How to Plan the Perfect Marriage Sambar: A South Indian Wedding Delight

Marriage Sambar, also known as "Kalyana Sambar," is a quintessential dish served at South Indian weddings. It's richer and more flavorful than regular sambar, often made with a variety of vegetables and a unique blend of spices that make it stand out. This dish, with its aromatic spices and wholesome ingredients, is meant to be shared with loved ones during celebrations. Here’s how you can recreate this traditional and beloved dish in your own kitchen.


### Ingredients You’ll Need

#### For the Sambar:
- 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
- 2-3 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 2-3 dried red chilies
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 drumstick, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 potato, diced
- 1 brinjal (eggplant), chopped
- 1-2 radishes, sliced
- 1 lemon-sized ball of tamarind, soaked in water
- 1 tablespoon sambar powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1-2 green chilies, slit
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish

For the Sambar Masala:
- 2 teaspoons chana dal (Bengal gram)
- 2 teaspoons urad dal (split black gram)
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2-3 dried red chilies
- 2 tablespoons grated coconut (optional)
- A few curry leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Cook the Toor Dal**
   - Wash the toor dal thoroughly and pressure cook it with 2-3 cups of water, a pinch of turmeric, and a drop of oil until soft and mushy (about 3-4 whistles). Once cooked, mash the dal well and set it aside.

2. **Prepare the Tamarind Extract**
   - Soak the tamarind in warm water for about 10-15 minutes. Squeeze out the juice and strain it to remove any pulp and seeds. Keep this tamarind extract aside.

3. **Make the Sambar Masala**
   - In a small pan, dry roast the chana dal, urad dal, coriander seeds, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, and dried red chilies until they turn golden and fragrant. Add the grated coconut and roast for another minute.
   - Allow the mixture to cool, then grind it into a fine powder. This freshly ground masala gives the Marriage Sambar its signature rich flavor.

4. **Cook the Vegetables**
   - Heat oil or ghee in a large pot. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, dried red chilies, and curry leaves. Let them splutter.
   - Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and the oil starts to separate.
   - Add the drumstick, carrot, potato, brinjal, and radish. Sauté the vegetables for a few minutes to coat them with the spices.
   - Pour in the tamarind extract, turmeric powder, sambar powder, green chilies, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer until the vegetables are tender.

5. **Combine and Simmer**
   - Once the vegetables are cooked, add the mashed toor dal to the pot. Mix well to combine.
   - Add the freshly ground sambar masala and adjust the consistency of the sambar with water if needed. Simmer the sambar on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. **Final Tempering and Garnishing**
   - For an extra layer of flavor, heat a small amount of ghee in a pan, add a pinch of asafoetida, and pour this tempering over the sambar.
   - Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

7. **Serve the Marriage Sambar**
   - Marriage Sambar is best served hot with steamed rice, accompanied by ghee, papad (appalam), and a side of vegetable poriyal or kootu.
   - It can also be served with idli, dosa, or vada, making it a versatile dish for any festive meal.

Tips for Perfect Marriage Sambar:
- **Vegetable Variety:** The more variety of vegetables you add, the richer the flavor of your sambar. Traditional choices include drumstick, carrot, brinjal, radish, and sometimes even pumpkins or gourds.
- **Fresh Masala:** Grinding fresh masala at home makes a significant difference in flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought sambar powder but add a bit of freshly ground masala for that authentic touch.
- **Ghee:** A generous amount of ghee adds richness and depth to the sambar, making it taste like the traditional wedding feast dish.

Conclusion

Marriage Sambar is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of South Indian culinary traditions. With its complex flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort, perfect for special occasions or simply when you want to enjoy something special with your loved ones. Try this recipe at home, and let the rich aroma of this traditional sambar fill your kitchen!

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