Nuggekayi, badnekayi sambar - Drumstick brinjal sambar

Nuggekayi, badnekayi sambar recipe - Drumstick and brinjal have always been my favorite vegetables. These are another such combination which can be used to make sambar. Sambar is a South Indian signature dish served with idli, dosa, uttappa, vada or steamed rice. In this sambar recipe, drumstick and brinjal is boiled to soft and added to the cooked toor dal. This traditional sambar can be prepared quick with easy steps. I make it often, it makes a delicious accompaniment to South Indian main meal. This sambar has an awesome flavor. Try this simple recipe and enjoy the taste of South Indian cuisine.

Drumstick Brinjal Sambar Recipe

Prep time : 20 mins

Cook time : 30 mins

Total time : 50 mins

Recipe type : Gravy

Cuisine : South Indian

Yield : Serves 4

Author : Vidya Chandrahas

Ingredients 

• 1 cup toor dal
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds / jeera
• 10 fenugreek seeds
• 3 cups water
• 3 large sized drumsticks
• 1 medium sized purple long brinjal
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 3 medium  sized onions, thinly sliced
• 7-8 curry leaves
• 2 tsp chilli powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 4 tbsp sambar powder
• 1 large sized tomato, finely chopped
• 1 small lemon sized tamarind
• 2 tsp jaggery powder
• 2 tbsp grated fresh coconut
• 2 tsp 0il
• Salt to taste

Method

1. Wash and drain the toor dal. Add ginger, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, and turmeric powder along with 3 cups of  water to it. Pressure cook till the dal becomes soft. Mash the dal well and keep it aside.
2. Wash, peel and cut  the drumsticks into length wise pieces. Wash and cut  the brinjal into medium sized pieces. 
3. Boil 3 cups of water and cook drumsticks. When they half cooked, add brinjals and cook till the drumsticks become soft. 
4. Soak the tamarind in little water and squeeze out thick pulp from it. Keep it aside. 
5. Heat oil in a deep pan and add mustard seeds. When they splutter, add onions and fry till they turn into golden brown. 
6. Then add chilli powder, sambar powder, turmeric powder and tamarind pulp and fry for 2-3 minutes. Now add tomatoes and fry till they becomes soft. 
7. Grind coconut into smooth paste. Add it to the tomato mixture. Then add the cooked dal,  cooked drumsticks and brinjals along with the drumstick water. Add jaggery  and salt.
8. Add sufficient water to get the desired consistency of the sambar. Cook for 5 minutes on low flame.

For the tempering

1. Heat 2 tsp oil in a  small pan, add 1/2 tsp of mustard seeds to it.When they splutter add red chilli pieces and fry for a few seconds.
2. Pour this seasoning over the boiling sambar. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
3. Serve the sambar hot with  dosa, idli, uttappa, vada or steamed rice.