Sambar with drumstick and tomato combines lentils, vegetables, tamarind, and spices to create a flavourful South Indian curry enjoyed with rice, idli, and dosa. Sambar with Drumstick and Tomato is one of the most popular South Indian dal recipes, prepared using toor dal, vegetables, tamarind, and a fragrant spice blend. Originating from the southern states of India, this versatile curry is served with rice, idli, dosa, vada, and many other regional dishes. The combination of vegetables, lentils, and spices creates a meal that remains a staple in homes throughout the year.South Indian Drumstick And Tomato Sambar (Freepik)Drumsticks contribute Vitamin C, calcium, iron, and plant compounds">Vitamin C, calcium, iron, and plant compounds that support everyday wellness. Tomatoes provide antioxidants, Vitamin C">antioxidants, Vitamin C, and natural sweetness that balance the tanginess of tamarind. Toor dal adds protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrates">protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrates, making sambar a valuable part of a balanced meal. Ingredients such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, curry leaves, and mustard seeds contribute flavour while adding beneficial plant compounds that complement the nutritional profile of the dish.The preparation begins with cooked toor dal combined with drumsticks, tomatoes, tamarind extract, and sambar powder. A tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, hing, and spices is then added to enhance the aroma. The result is a golden-orange curry with a smooth lentil base, soft vegetables, and a tangy-spicy flavour profile. The combination of creamy dal and vegetable pieces creates a texture that pairs beautifully with both rice and breakfast dishes.Drumstick and tomato sambar is generally thicker and contains larger vegetable pieces, making it suitable for meals with rice. Rice sambar often has a richer consistency and more vegetables. Idli sambar is usually thinner and slightly milder, allowing it to soak into soft idlis easily. Dosa sambar tends to be lighter and more pourable to complement crisp dosas. While the base ingredients remain similar, each variation is adjusted to suit the dish it accompanies.Drumstick Tomato Sambar vs Regular Sambar FeatureDrumstick Tomato SambarRegular SambarMain VegetablesDrumstick and tomato are the key ingredientsCan include pumpkin, brinjal, radish, carrots, okra, or mixed vegetablesProtein ContentHigh due to toor dal baseHigh due to toor dal baseFibre ContentHigher because drumsticks add extra fibreDepends on the vegetables usedVitamin CHigher from drumsticks and tomatoesVaries according to ingredientsCalcium ContentHigher due to drumsticksModerateIron ContentGood source from drumsticks and lentilsModerate to goodTaste ProfileTangy, slightly sweet, and earthyCan range from tangy to mildly sweet depending on vegetablesTextureSoft drumsticks with smooth dal consistencyVaries from chunky to smoothColourBright orange-red from tomatoes and spicesUsually yellow-orange or brownish-orangeAromaFresh tomato aroma with South Indian spicesDepends on vegetable combination and sambar powderBest Paired WithRice, idli, dosa, and vadaRice, idli, dosa, uttapam, and pongalSummer SuitabilityExcellent due to lighter vegetable profile and tangy flavourDepends on the vegetables usedDigestive BenefitsEnhanced by drumsticks, tomatoes, tamarind, and spicesGood due to lentils, vegetables, and spicesNutritional HighlightRich in fibre, Vitamin C, calcium, and plant proteinBalanced source of protein, fibre, and vegetablesIdeal ForPeople looking for a vegetable-rich, nutrient-packed sambarThose who enjoy a variety of seasonal vegetablesQuick Facts About Drumstick Tomato SambarPreparation Time: 15 minutesCooking Time: 30 minutesServings: 4–5Calories: Approx. 140 per servingCuisine: South IndianDifficulty Level: EasyBest Paired With: Rice, Idli, DosaTexture: Smooth with soft vegetablesAuthentic Drumstick Tomato Sambar RecipeTender drumsticks, juicy tomatoes, protein-rich lentils, and aromatic spices combine beautifully in this classic South Indian favourite.Ingredients1 cup toor dal2 drumsticks, cut into pieces2 tomatoes, chopped1 tablespoon tamarind pulp2 tablespoons sambar powder½ teaspoon turmeric powderSalt to taste5 cups waterFor Tempering1 teaspoon mustard seeds8 curry leaves1 pinch hing2 dried red chillies1 tablespoon oilMethodPressure cook toor dal with turmeric until soft. Mash lightly.Cook drumsticks and tomatoes in water until tender.Mix tamarind pulp, sambar powder, and salt into the vegetables.Combine cooked dal with the vegetable mixture and simmer for 10 minutes.Heat oil and add mustard seeds, curry leaves, hing, and red chillies.Pour the tempering over the sambar and mix well before serving.Smart Ways to Make Sambar More NutritiousPumpkin, carrots, radish, bottle gourd, and brinjal increase fibre, vitamins, and variety.Fresh coriander adds flavour, antioxidants, and visual appeal.Freshly ground spices provide better aroma and flavour.Drumsticks contribute additional fibre, calcium, and Vitamin C.Combining toor dal with moong dal can enhance texture and nutritional diversity.Curry leaves contribute plant compounds and enhance flavour.Brown rice increases fibre intake compared to white rice.Nutritional Profile of Drumstick Tomato SambarSambar combines lentils, vegetables, tamarind, and spices to provide protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals in a balanced meal.NutrientApprox. Amount Per ServingCalories140 kcalCarbohydrates20 gProtein7 gFat3 gFibre6 gVitamin CModerateCalcium60 mgPotassium320 mgFAQsWhy are drumsticks commonly used in sambar?Yes, drumsticks add flavour, texture, and valuable nutrients while absorbing the spices beautifully.Which dal is best for sambar?Toor dal is the most commonly used lentil for authentic sambar.Can sambar be prepared without tamarind?Yes, though tamarind provides the characteristic tangy flavour.TomatoSouth IndianHealthCatch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.See Less