Sambhar Without Sambhar Powder | Lentil Vegetable Stew | Gluten Free Sambhar

 

Sambhar is a South Indian gravy made with Lentils and Vegetables. It's a side dish which goes well with dishes like Dosa, Medu Vada, Idli, etc.

Lentil Vegetable Stew is a delicious Vegan and Gluten Free Recipe. This recipe is generally made in South Indian part of India but loved in every part of our country. The Sambhar Powder used in this dish is totally optional.

Sambhar is made with lentils, tamarind extract, vegetables, herbs and assorted spices. Flavored with the aroma of cumin seeds, mustard seeds, curry leaves, dried red chillies this is an extremely delicious gravy for people who love South Indian dishes like for Dosa, Medu Vada, Idli, and even Rice.

Lentil Vegetable Stew is an open end recipe and you can make however you like. The consistency of gravy can be thick or thin. 

Lentils

Tuvar dal (toor dal) also known as split pigeon peas is used in Sambhar but you can also make it by mixing moong and masoor dal as it's easy to digest.

Vegetables

There are number of vegetables which you can add in Sambhar as per your taste, like

Potato

Onion

Tomato

Drumsticks

Carrot

Pumpkin

Radish

Brinjal

Ladyfinger

Bottle Gourd

French Beans

Tamarind

Soak Tamarind in 1/2 cup of warm water for atleast 15 minutes. Filter the tamarind extract with hand or spoon and keep it aside.

Homemade Sambhar Masala

Add 1 cup Bengal Gram Lentils and 1 cup Split and Skinned Black Lentils. Roast on medium heat on a pan until it turns golden brown. Transfer it to a large bowl till it turns cool. Set them aside.

Take a pan add 1 cup coriander seeds, 1/2 cup cumin seeds,1/2 cup mustard seeds, 2 tbsp fenugeek seeds, 2 tbsp black peppercorns to the same pan and roast until it turns medium heat. Set them aside.

Add 4 - 5 Kashmiri lal mirch and and roast them. Keep them aside. Add  1 cup of  curry leaves and roast for 2-3 minutes. Set them aside.

Cool the ingredients completely. Add roasted ingredients to a grinder to make a smooth paste and grind them.

Well, I have not used any Sambhar powder in my recipe, but if you want to add Sambhar Powder in your gravy to add more flavor and taste, you can either buy Sambhar Masala Packet from the Store or you can make Sambhar Powder at home.

Vegan and Gluten Free

You can skip Hing or Asofoetida to make it Gluten-Free and Vegan.

If you are interested in checking out more delicious and hearty recipes check out my other recipes like 

 

Medu Vada

Rava Dosa

Coconut Chutney

Mint chutney 

Onion-tomato chutney

Peanut Chutney

Sambhar Without Sambhar Powder | Lentil Vegetable Stew | Gluten Free Sambhar

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 40 minutes

Serves: 6-8 People

Author : The Food Root

Ingredients

For Cooking Sambhar

1 cup tuar dal (toor dal) split pigeon peas
5-6 cups water
1/2 tbsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp salt or as per needed
2-3 green chillies, chopped
1 tbsp tamarind paste soaked in warm water for 15 mins (filter the tamarind extract)
2 cups of chopped Vegetables of your choice, I added -
1/2 size lauki (bottle guard)
1 carrots
1 brinjal
1/2 cauliflower florets
1/2 green beans
1/2 size petha (white pumpkin)

For Tempering

2-3 tbsp Oil
2 dried red chillies
1 tbsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp mustard seeds
1 spring curry leaves
5-6 garlic cloves, chopped
2 onions, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
1 tpsp coriander powder
1 tsp salt or as per needed
1 tbsp sambhar masala (optional)
1/2 tbsp mango powder (optional)
1/2 tsp garam masala

For Garnishing

handful of coriander leaves, chopped

Method

1. Rinse the toor dal thoroughly until the water runs clear.

2. Meanwhile make a tamarind extract - Soak Tamarind in 1/2 cup of warm water for atleast 15 minutes. Filter the tamarind extract with hand or spoon and keep it aside.

3. To a pressure cooker, add the rinsed toor dal, chopped vegetables, tamarind extract with turmeric powder, salt, green chillies, and water in a pressure cooker.

4. Cook for 2-3 whistles on a medium flame. Switch off the flame and keep it aside.

5. Once the pressure is released, open the lid, mash the dal and vegetables lightly with the potato masher. Keep aside.

6. Meanwhile, heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, let it splutter. Add cumin seeds and saute for a minute.

7. Add dried Kashmiri lal mirch, curry leaves for 2-3 minutes. Saute till you get a rich aroma.

8. Add ginger, garlic cloves and fry for a minute.

9. Add onions and fry it for 3-4 minutes on low flame. 

10. Than add tomatoes and green chillies and saute it for 4-5 minutes.

11. Add red chilli powder, coriander powder, salt. Mix it well.

12. Transfer the masala into the pressure cooker and cook it for 15 minutes on low-medium flame.

13. Add garam masala and coriander leaves in the Sambhar and mix it well. Turn off the heat and remove it.

14. Serve hot with any South Indian Dish like Dosa, Idli, Medu Vada, Rice or Roti.

Notes

1. Adding Sambhar powder is totally optional. You can make Homemade Sambhar Masala too. (I haven't added any Sambhar Masala in my recipe)

2. You can cook vegetables in the pan and than make the following recipe or add them in cooker along with the dal.

3. Tuvar dal is used in Sambhar but you can also make it by mixing moong and masoor dal.

4. Adding Tamarind Paste and Mango Powder in the Vegetable Lentils Stew is totally optional.

5. You can skip Hing or Asofoetida to make it Gluten-Free and Vegan.

6. Adding dried Kashmiri Dal Mirch is totally optional.

7. Add vegetables of your choice in the Sambhar. 

8. If you want to have a thick consistency of your Sambhar, add less water and lightly mash the vegetables or if you want to have a thin consistency you can add more water in the Sambhar.

Soya Chaap Masala

 

Soya Chaap Masala is a dish where Soya Chaap pieces are fried and marinated, and than added into a spiced onion-tomato based fragrant gravy. Pair it with a naan or steamed rice and enjoy!

Soya Chaap Gravy that we made for lunch today, turned out so yum that i wanted to share the recipe with you all, right away!

What is Soya Chaap?

Soya Chaap is a prepared with soybean flour and whole wheat flour. Mostly the ratio of soybean is 60% and whole wheat flour is 40%. This thick flour is wrapped into a stick and comes in a can. Use within 2-3 days after opening the can.

Soya chaap is a great substitute of veg and can be use in alternatives of non-veg, meat eaters and many more. It gives a meaty and chewy texture. It's a good source of protein for vegetarians or vegans.

You can serve it with tandoori roti, naan, kulcha, or steamed rice. These Soya chunks comes in a can which you buy from a nearby supermarket or can also buy online.

What are the variations of Soya Chaap?

Soya Chaap can be used in various recipes like Punjabi Soya Chaap, Tandoori Soya Chaap, Malai Soya Chaap, Tandoori Malai Soya Chaap, Afghani Soya Chaap, Soya Chaap Roll, Soya Chaap Kabab, Soya Chaap Recipe Gravy or Soya Chaap Masala and many others. 

A dry version goes well as a starter. The semi-dry recipes goes well with steamed rice. The gravy version goes well with chapatis, naan, parantha or kulchas. The one I'm making is Soya Chaap Gravy also known as Soya Chaap Masala. 

So, use a packet or tin of Soya Chaap differently cuz you can make variety of dishes from it. 

How to Make Soya Chaap Masala?

Soya Chaap Masala is a popular street dish in Delhi and many other North Indian Cities. Soya Chaap Gravy is vegetarian dish which can be easily made at home. It is full of protein and taste delicious.

Fried Soya Chaap chunks are marinated into yogurt, butter and chaat masala for half an hour, and than added into a spiced onion-tomato based gravy. Pair it with a naan or steamed rice and enjoy! 

Soya Chaap Gravy takes less than half an hour to make. It's suitable for weekday meals or weekend special parties or events. Soya chaap is made from soybean flour and whole wheat flour, which gives it a meaty and chewy texture. It is delicious treat not for just vegetarians but for meat-lovers too.

Step by Step Pictures of making Soya Chaap Masala

How to Marinade the Soya Chaap?

1. The process is pretty simple first, wash and dry all the Soya Chaaps along with sticks. Remove the Soya Chaap from the sticks and cut them into 1-1.5 inch chunks.

2. Heat oil in a deep bottomed pan and shallow-fry the Soya Chaap Chunks on a lower-medium flame or till it turns golden brown. This will take about 6-8 minutes.

3.  Marinate the fried Soya Chaap Chunks with butter, chaat masala and yogurt. 

4. Mix until all the fried Soya Chaap Chunks are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for minimum for 30-40 minutes.

How to make Soya Chaap Gravy?

1. Grind tomatoes, ginger, garlic and green chilli to form a smooth paste.

2. Heat 2-3 tbsp oil. Add sliced onions & cook on a lower medium flame till it turns golden brown. This would take about 5-7 minutes.

3. Grind onions and a cup of water in a blender to form a smooth paste.

4. Add a pinch of asafoetida and cumin seeds in the remaining oil. When seeds starts to sputter, add tomatoes & cook it on a lower medium flame for about 5-7 minutes until all the moisture is gone and the mixture is nicely roasted.

5. Next, add spices like salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and give it a good mix to make sure that the spices are well combined.

6. Add onions into the the tomato paste and stir continuously for about a minute.

7. Add roasted Soya Chaap pieces into the onion-tomato paste and mix it than cover over low heat for 5-7 minutes.

8. Now add 2 cups of water and cover over low heat for 10 minutes.

9. Add chopped coriander leaves and stir for about 2 minutes. Mix properly and turn off the flame.

10. Serve soya chaap gravy with steamed rice, naan or kulcha.

How to make Soya Chaap Masala?

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Serves: 4-6 People

Author : The Food Root

Ingredients:

for marination

6 Soya Chaap Sticks

Oil for shallow frying Soya Chaap pieces

3 tbsp yogurt

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp chaat masala or 1 tbsp salt

for onion tomato gravy

5 tomatoes, roughly chopped

3 onions, sliced

2-3 tbsp oil

3/4 inch ginger, grated

4-5 garlic cloves

2-3 green chillies

2 cups of water

a pinch of asafoetida

1 tbsp cumin seeds

3/4 tbsp coriander powder

3/4 tbsp red chilli powder

3/4 tbsp turmeric powder

3/4 tbsp cumin powder

1/4 tsp garam masala

1 tbsp salt or as per your taste

1 handful fresh coriander freah leaves, chopped 

Method:

How to Marinate Soya chaap

1. Wash and dry all the Soya Chaaps along with sticks. Remove the Soya Chaap from the sticks and cut them into 1-1.5 inch chunks.

2. Heat the oil and shallow fry the pieces from both the sides on a lower medium flame or till it turns golden brown. This will take about 6-8 minutes.

3. Marinate the fried Soya Chaap with butter, chaat masala and yogurt. 

4. Mix until all the fried Soya Chaaps are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerte for minimum for 30 minutes.

How to Make Onion-Tomato Gravy

1. Grind tomatoes, ginger, garlic and green chillies to form a smooth paste.

2. Heat oil. Add sliced onions & cook them on a lower medium flame till it turns golden brown. This would take about 5-7 minutes.

3. Grind onions and a cup of water in a blender to form a smooth paste.

4. Add a pinch of asafoetida and cumin seeds in the remaining oil. 

5. When seeds starts to sputter, add tomato pulp & stir continuously on a lower medium flame for about 5-6 minutes until the mixture is nicely roasted.

6. Next, add spices like salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and give it a good mix to make sure that the spices are well combined.

7. Add onions into the the tomato paste and stir continuously for about a minute.

8. Add roasted Soya Chaap pieces into the tomato-onion paste and mix it than cover over low heat for 5-7 minutes.

9. Now add 2 cups of water and cover over low heat for 10 minutes.

10. Add chopped coriander leaves and stir for about 2 minutes. Mix properly and turn off the flame.

11. Serve soya chaap gravy with steamed rice, naan or kulcha.

Easy Gazpacho Recipe

Gazpacho Soup Recipe

How to make easy, vegan and gluten free gazpacho?

Gazpacho is one of the many foods which i never knew that it existed before visiting a restaurant, which specialises in Mediterranean food. My first impression of gazpacho was not the best, but it left me craving for more.

However, the Traditional Gazpacho Recipe is made from raw vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, red or green bell pepper, onion and garlic cloves, as these are the most common ingredients, that are readily available in Spain, although olive oil, lime juice, balsamic vinegar, salt, cumin and black pepper also go into the making of the Classic Gazpacho Soup.

Gazpacho is a refreshing, nutritious and a tangy blend of delicious raw vegetables, where tomatoes are the key ingredient. Since my garden is overflowing with tomatoes of every variety, I decided to try my hand at making the Spanish Gazpacho Soup. This soup is full of garden fresh flavor and can be made in less than 10 minutes.

To make the gazpacho, you need to chop the veggies and add them into the blender (or a juicer), along with a glass of water and blend it until you get a thick liquid. Next, you need to add the crushed stale bread, and toss it along with the olive oil, lime juice, balsamic vinegar and cilantro in a blender, and, blend until it's smooth. Season it with salt, pepper or cumin and enjoy! (Also, you can skip salt and balsamic vinegar to keep the sodium in check.)

Drink it immediately to enjoy a host of wonderful antioxidants that flush out the system of toxins or refrigerate it for at least one hour before serving.

Gazpacho is healthy soup rich in minerals, fiber, nutrients, vitamin A, C, E, iron, potassium, manganese and zinc. Red tomatoes, for example are the major dietary source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, that is a great way to boost the immune system and helps to regulate the digestive system. This fresh delicious soup keeps the body hydrated and gives the instant energy. Also, it gives glow to the skin and can be a great help in reducing the risk of bladder, gastric, colon and prostate cancer.

Today the diners want to eat healthy food, and yet don't want to compromise on taste so, what's better than this delicious wellness summer drink which is dairy-free, vegan and gluten-free. Gazpacho is a healthy soup, that comes together in 10 minutes (or less!).

If you guys remember my mom made tomato soup last year, and, as you know i'm super obsessed with soups this time we wanted to make something different and unique so made gazpacho soup instead! Did I mention already, how much I love this soup!

Guys, give this recipe a try and let me know what are your thoughts in the comments below! I'd love to hear from you!

EASY GAZPACHO SOUP

Serves: 6 People
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Freeze time: 60 minutes
Author: The Food Root

Ingredients

7 Red tomatoes, blanched
2 Green tomatoes, blanched
1 English cucumber, peeled, chopped
1 Red or Green bell pepper, deseeded, chopped
1 Red onion, chopped
2 Garlic cloves, chopped
1 Stale bread, crushed
1 glass water
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp sugar (optional)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp olive oil
handful of fresh parsley, chopped

Method

1. Make a cross sign across the bottom of each tomato, using a knife, and drop them into the boiling water. Blanch the tomatoes for around 1 minute and transfer them into a bowl of ice-cold water. Leave it for 2 minutes, then drain. Peel off the skin and cut them into half. Next, pull off the seeds, chop and set them aside.

2. Cut off the top of the red or green bell pepper, deseed, and cut it into small pieces.

3. Peel the cucumber, red onion and garlic cloves, and finely chop.

4. Place the chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, onion and garlic cloves in a blender or a juicer and add a glass of water. Puree for 1 or 2 minutes, or until the soup reaches the desired consistency.

5. Add a crushed stale bread and toss it along with olive oil, lime juice, balsamic vinegar, sugar (optional) and cilantro in a blender and blend until it's smooth. Season it with salt and pepper or cumin if needed.

6. Transfer the gazpacho in a bowl and let it chill in a refrigerator for at least one hour. Garnish the gazpacho with fresh parsley just before serving and enjoy!

Notes

1. You can skip salt and balsamic vinegar to keep sodium in check.

2. Chill the gazpacho soup in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.

3. You can avoid the blanching of tomatoes, instead you can directly chop and blend them along with the other vegetables.

Most Popular Blog Topics 2018

Most Popular Blog Topics 2018 : Delicious recipes, Gardening tips, Restaurant reviews, Food health trends & so much more...

A major shoutout to all the lovely people out there! I want to express deep gratitude to everyone who liked my work and joined me in my journey all these years. I am forever grateful for the love, joy and friendship you have bring to my life. Thank you for your love and kindness. I appreciate it hugely, it spurs me on to create more better content for you!

As the new year begins, I thought I'd share 10 Most Popular Blog Topics 2018 based on number of views, social media shares, etc.

Here's a look on the Top 10 Blog Posts of 2018 

1. Stuffed Japanese Aubergine : These beautiful Japanese aubergines are stuffed with the delicious mixture of ginger, garlic, tomatoes, aubergine and a host of spices! This dish not only look beautiful but taste amazingly good! You can serve them as an appetizer or as a side dish.
Full story, recipe and more images

2. 10 Superfoods You Should Be Eating Right Now : Superfoods are the special category of foods that contain wide variety of antioxidants, fiber, minerals and vitamins. These are great for your nervous system, offer protection against heart diseases, help in reduce inflammation, and support the immune system. Find out more about the best superfoods in this post.
Check out our top 10 superfoods here.

3. How to Plant, Grow and Care for Dahlia flowers : Dahlia are incredibly beautiful and vibrant flowers, comes in exciting array of colors, adding spectacular beauty throughout summer. It's surprising, how many people think that Dahlia is hard to grow, but it's absolutely not, you just need to know the basics.
Full story, tips and more images..

4. Vibrant Vegan Buddha Bowl : This vibrant vegan buddha bowl is packed with grains, nutrients and tons of veggies to fuel your body and mind. This fast and easy salad come together in just 10 minutes. It's exciting blend of flavors, textures and colors will keep you wanting more! This recipe is completely vegan and gluten-free. This colorful buddha bowl makes a perfect lunch or light dinner!! Also, my most liked photo on instagram.
Full story, recipe and more images..

5. 5 Best Food Places In Shimla You Must Visit : Breathtaking landscapes, colossal mountains, luxurious valleys, quirky, fun, eccentric, cafes and restaurants, Shimla has everything to charm you with it's timeless beauty and delightful culinary experience. Here's our take on the Shimla's 5 best food places!
Full story, review and more images..

6. Paneer Nugget Casserole : A healthy, quick and easy side dish that combines the meaty texture of soya nuggets and paneer, studded with capsicum, tomatoes and peas, and, flavored with a medley of aromatic herbs and spices.
Full story, recipe and more images..

7. Paneer Tikka : Paneer Tikka is an authentic Indian dish made from chunks of paneer and vegetables marinated in yogurt and spices, skewered and grilled to perfection! It's a perfect starter for any barbecue or theme parties.
Full story, recipe and more images..

8. 8 Mindful Eating Tips To Help You Eat Better : Eating mindfully is the practice of being aware of all your senses in the present moment. It helps us to develop a positive and a truly healthy relationship with the food. Make peace with your mind and try these 8 simple mindful eating tips and get results.
Full story and more images..

9. Mint Coriander Chutney : Mint Coriander Chutney is a delicious appetizer with lots of of tangy and exciting flavors to it. They are perfect accompaniment to any meals. It pairs well with salads, chips, and taste great when spread on sandwich and wraps.
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10. Shahi Tukda Recipe : A rich and creamy Indian dessert, where fried bread pieces are dipped in cardamom flavored milk syrup, layered and finished off with some crushed almonds, cashews and pistachios. Be it adult or kid no one can resist this irresistibly dish rich yet light simple dessert.. Also, my most liked tweet and most liked post on facebook.
Full story, recipe and more images..

Which is your favorite blog topic? Which is your favorite category?
I hope you enjoy this post.. Happy 2019!

Sending an abundance of love to you all!
X
Anshika