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    Home » Vegetarian Side Dishes » Lunch Box Series : LBS#20

    Lunch Box Series : LBS#20

    Published: Dec 14, 2007 · Modified: Sep 23, 2020 by Srivalli · 28 Comments

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    Though basically sambar would mean doing the same thing, with different vegetable it tastes different. Also the method we prepare it gets changed. Drumstick is a wonder vegetable. With the tender one, the sambar tastes heaven. I will give my right and left for a serving of Munakkaya Sambar made by Amma. She so tenderly handles and cooks this to perfection and then adds to the sambar for an ever lasting taste. Though I always follow Amma's instructions to T, at times due to time constraint put it in cooker for speedy results. But we got to ensure the whistle actually does not blow off. You got to switch off just before that and you get perfectly cooked drumsticks.

    Drumstick trees are a frequent sight for one traveling through our residential area. We have a good big tree next to our house. But the landlady used to safeguard each one so preciously, would never even want to share, even if we were ready to pay. She would always want to sell to the big market. Real long ones and was believed to be very tasty. And she used to take lot of care of the tree. If these trees are not taken proper care, it attracts caterpillars which are dangerous. Suddenly, one day I came to know that she passed away. I felt so bad that I didn't even know being her neighbour. And that tree shows the lost. It now stands destitute without anybody to take care of it. Last I saw, was somebody pulling a big branch down. It just stands on its truck.

    My fancy to drumstick is always associated with the Arbi fries that Amma makes, today I tried out a different coating and it came out well. If you have Idli batter at hand, try this out and enjoy a great meal. Coming to our healthy way of eating, as we have adapted Plantain stem, we eat Moong Dal sprouts. They sure boosts your energy and sprits. Sprouted moong dal are packed with energy rich vitamins and are so essential to well being. Also I feel after indulging in deep fried dish, balancing it with sprouts is good.

    Today's Lunch Box had

    Drumstick Sambar
    Arbi Deep fry with Idli batter.
    Pepper Cumin Rasam
    Moong Dal sprouts
    Curd Rice.

    Drumstick Sambar

    Preparation Time : 15 mins
    Cooking Time : 15 mins

    Ingredients Needed

    Toor Dal - 1 cup
    Drumstick / Munnakaya / Murungakai - 1 or 2 nos
    Sambar Onions - 100 gms
    Sambar Powder - 1 tsp
    Tomatoes - 2 medium
    Tamarind pulp - small lime size
    Coriander Leaves - few chopped
    Oil - 1 tbsp
    Salt to Taste
    Turmeric a pinch

    For Seasoning

    Mustard Seeds + Urud Dal + Fenugreek - 1/2 tsp
    Curry Leaves - few
    Garlic - 4 pods

    Method to Prepare:

    Clean Toor Dal and pressure cook it with 2 drops of Oil and turmeric. This makes it cook fast. Keep it for 2 whistle.

    Soak tamarind and extract pulp from it.

    Chop onions, tomatoes, keep aside. Chop drumstick, the outer skin is also very healthy, so should not be peeled. Chop them into finger length pieces

    Boil a cup of water and once it starts boiling, drop in drumstick and cook till its tender. This should not be pressure cooked as it gets over cooked.

    To the cooked Dal, add the chopped tomatoes and Sambar powder, salt. Cook for another whistle. Finally add the tamarind pulp along with required water. Bring to boil. simmer it while you temper with seasonings.

    Heat oil in a pan, add the seasoning ingredients. Then add chopped onions, Once they are golden in colour, add to the simmering dal along with cooked drumstick pieces.

    Cook on high flame for 5 mins, then simmer for 10 mins till its cooked well. Garnish with coriander leaves.

    Samagadda / Arbi / Colacasia Deep fry with Idli batter.

    Ingredients Needed:

    Arbi - 250 gms
    Idli Batter - 1 ladleful
    Salt to taste
    Chilli powder - 1/2 tsp
    Garam Masala - 1 tsp
    Turmeric powder a pinch
    Oil for deep frying

    Method to prepare:

    Clean and boil Arbi for 1 whistle. Even if its not fully cooked, its fine as we are going to deep fry it again.

    Remove the skin and cut it into 1" pieces.

    To the Idli batter, add salt, Chilli powder, garam masala, turmeric pw. Toss the cooked arbi in this batter and ensure each of it is well coated.

    Heat oil in a kadai. Once its hot, deep fry arbi and remove to a kitchen towel to drain excess oil.

    This gives a real crispy taste outside and soft texture inside. Goes very well with Sambars! I had many pieces in name of checking for taste!

    Want to have a dose of Cartoon for the weekend, then check out the Tom & Jenny ~ Love Story Part 2.

    For many days I was breaking my head on what to send along with my Arusuvai Surprise Ingredient to Kamini and Anita. I finally remembered these drawings, and recreated for each of them. Both the pictures are part of this series but scene is changed. I was quite happy with the outcome.

    Enjoy and happy weekends!

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    Lunch Box Series : LBS#20

    Course Main Dish - Gravies
    By Diet Vegetarian
    Dish Type Deep Fried Dishes, Dry Side Dishes, Sambar Varieties
    Author Srivalli
    Tried this recipe?Mention @cooking4all or tag #cooking4all!

    « Peas Kofta Curry
    Rajma Masala with Aloo! »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Padmaja says

      December 14, 2007 at 1:28 pm

      Hey Valli!!
      Drumstick sambhar is my favourite and gosh yours look so tasty!!
      Its been 8 yrs, I had samagadda. My mom used to fry them just like yours!! feel like having them now!!

      Reply
    2. vimmi says

      December 14, 2007 at 3:04 pm

      My God The spread looks amazing. So tempted right now. Moms are something else. We just can't get our food to taste like theirs.

      Reply
    3. Namratha says

      December 14, 2007 at 4:16 pm

      Valli, the thali looks so mouth watering, love everything on it! I had Arbi for the first time in a friend's place when I was in Dallas, but haven't tried making it myself. I love Drumstick Sambar too 🙂

      Reply
    4. sagari says

      December 14, 2007 at 6:54 pm

      wowwww so comfortingggg food in lunch box valli everything looks deleciousssssss i like your koftasin older post

      Reply
    5. Laavanya says

      December 14, 2007 at 4:10 pm

      I love the flavour drumstick adds to sambar - unbeatable really.
      Arbi fry looks lovely and that's a nice idea of using idli batter. My mom used to just deep fry them directly and then toss with salt and chilli powder.

      Reply
    6. Seema says

      December 15, 2007 at 12:36 am

      Drumstick Sambhar is all time favourite.. even better if u make with fresh ones! Not so lucky here on that! Arbi fry - liked idea of dipping in idli batter.. never tried that...Nice boxed lunch that was..

      Reply
    7. RAKS KITCHEN says

      December 15, 2007 at 7:32 am

      Frying Arbi in idly batter is sounds new to me!Will try some next time:)

      Reply
    8. Neelam says

      December 15, 2007 at 2:19 am

      I like your idea of frying arbi with idli batter...looks yummy! I'll surely try it.

      Reply
    9. Shella says

      December 15, 2007 at 8:16 am

      Hey the arbi fried with idli batter is new to me. I love the idea.

      Reply
    10. easycrafts says

      December 15, 2007 at 4:00 am

      Arbi is one of my fav veggies...arbi with idli batter sounds different..will try soon...

      Reply
    11. Vcuisine says

      December 15, 2007 at 6:57 am

      All are too good and arbi goes well with sambhar especially murukakai. Nice spread valli. Viji

      Reply
    12. SteamyKitchen says

      December 15, 2007 at 7:18 am

      i have html -envy.

      Reply
    13. Shankari says

      December 15, 2007 at 3:56 pm

      arvi in idli batter is a very unique idea

      Reply
    14. kaminidandapani says

      December 16, 2007 at 3:09 am

      The idli-battered arbi is such a great idea. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
      Kamini

      Reply
    15. Kajal says

      December 16, 2007 at 2:29 am

      In winter if any one give this type of delicious hot dish then feel like heaven in earth my dear. Great job.:)

      Reply
    16. Kelly Mahoney says

      December 17, 2007 at 12:22 am

      I would love to have a lunchbox filled with that!

      Reply
    17. Jayashree says

      December 16, 2007 at 6:55 pm

      I too think drumstick sambar is in a class of its own. Love the idea of dipping arbi in idli batter and frying it. Must try it out.
      BTW, Iam on a short trip visiting my parents which is why i've not yet sent u my address for the arusuvai chain. will mail u once iam back home.

      Reply
    18. satya says

      December 17, 2007 at 3:59 am

      Arbi fry with idli batter is a very innovative idea Srivalli.Don't they absorb too much of oil? Drumsticks added to either sambar or pulusu imparts a lovely flavour to the dish and ofcourse tastes great as a stir fry.

      Reply
    19. Siri says

      December 17, 2007 at 12:49 pm

      Arbi with Idi batter..just loved the idea Srii.. the lunch box is yummy and healthy..:)

      ~ Siri

      Reply
    20. Jeena says

      December 18, 2007 at 9:28 pm

      Srivalli now that is what I calla tasty lunch box! Fantastic recipes they look so so tasty. 🙂

      Reply
    21. Seena says

      December 19, 2007 at 12:57 pm

      Sorry Srivalli,
      I didn't see your mail. Have replied, pls check.

      Reply
    22. idlee says

      December 19, 2007 at 1:41 pm

      Good one..

      http://idlee.blogspot.com

      Reply
    23. Asha says

      December 19, 2007 at 5:38 pm

      Drumstick sambhar!! YUMMO!:))

      Reply
    24. Cynthia says

      December 19, 2007 at 11:18 pm

      What time should I come over?

      Reply
    25. TheCooker says

      December 20, 2007 at 4:59 am

      Making fritters with the idli batter is a great idea!

      Reply
    26. Srivalli says

      January 02, 2008 at 4:59 am

      Padmaja Mine too...thanks for liking mine. Samagadda is something you shouldn't miss. hope you will get to lay your hands on them soon!

      vimmi, thanks..agree on that ...

      Laavanya, thanks...thats also a nice way to cook arbi..

      Namratha, thank you..nice to know you like arbi too..and you should make it soon...thats something should never be missed..

      sagari, thank you, glad you like them

      Seema, oh thats bad to know...they do taste good in all ways.

      Neelam, thanks..do try and let me know

      ec, thanks

      Viji, thanks, coming from you its a real compliment

      jaden, hahah..thats great

      Rajeswari, try and let me know

      Shella, glad you do..thanks

      Shankari, Thanks

      Kajal, glad you like them...Thanks

      kamini, thanks..

      Jayashree, thanks...

      Kelly, welcome to my blog!..thanks for liking it

      satya, Thank you...Actually it didn't as the idly batter was little thick. Yeah drumsticks are great

      Siri, thank you!

      Jeena, thanks for the nice words..glad you liked them

      Seena, no probs..thanks

      idlee, welcome to my blog...thanks

      Asha, hahah..glad you are jumping

      Cynthia, anytime is fine with me!

      TheCooker, thank you!

      Reply
    27. Jhanani says

      September 30, 2009 at 4:59 am

      Dear Valli,
      Today evening I prepared Arbi fry with idli batter for snacks to my family. Vow, what a taste, yaar. I recommend this dish to all Arbi fans. Thanks for sharing. (Do include this for your book)

      Drumstick sambhar is my favourite, too.

      Reply
    28. shifa firoz says

      July 02, 2010 at 8:39 am

      i tried the sambar today Valli and it came out very tasty. next time i'll try with ur sambar powder 🙂

      Reply

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    Hi! Seasons change, yet there are some timeless recipes you can enjoy anytime. If you are sport for it, you are in the right place!

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