Onion sambar recipe (Vengaya sambar)

Onion sambar recipe - Simple and EASY to make sambar made with small onions aka pearl onion or shallots. Onion known as Vengayam in Tamil language. Hence it is called vengaya sambar.

At home, this sambar is most favorite. Hubby and I also do not like veggies in sambar when serving with idli or dosa. So I make this one almost all the time. Leftovers is usually served with plain steamed rice next day.

Here I have used shallots (baby onions) for making sambar. If you don’t have it, no worries make with regular onions. If using regular onions, use the sliced one instead of chopped.

This is simple sambar recipe where flavors come from sambar powder, tamarind and curry leaves. Green chili is the only ingredient which gives the spicy taste. No chili powder is added here. So adjust the quantity of green chilies accordingly.

How to make onion sambar?

1) Take toor dal and wash under running cold water till water runs clear. Or you can rinse them 4-5 times or till water does not get cloudy.

2) Add turmeric powder.

3) Also add a teaspoon of oil.

4) Also add water. Cover the pressure cooker with lid, put the weight on.

5) Turn the heat on medium and let it cook for 5-6 whistles. Let the pressure go down by itself and then open the lid.

6) Using whisk or hand blender, mash the dal make smooth puree. Keep it aside.

7) Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat. Once hot add mustard seeds and let them pop.

8) Then add dried red chili and saute for 30 seconds. You will notice chilies will get darker in color.

9) Now add curry leaves and slit green chili. Saute for about a minute.

10) Then add pearl onions. Add salt to speed up the process.

11)  Cook for 6-7 minutes. They start to get soften and becomes translucent.

12) Now add tamarind paste.

13) Also add sambar powder.

14) Mix well and cook for a minute.

15) Add water. Bring it to a boil.

16) Then let it simmer for 8-10 minutes or till the onions are cooked all the way through.

17) Now add cooked, mashed dal.

18) Stir well and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. Then turn off the stove.

Sambar onion is ready to serve. If not serving right away then keep it covered so it stays warm.

Serving suggestion: Serve this small onion sambar with plain steamed rice or idli, rava idli, masala dosa, medu vada. Healthy meal would be sambar, steamed rice and side of veggie dish.

Check out other sambar/rasam recipes
Dal rasam  //  Sambar (Tradirional)   //  Rasam (without dal and rasam powder)  //  Pappu charu // Tomato rasam