Pumpkin Sambar

Most sambars sit firmly in the savory category of dishes. This makes sense since the basis of many sambars are ingredients like onion or spinach. This pumpkin sambar is a little bit different, however. Pumpkin is a naturally sweet gourd that is even used as the basis of quite a few different desserts. Although this pumpkin sambar can’t be considered a dessert, it will definitely make your sambar a delight to eat and may even chip away at that sweet tooth.

Health Benefits

Perhaps unsurprisingly, pumpkins tend to be pretty nutrient dense vegetables. They contain the full gambit of essential vitamins: vitamin A, B complex vitamins, and vitamin E. They also contain a significant amount of vitamin K, a somewhat harder vitamin to come by at times. Vitamin K plays a vital role in blood clotting and improving bone and heart health. Although rare, a vitamin K deficiency can be life threatening if left untreated.

Ingredients

½ cup toor dal

2 cups water

1 tsp turmeric powder

½ a small pumpkin –cubed

1 tbsp oil

1 tsp mustard seeds

¼ tsp asafoetida

1 tsp cumin seeds

¼ tsp asafoetida

1 sprig curry leaves

1 large onion – peeled and sliced

2 green chillies – slit

2 tbsp coriander powder

2 tsp chilli powder

1 tsp turmeric powder

Salt to taste

½ tsp sugar

2 tbsp tamarind pulp

Water as needed

How To Make Pumpkin Sambar

1. Combine dal, water, and turmeric powder together in a cooker.
   1. Cover and cook for 3 whistles.
   2. Simmer for 5 mins.
   3. Turn off the cooker and release the steam.
2. Open and mash the dal thoroughly.
   1. Set aside.
3. Heat oil in a pot.
   1. Add cumin, mustard, curry leaves, and asafoetida.
   2. Sauté for 1 min.
4. Add in onions, green chillies.
   1. Sauté until they turn a light golden.
5. Add chopped pumpkin.
   1. Mix well.
6. Add a little salt and sugar.
   1. Mix well.
7. Add in all spice powder.
   1. Mix well.
8. Add in cooked dal, tamarind pulp, and some water to thin the sambar.
   1. Mix well.
9. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 5 - 8 mins.
10. Serve and enjoy!

Trivia

Technically, pumpkin is a fruit not a vegetable because it contains seeds.