Sambar Rice – One Pot Rice

Step 1: Prepare the tempering

In a pressure cooker, add 2 tablespoons of ghee and 2 tablespoons of oil. Once hot, add mustard seeds, urad dal, and chana dal. Let them splutter until fragrant.

Step 2: Sauté aromatics and vegetables

Add curry leaves and fry for a few seconds. Then add 1 chopped onion and fry until it turns transparent. Add 1 chopped potato and 1 chopped tomato, and mix well.

Step 3: Add liquids and spices

Add salt to taste, 1 cup of tamarind water (from lemon-sized tamarind), 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 3 cups of water. Mix everything thoroughly.

Step 4: Incorporate dal, drumsticks, and seasonings

Add 1 cup of washed toor dal, 3 chopped drumsticks, 1/4 cup of jaggery, 2 tablespoons of sambar powder, and 1 slit green chilli. Mix all the ingredients well.

Step 5: Add rice and pressure cook

Add 1 1/2 cups of washed rice to the mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Let the mixture come to a boil, then close the lid of the pressure cooker and place the whistle. Cook for 3-4 whistles.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Once the pressure cooker cools down completely, remove the lid. Add chopped coriander leaves and gently mix the Sambar Rice. Serve hot with an extra drizzle of ghee if desired.

• Adjust the amount of green chilies and sambar powder according to your spice preference.

• For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) during tempering.

• Ensure the pressure cooker cools down completely before opening the lid to prevent steam burns and ensure even cooking.

• Add other vegetables like carrots, beans, or pumpkin for more variety and nutrition.

• Use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option.

• For a vegan version, replace ghee with a plant-based oil.