Vegetarian Red Lentil Indian Sambar Recipee

Name: Vegan Red Lentil Indian Sambar
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 cup red lentils; 3 1/2 cups water; 2 tablespoons cold-pressed canola oil; 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds; 1 onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 hot green chilies, seeded and minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained; 2 1/2 teaspoons sambar powder (see note below); 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup carrots, chopped; 1 cup cauliflower, chopped; 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 cup eggplant , chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 60 mins

Total: 75 mins

Servings: 4 servings

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Sambar (sometimes spelled sambhar) is a popular vegetarian Indian food dish, that is also vegan as well. It's made with red lentils, mustard seeds, onion, and fiery green chilies.

1 cup red lentils
3 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons cold-pressed canola oil
1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 hot green chilies, seeded and minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
2 1/2 teaspoons sambar powder (see note below)
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup cauliflower, chopped
1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup eggplant, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Gather the ingredients.
Combine the lentils and water in a pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer until soft, 30 minutes. Set aside, do not drain.
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds.
When they begin to pop, add the onion, garlic, chiles, and ginger and cook until softened - about 5 minutes.
Stir in the tomatoes, then add the sambar powder, coriander, cayenne, cumin, and salt.
Add the carrots, cauliflower, green beans, and eggplant. Cover and cook for 5 minutes to soften.
Add the vegetable mixture to the reserved lentils, cover, and simmer until the vegetables are soft - about 20 minutes. If the mixture becomes too thick, add more water.
Stir in the lime juice and cilantro and cook 5 minutes longer. Taste and adjust the seasonings.
Serve and enjoy!

Vegetarian red lentil sambar recipe reprinted with permission from "Vegan Fire & Spice: 200 Sultry and Savory Global Recipes" by chef Robin Robertson.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
436	Calories
9g	Fat
74g	Carbs
21g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories	436
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9g	12%
Saturated Fat 1g	6%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 166mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate 74g	27%
Dietary Fiber 16g	56%
Protein 21g
Calcium 212mg	16%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.