Benda Kolmbo / Lady's Finger Sambar.

"Benda Kolmbo (Kolumbo)/ Lady's Finger Sambar" .... Sambar is a famous south Indian dish that is now relished almost all round the globe. Here is a simple kolumbo/ kolmbo/ sambar prepared using Bhendi and tomatoes …

** Kolmbo/ Kolumbo/ Sambar is a worldwide famous dish that is served mostly with Idly or Masala Dosa. It is a very famous South Indian Dish that has reached almost all round the world and become a household item for many people who relish this dishes preparing it in a method to their own liking and relishing it with different accompaniments. This dish can be prepared using both freshly ground masala or sambar powder. When the sambar has to be prepared in bulk it is always better to use ground masala as it provides bulk and increases in quantity. While the sambar powder method comes in handy for lesser quantity of preparation of the same. I use both powder and ground masala as per the requirement basis. Here I have used the powder but you can also use the ground masala if you want to make it for larger gathering. Sambar powder I brought from stores, but will soon be making the same and sharing with all of you. The powder I get now, is one of the best available and I have yet to match it in making. I will share the link of kolumbo / sambar prepared using ground masala at the bottom of the recipe. Do go through the same for ground masala.

** Here is my recipe for "Benda Kolmbo (Kolumbo)/ Lady's Finger Sambar" .... My Style .... 

** Wash and pressure cook ½ cup of Tuvar dal. Remove and mash well. 

** Roast the following in a kadai with 1 tblsp of oil : 2 tsp of Coriander seeds, 1 tsp of Urad dal,1tsp Chana dal, 1 tsp Jeera, ¼ tsp of Methi, ¼ tsp pepper corns, 7-8 Red chillies, 5-6 curry leaves, when they turn a bit reddish in colour add 2 tblsp of fresh grated coconut and fry till brown in colour and you get a nice aroma. Take care not to burn the masala. Remove and grind this to a paste with a marble sized tamarind and very little water.

** Wash and cut the Lady finger into 2-3 inches in length pieces. Micro wave the lady finger for 3-4 minutes and add to the dal and bring to a boil. (You can cook these by adding it to the dal directly too). Add 2-3 large tomatoes cut into 6-8 pieces each. Add the ground masala mix well. Add water if necessary and bring to desired consistency. Add salt to taste. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Add ½ cup of coriander leaves and remove from heat.

** For Tempering : Heat 1 tblsp oil in a small pan, when hot add 1 tsp of rai (sasam) and when they splutter add in 1 tblsp of hing powder and 8-10 curry leaves, fry for a few seconds and pour over the Kolmbo. 

** "Benda Kolmbo (Kolumbo)/ Lady's Finger Sambar" is done and ready to be served. We south Indians usually relish the same with rice or Idly/ Dosa. You can also serve the same with Roti/ Chapati/ Parathas too in which case keep the texture of the sambar slightly thicker. Do try this out and enjoy with your family and friends.

** Note : Cover and keep the kolmbo/ sambar aside for 10-15 minutes before serving with Rice or any other dish. 

** You can make kolmbo with any other Vegetables you like for eg.. brinjal, drumstricks, radish, onion etc.

** The same Kolmbo is also popularly known as Sambar and can be served with Idly to which you can then add Onion + Tomato + Yellow Pumpkin + Carrots.