). Bring the sambar to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld. Turn off the heat
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Freezing the sambar
Let the sambar cool down completely. Now, transfer it to a large, air-tight container. Alternatively, you can also store it in individual or family-sized portions. Label the containers with the date of preparation. The sambar is best consumed within 3 months.
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Reheating the frozen sambar
Thaw the frozen sambar in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a little water if needed to adjust the consistency. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander and serve hot.