The piping hot sambhar is commonly prepared in every household and is one of the best companions for breakfasts, lunch, dinner. This popular South-Indian dish not only pleases our taste buds but also does wonders for our health. It doesn’t harm our body even if we include it in our daily food and is considered as the best healthy option for vegetarians as it is a great source of proteins. Although its recipe has different variations the authentic South Indian sambhar wins the race. The reason why sambhar is widely consumed across South India without any hesitation is that it is easy to cook and gives our body a daily dose of nutrition. Apart from the main ingredients, sambhar also contains vegetables through which we get the necessary vitamins and nutrients.
The authentic South Indian sambhar is usually thick in consistency and has a tangy flavor because of the tamarind and includes vegetables like brinjal, bottle gourd, cucumber, lady’s finger, and drumsticks. The vegetables can be added or excluded depending on the individual’s choice however adding all kinds of veggies will enhance the taste and overall nutrition of this Indian stew. Made up of different lentils like masoor dal and toor dal sambhar is a perfect combination of health and taste and also a go-to dish for our everyday food. During summers moong dal can also be used as an alternative as it is cooling to the body and is light on the tummy.
Sambhar versus dal:

People often get confused with sambhar and dal. Although the preparation process is quite similar there is a difference in both. Dal is usually made up of one particular lentil in sambhar we can use multiple pulses/lentils are used. Grated coconut contains fiber, iron, healthy fat, and tamarind adds the sour flavor which is only used in sambhar and not in dal hence both taste differently. Last but not least sambhar is loaded with the choice of vegetables and hence is a healthier option with almost every breakfast and rice too.
Today in this fast-paced life we tend to eat junk food a lot of times even though if we don’t want to. Even if we avoid junk food there are certain habits in our lifestyle like eating fast because we are running short of time, drinking alcohol, smoking, stress, and eating oily and high-fat food that causes a lot of health problems in the long run. We don’t realize the moment we are eating but if these habits are not changed it can lead to various stomach problems like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Chronic Diarrhea, Chronic Constipation, Gastroenteritis, Ulcers, Hemorrhoids all of which are caused due to indigestion. Although we can’t change our lifestyle completely, we can start by eating healthy homemade food that will keep us active the whole day and avoid any kind of stomach issues that make us uncomfortable. One such healthy option is to include sambhar in the food that is light on the stomach and yummy to taste.
How sambhar is good for the stomach?
As sambhar is loaded with vegetables and contains high fiber it is one of the best foods that allows smooth digestion. The fiber helps to keep the digestive tract flowing and helps to keep the bowel movements regular.
Also, it is important to include the right amount of fiber in our food as eating low-fiber food and not drinking enough water may lead to constipation. Due to the presence of water and fiber, consuming sambhar will help in preventing constipation.
Our body needs proteins for the growth and maintenance of tissues they provide structure to our body. As sambhar is rich in protein it will help in the overall growth of our body.
Sambhar can be your friend when it comes to weight loss. As the nutritious stew is rich in proteins and fibers it keeps the stomach full for a longer time and helps avoid overeating.
Our body needs detoxification as it eliminates the toxins and waste from the body. Detoxifying helps to prevent chronic diseases. Sambhar contains detox friendly spices that make sure we go low on salt and cleanses our bodies.
Advantages of having sambhar on health:
- Full of antioxidants: Sambhar is an Indian stew that is high in vitamins, minerals, zinc, folate, magnesium. These antioxidants protect our cells against free radicals and help to reverse some of the damage. A food that is high in antioxidants just like sambhar may reduce the risk of many diseases including heart diseases.
- Boosts immunity: Sambhar contains turmeric, tamarind extract, curry leaves, pepper, cumin all of which have immunity-boosting properties. The combination of these spices protects our body from harmful germs, viruses by increasing immunity. It also prevents any kind of illness.
- Control diabetes: Sambhar is low in glycemic index hence it is good for people who suffer from diabetes. It is a great option to include in food that helps to keep the blood sugar levels in check without compromising on the taste.
- Benefits from the veggies: In Sambhar, we can have the vegetables of our choice. Each vegetable is beneficial in one or another way to our body. Including drumsticks alone has several benefits like it purifies the blood, helps in developing stronger bones, etc.
- A complete meal: Although sambhar is just a stew it provides the benefits of different meals combined into one. As it is power-packed with proteins, fibers, vitamins, and all the necessary nutrients one can get maximum benefits out of it.
If you are impressed with the benefits of sambhar but don’t have enough time to prepare it we have a perfect solution powder that is you can buy sambhar powder online. EFGH foods from Udupi kitchen offer you sambhar powder that reminds you of the authentic south-Indian sambhar and is easy to cook. Book online sambhar powder from our website or Amazon and enjoy the hot and delicious sambhar perfect for monsoons.