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Sambar is a staple of South Indian cuisine—a hearty, tangy, and mildly spicy lentil-based stew packed with vegetables and aromatic spices. It’s not only vegan but also incredibly budget-friendly at just $4 for a big pot!
🌟 Why You’ll Love Sambar
- Cheap & Filling: Costs less than $1 per serving.
- Healthy & Vegan: Loaded with vegetables and protein-rich lentils.
- Customizable: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand.
- Great for Meal Prep: Stays well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Learn more about Indian cuisine from Serious Eats.
📋 Ingredients (Serves 4-6, Cost: $4.00)
- 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas) ($0.80)
- 1 small eggplant, chopped ($0.60)
- 1 large tomato, chopped ($0.40)
- 1 carrot, chopped ($0.30)
- 1 onion, sliced ($0.30)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder ($0.05)
- 1 tsp mustard seeds ($0.10)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds ($0.10)
- 2 tbsp sambar powder ($0.40)
- 1 tbsp oil ($0.10)
- Salt to taste (Negligible)
- Cilantro for garnish (optional) ($0.20)
For a more authentic recipe, check out this Sambar recipe from Veg Recipes of India.
🍳 Instructions
- Cook the Dal: Rinse and cook toor dal in 2 cups of water with turmeric powder until soft (about 20 minutes). Mash lightly and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: In a pot, heat oil. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds until they splutter. Add onions, carrots, eggplant, and tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Add Spices & Dal: Add sambar powder, salt, and cooked dal. Mix well. Add 2 cups of water and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with rice or flatbread.
Looking for more tips? Read this guide from The Spruce Eats.
📊 Cost Breakdown
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Toor Dal | $0.80 |
| Eggplant | $0.60 |
| Tomato | $0.40 |
| Carrot | $0.30 |
| Onion | $0.30 |
| Sambar Powder | $0.40 |
| Oil | $0.10 |
| Cilantro (Optional) | $0.20 |
| Total Cost | $4.00 |
🌟 Tips for Perfect Sambar
- Adjust spices to your taste; add more sambar powder if you prefer it spicier.
- Pair with steamed rice, idli, or dosa for a complete meal.
- Add any vegetables you have on hand to keep costs low.
For more Indian recipes, visit Veg Recipes of India.
📖 More Budget-Friendly Recipes You’ll Love
- The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Financial Independence – No Budgeting Required
- 15 Easy Ways to Save Money on Groceries Without Sacrificing Quality
- Extreme Frugality: The Wildest Ways People Save Money and What Actually Works
📌 Final Thoughts
South Indian Sambar is a delicious, healthy, and comforting dish that’s super affordable to make. Whether you enjoy it as a soup or pair it with rice, it’s a great way to enjoy authentic Indian flavors on a budget.
For more cheap and delicious recipes, keep visiting KateFi.com!
