Sambhar

Sambhar is a classic South Indian stew, made several times a week if not every day in most South Indian households. A sambhar can be made in a multitude of ways, with every imaginable assortment of vegetable-and-bean combinations. At the heart of the dish, however, is a good sambhar masala—a versatile and somewhat complex seasoning blend. I provide my recipe for this spice blend, but you can also use a storebought variety. Tamarind paste is another integral ingredient, to give the sambhar i