Drumstick sambar is a quintessential South Indian dish that is known for its distinct taste and nutritional value. This delicious dish is made with lentils, tamarind, and drumsticks, and is often served with steamed rice or idli/dosa. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the ingredients and benefits of drumstick sambar, and also provide you with a simple recipe to make this dish at home.
Drumstick sambar is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that offer several health benefits. Toor dal, the main ingredient in sambar, is a great source of protein. It helps build and repair muscles, and also keeps you full for longer. Drumstick, one of the key ingredients in sambar, is known for its digestive properties. It is rich in fiber and helps regulate bowel movements.
Sambar is made with a variety of spices like turmeric, cumin, and mustard seeds, all of which are known to have immunity-boosting properties. They help fight off infections and diseases.
Toor dal is also known to be effective in reducing cholesterol levels in the body. Regular consumption of drumstick sambar can help improve heart health.
Drumstick sambar is a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With its rich blend of flavors and nutrients, it is a great way to add variety to your everyday meals. So, go ahead and try this recipe at home and enjoy the goodness of drumstick sambar!

Drumstick (Murungaikkai) sambar
Ingredients
- Toor dhal – ½ cup
- Drumstick – 2 big
- Small onions – ½ cup
- Tomato – 1
- Tamarind – small lime sized
- Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp.
- Sambar powder – 3 tsps.
- Salt – as needed
For seasoning:
- Oil – 2 tsps.
- Mustard – 1 tsp.
- Ured dhal – 1 tsp.
- Channa dhal – 1 tsp.
- Asafoetida – ¼ tsp.
- Curry leaves – a handful
Instructions
- Soak tamarind in hot water and take tamarind juice.
- Cut drumsticks into 2 inch long pieces.
- Peel the onions and cut tomatoes finely.
- In a pressure cooker, take toor dhal and enough water.
- Add a pinch of turmeric and 1 tsp. of gingilly oil.
- Pressure cook for three whistles.
- In a pan, heat oil and splutter mustard.
- Then add ured and channa dhal and asafoetida powder.
- When it turns red, fry onions and drumsticks for five minutes.
- Now add tomatoes and fry till it turns mushy.
- Now add 1 cup of water and cook in low flame till all water evaporates.
- Now add the cooked dhal, tamarind juice, sambar powder and salt.
- Boil for five minutes till it becomes thick.
- Switch off and garnish with curry leaves.