Vendhaya Keerai Sambar | Fenugreek leaves Sambar

Fenugreek leaves are rich source of iron. It helps in curing anemia. Dried fenugreek leaves known as Kasoori Methi is used in lot of Indian gravies. Fenugreek is also rich in fibers and essential proteins. Fenugreek leaves are known as Vendhaya Keerai in Tamil, Menthi koora in Telugu and Methi in Hindi. Freshly ground sambar powder is used in the preparation of this Vendhaya Keerai Sambar. Please check below for step by step instructions and pictures for preparing South Indian Fenugreek Leaves Sambar | Vendhaya Keerai Sambar.



Preparation Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Yields: 3 Servings

Ingredients:
Table 1 : Sambar Powder
To dry roast and grind

Coriander seeds | Dhaniya	2 tsp
Chana dal | Kadalai paruppu	1 tsp
Urad dal | Ulutham paruppu	1 tsp
Cumin seeds | Seeragam	1 tsp
Red Chillies	2
Black Pepper	1/2 tsp

Table 2 :

Oil	2 tsp
Mustard	1/4 tsp
Cumin seeds	1/2 tsp
Curry Leaves	3 to 5
Shallots chopped	1/2 Cup
Garlic cloves Medium size	4
Tomato Chopped	1/2 Cup
Fenugreek Leaves(tightly packed)	1 Cup
Tamarind	Half lemon size
Toor Dal | Thuvaram paruppu	1/4 Cup
Turmeric powder	1/4 tsp

Instructions:

• Dry roast all the ingredients in table 1 and allow it to cool. Grind it into coarse powder. Now Sambar powder is ready.

•  Wash and Soak toor dal. Pressure cook toor dal for 4 to 5 whistles along with turmeric powder.Soak tamarind in hot water. Extract tamarind juice. Discard seeds and fibers. Add it to cooked toor dal. 

 

• Heat Oil in a pan. Add mustard and allow it to splutter. Add cumin seeds, curry leaves. Fry for a min. Add shallots and garlic cloves. Fry till onions turn translucent.

•  Add tomato and fry till they turn mushy. Add fenugreek leaves and fry for 2 mins. 

•  Add cooked toor dal, tamarind juice and sambar powder. Add 1/4 Cup water. Allow Sambar to boil and simmer for 10 mins.

 Vendhaya Keerai Sambar | Fenugreek leaves Sambar

Tips:
Adjust red chillies and black pepper to your taste.
Bachelors can skip dry roasting and grounding ingredients in table 1 and replace it with Store bought sambar powder.