• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Yummy Tummy
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About Me
  • Masterchef Journey
  • Media
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About Me
  • Masterchef Journey
  • Media
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipe Index
    • About Me
    • Masterchef Journey
    • Media
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home

    Vallarai Keerai Sambar Recipe

    Last Updated On: Jun 18, 2025 by Aarthi

    45
    Shares

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Vallarai Keerai Sambar, also known as Brahmi Leaf Lentil Curry, it is a wholesome South Indian sambar made using vallarai keerai and tamarind-based dal curry. This spinach sambar is a comforting recipe often served with hot rice and a dollop of ghee. Traditionally cooked toor dal and finished with a simple tempering.

    Vallarai Keerai Sambar

    Vallarai Keerai / Brahmi Leaves are one of the healthiest spinach. This spinach has properties to increase memory power. Normally they make thogayal with it. But i wanted to try sambar with it. So i made it and the result was mouthwatering. This keerai is a little bitter but this sambar makes it so yummy you just want to have it like a soup. Check out my other sambar recipes.

    Jump to:
    • About Vallarai Keerai Sambar
    • Ingredients
    • Hacks
    • Vallarai Keerai Sambar (Step by Step)
    • Expert tips
    • Variations
    • FAQ
    • 📖 Recipe Card

    About Vallarai Keerai Sambar

    Vallarai Keerai Sambar Recipe is a nourishing South Indian lentil curry made with brahmi leaves, toor dal, and a gently spiced tamarind base. It’s perfect for those days when you crave something healthy yet satisfying, especially after a long or tiring week.

    I still remember the first time I made this when I was trying to include more greens during pregnancy ,  it turned out to be both nourishing and delicious. Since then, it’s become a go-to comfort meal in my home. It is paired with hot rice and ghee, it makes for a truly fulfilling lunch.

    Similar Recipes

    Vallarai thogayal

    Keerai Kootu

    Drumstick leaves thoran

    Keerai poriyal

    Why this recipe work?

    Protein-Rich Dal Base: Toor dal adds a creamy, protein-packed base that makes the dish hearty and wholesome, perfect for a complete meal.

    Natural Health Boost: Vallarai is known for boosting memory, improving digestion, and calming the mind, making this a great way to include medicinal greens in everyday food.

    Why I love this recipe - After a heavy weekend or festival eating, this is the kind of dish I turn to —, it’s easy to digest, filling, and calming. On busy days, this is my quick fix. It uses simple pantry staples, gets done in one pot, and still feels like a complete meal when paired with rice.

    Perfect with Rice: Its consistency and flavor profile are ideal for mixing with hot rice and a touch of ghee, making it a soul-satisfying lunch option.

    Balanced Bitterness: The mild bitterness of vallarai keerai is mellowed by the tanginess of tamarind and the sweetness from shallots and a pinch of sugar, making it tasty even for those who don’t usually like greens.

    Ingredients

    Shallots / Sambar Onion / Chinna Ulli: These small onions add a natural sweetness and depth to the sambar. When sauteed, they release a rich aroma that forms the base of the dish.

    Garlic: Garlic brings a bold, earthy flavor and enhances the overall taste of the keerai sambar. It also helps in digestion and adds a rustic touch to the dish.

    Vallarai Keerai : This medicinal green is the hero of the dish. It is known for boosting memory and reducing stress, it adds a subtle bitterness and a unique flavor profile.

    Tamarind Pulp: Adds the essential tanginess that balances the bitterness of the greens and the richness of the dal. It lifts the entire flavor of the curry.

    Spices - I used coriander powder, turmeric & chilli powder in this recipe. Or you can use sambar powder.

    Toor Dal / Tuvaram Paruppu: This is the base of the sambar, giving it a creamy texture and a mild, nutty taste. It’s rich in protein and pairs beautifully with greens and spices.

    Tempering - for tempering you can use mustard, cumin, urad dal, chillies, asafoeitda and curry leaves.

    Hacks

    Chop the Greens Fine: Finely chopping vallarai helps reduce its bitterness and makes it blend smoothly into the sambar. You can also lightly saute the leaves before adding for a milder taste.

    Balance the Flavors: If the keerai tastes too strong or bitter, add a little extra tamarind or a small pinch of jaggery or sugar, it perfectly balances the flavor.

    Add a Spoon of Ghee: A small spoon of ghee just before serving enhances the taste and aroma,  especially if serving kids or elders.

    Use Other Greens Too: If vallarai is not available, you can swap it with other keerai like arai keerai, mulai keerai, or even spinach.

    Vallarai Keerai Sambar (Step by Step)

     
    Take all your ingredients
    I used vallarai keerai
    Chop spinach finely, peel shallots and garlic
    You have to boil, toor dal, turmeric and cumin seeds
    Add them to water and cook
    Cook it till done
    Heat oil in a kadai
    Add in cumin, mustard, urad dal, asafoetida and dry red chilli
    Add in shallots and garlic
    saute them well
    add in chopped spinach
    saute them well
    add water and mix well
    boil them
    add in coriander powder
    add in chilli powder
     tamarind pulp
    mix well
    bring it to boil
    add the dal mix
    mix well
    season with some salt and sugar
    Simmer for a while
    Serve

    Expert tips

    Pressure Cook the Dal for Ease: Instead of boiling dal in a pan, use a pressure cooker for faster and creamier results , 3 to 4 whistles usually do the trick.

    Saute the Greens Lightly: Always saute vallarai keerai before adding water. It helps reduce raw smell and balances its natural bitterness.

    Use Small Shallots for Best Flavor: Sambar made with shallots (chinna ulli) tastes sweeter and richer than with regular onions, especially in green-based dishes.

    Use Fresh Greens Only: Always use fresh vallarai leaves, wilted or yellowing leaves can make the sambar overly bitter and dull in flavor.

    Serve Immediately: Keerai-based sambars taste best when served hot and fresh, as reheating can dull the flavor and thicken the texture too much.

    Variations

    Vallarai Keerai Thuvaiyal: A nutrient-rich chutney made with brahmi leaves, lentils, and spices. It’s slightly bitter, earthy, and best served with hot rice and a drizzle of ghee, a great way to include medicinal greens in your diet.

    Udupi Sambar Recipe: This classic Karnataka-style sambar is mildly sweet, aromatic, and made with a unique blend of coconut, jaggery, and freshly ground spices. It pairs beautifully with rice, idli, or dosa.

    Tiffin Sambar Recipe: A lighter version of sambar made especially for breakfast items like idli, dosa, and pongal. It uses moong dal or toor dal and is thinner, mildly spiced, and very flavorful.

    Pumpkin Sambar Recipe: Made using yellow or white pumpkin, this sambar has a natural sweetness and soft texture. It’s soothing, mild, and perfect for both toddlers and adults.

    Sambar Recipe: A traditional South Indian lentil-based curry cooked with vegetables, tamarind, and spices. It’s comforting, protein-rich, and an everyday staple for rice or tiffin.

    Raw Mango Sambar Recipe: This tangy sambar uses raw mangoes in place of tamarind, giving it a refreshing and fruity sourness. It’s especially popular in summer and pairs well with plain rice.

    Drumstick Sambar Recipe: Made with fresh drumsticks (murungakkai), this sambar is rich in flavor and slightly tangy. The drumsticks add a unique aroma and are delicious when cooked till soft.

    FAQ

    Is Vallarai Keerai bitter in taste?

    Yes, it has a slightly bitter taste. But when cooked with tamarind, dal, and spices, the bitterness is balanced and adds a distinct flavor.

    Can I use other greens instead of Vallarai?

    Absolutely! You can substitute with spinach, arai keerai, mulai keerai, or any other edible greens if vallarai isn’t available.

    Is this sambar good for kids and elders?

    Yes, it’s great for both. For kids, you can reduce the spice level and add a little more dal to make it creamier and milder.

    Can I make this sambar without tamarind?

    Yes, you can use a tomato for tanginess or reduce the tamarind quantity if you prefer less sourness. Some people even make a version without tamarind.

    How do I reduce the bitterness of vallarai?

    Use fresh, tender leaves, saute them well, and balance the flavor with a bit of jaggery or extra tamarind. Do not overcook, as that may intensify bitterness.

    Can I store this sambar for later?

    It tastes best fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers for a day. Reheat gently and add a splash of water if it thickens.

    📖 Recipe Card

    Vallarai Keerai Sambar Recipe

    Vallarai Keerai Sambar, also known as Brahmi Leaf Lentil Curry, it is a wholesome South Indian sambar made using vallarai keerai and tamarind-based dal curry. This spinach sambar is a comforting recipe often served with hot rice and a dollop of ghee. Traditionally cooked toor dal and finished with a simple tempering.
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 157kcal

    Equipment

    • Cooking pot

    Ingredients

    • 10 no Shallots / Sambar Onion / Chinna Ulli peeled
    • 6 cloves Garlic peeled
    • 3 cups Vallarai Keerai / Brahmi Leaves chopped - You can use any spinach
    • 2 cups Water or as needed
    • 3 tbsp Tamarind Pulp
    • 2 tbsp Coriander Powder
    • 2 tsp Chilli Powder
    • 1 tsp Sugar or Jaggery
    • 2 tsp Salt or to taste

    For Cooking Dal

    • ½ cup Toor Dal / Tuvaram paruppu
    • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
    • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds

    For Tempering

    • 1 tbsp Oil or Ghee
    • 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
    • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
    • 1 tsp Split Urad Dal
    • ¼ tsp Asafoetida
    • 1 no Dry Red Chilli
    • 1 sprig Curry Leaves

    Instructions

    • Take dal, turmeric powder and cumin seeds in a sauce pan, cover it with water. Bring it to boil and simmer for 20 mins till done.
    • Heat oil in a kadai. Add the tempering spices to hot oil and let it sizzle for a min. Add in shallots, garlic and saute them for a min. Now add in chopped spinach and saute them well. Pour in water and bring it to a boil.
    • Add in coriander powder, chilli powder, tamarind pulp and mix well. Boil it again.
    • Add in cooked toor dal mix and mix well. Season with salt and jaggery. Mix well and simmer for 5 to 8 mins. Serve with rice.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servings | Calories: 157kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 1225mg | Potassium: 316mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2445IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @yummytummyaarthi or tag #yummytummyaarthi!
    Join us on FacebookFollow us on Facebook
    Share by Email Share on Facebook

    If you have any questions not covered in this post and if you need help, leave me a comment or mail me @[email protected] and I’ll help as soon as I can.

    Follow me on Instagram, Facebook,Pinterest ,Youtube and Twitter for more Yummy Tummy inspiration.

    IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE OR ANYTHING FROM YUMMY TUMMY, MAKE SURE TO POST IT AND TAG ME SO I CAN SEE ALL OF YOUR CREATIONS!! #YUMMYTUMMYAARTHI AND @YUMMYTUMMYAARTHI ON INSTAGRAM!

    More Spinach Recipes

    • Kale Chips Recipe
    • Drumstick Soup Recipe
    • Green Chutney Recipe
    • Spinach Pasta Recipe
    • Spinach Soup Recipe
    • Keerai Thandu Poriyal Recipe

    45
    Shares
    « Vegetable Chutney Recipe
    Chilli Mushroom Recipe (Dry) »
    Aarthi

    About Aarthi

    Over the past few years I’ve been on a mission to find and create recipes that I can make from scratch. I hope you enjoy the recipes on this blog as they are tried and true from my kitchen to yours!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Janani

      at

      So nice and tasty sambar

      Reply
    2. nayana

      at

      used to have this sambhar in childhood when we had this creeper in our garden, not had it since ages, you really made me feel nostalgic...

      Reply
    3. Hamaree Rasoi

      at

      Sambar looks so tasty and tangy. Thanks for posting the step by step pictures.
      Deepa

      Reply
    4. Anonymous

      at

      looks good. Coriander powder shown in pic looks like sambar powder. What to use?. Please clarify.

      Reply
    5. Aarthi

      at

      @AnonymousNo it is coriander powder, my mom grounds her own coriander powder, so it is looking like that

      Reply
    6. Regi

      at

      No sambhar podi required ??

      Reply
    7. Aarthi

      at

      @Regino need

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    MEET THE AUTHOR

    Hi, I'm Aarthi!

    WELCOME. Over the past few years, I’ve been on a mission to find and create recipes that I can make from scratch. I hope you enjoy the recipes on this blog as they are tried and true from my kitchen to yours!

    More about me →

    STAY CONNECTED

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Useful Links

    • Dosa
    • Idli
    • Rice Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner

    Recent Posts

    • Ethiopian Cabbage Potato Carrots (Atakilt Wat)
    • Ethiopian Dal Recipe (Misir Wat)
    • Ethiopian Doro Wat Recipe
    • Ethiopian Injera Flatbread Recipe

    As seen in

    BUY MY COOKBOOK

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Privacy

    • Privacy Policy
    • Advertisers
    • Contact
    • Recipe Index

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Stay Connected

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube

    Copyright © 2021 Yummy Tummy | Technical Partner </> Host My Blog

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required