Varutharacha Sambar: Microwave Recipe

Varutharacha sambar is an unique Onam recipe that can be now cooked as an Indian microwave recipe. Due to the lack of time in our busy lives cooking elaborate dishes even for festivals becomes a problem. Easy cooking is the mantra for new age living and for that Indian microwave recipes come in handy. Varutharacha sambar is a specialty of Kerala cuisine because its masala is first fried and then cooked. It is actually a very traditional sambar recipe that is a part of the Onam Sadhya feast. However, this special Onam recipe can now be made conveniently in the microwave.

The conversion of traditional Indian recipes into Indian microwave recipes is the only way for their survival. Very soon we might be heading towards a time were all the cooking happens electronically without fire. So, to preserve the essence of our culinary heritage we must try to adapt it to the times we live in.

Ingredients For Varutharacha Sambar:

1. Toor or Arhar Dal-1 cup (called parippu in Malayalam)
2. Drumsticks-2 (chopped)
3. Carrots-2 (chopped)
4. String Beans-10 (chopped)
5. Potatoes-1 (chopped)
6. Brinjal or eggplant-½ (chopped)
7. Tomatoes-1 (chopped)
8. Methi or fenugreek seeds-1 teaspoon
9. Channa or gram dal-2 tablespoons
10. Red Chillies-8
11. Ground coconut-4 tablespoon
12. Coriander seeds-2 teaspoons
13. Hing-1 teaspoon
14. Tamarind-1 (medium sized)
15. Curry leaves
16. Mustard seeds-1 teaspoon
17. Coconut oil-2 tablespoons
18. Salt as per taste

Procedure For Varutharacha Sambar:

• Soak tamarind in a big bowl full of water over night.
• Heat coconut oil in a microwavable bowl for 2 minutes, on 100 percent power.
• Put ground coconut, methi seeds, coriander seeds, red chillies and channa dal in the bowl, mix and cook for 6-7 minutes, on 100 percent power.
• Take the roasted ingredients and make a paste out of them in the grinder once they cool.
• Meanwhile, take the tamarind water in a heat proof bowl; cover and cook all the chopped vegetables in it for 7-8 minutes, on 80 percent power.
• Now add the roasted ground masala to the vegetables; cover and cook for 6-7 minutes, on 80 percent power.
• While it cooks, prepare the tadka or tempering on the gas oven simply because it is easier.
• Take some ghee in a pan and singe mustard seeds, curry leaves and hing powder in it.
• Pour it over the now cooked sambar.

Enjoy your Varutharacha sambar with rice or neer dosas.