Sambal Sauce
South Indian • All Foods
How to Make Sambal Sauce (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Sambal Sauce is a vibrant, spicy condiment originating from the diverse culinary landscape of Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Traditionally made with red chilies, garlic, and a touch of tangy lime, Sambal has found its way into Indian kitchens, particularly among communities in Tamil Nadu and Kerala with historic ties to Malaysia. The sauce is beloved for its intense flavor, combining heat with umami and a hint of sourness, making it an essential accompaniment for snacks, rice dishes, and even South Indian breakfast items like idli or dosa. In Indian cuisine, Sambal Sauce is appreciated not just for its bold taste but also for its versatility. It can be served as a dip for baked samosas, a topping for grilled paneer, or a spicy boost to vegetable stir-fries. Its easy preparation and fresh ingredients make it a great choice for health-conscious home cooks seeking authentic Southeast Asian flavors. The sauce is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan, fitting perfectly into modern Indian dietary preferences, and its robust spices offer a satisfying alternative to heavy, oil-laden chutneys.
Ingredients(for 2 tablespoons sambal sauce with baked samosas or steamed idli)
- 8-10 medium Fresh red chilies (deseeded for less heat)
- 4 Garlic cloves (peeled)
- 2 Shallots (small, peeled)
- 1 medium Tomato (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Tamarind pulp (imli)
- 1 tablespoon Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Jaggery (gur, optional for sweetness) - optional
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons Sesame oil (til ka tel)
- 1 teaspoon Soy sauce (optional for umami) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Wash and deseed the red chilies. Roughly chop them along with garlic, shallots, and tomato.
5 minutes
Deseeding helps reduce the heat and makes the sauce kid-friendly.
- 2
Heat sesame oil (til ka tel) in a pan on medium flame. Add garlic and shallots, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
3 minutes
Use cold-pressed sesame oil for a rich, nutty flavor.
- 3
Add chopped chilies and tomato to the pan. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
5 minutes
Stir continuously to prevent sticking.
- 4
Add tamarind pulp, salt, and jaggery. Mix well and cook for another 3 minutes.
3 minutes
Adjust jaggery to balance heat and sourness.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This healthy sambal recipe uses fresh ingredients, minimal oil, and natural sweeteners like jaggery rather than refined sugar. It is vegan adaptable and naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for a range of dietary needs. The sauce is packed with flavor, so just a small amount brings big taste to your snacks without excess calories, oil, or salt. A great choice for calorie tracking and mindful eating.
Sambal Sauce is low in calories and high in vitamin C thanks to the fresh chilies and lime. Garlic and shallots provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. The use of sesame oil adds healthy fats, while tamarind and tomatoes offer fiber. This sauce contains minimal sugar and no artificial preservatives, making it a nutritious addition to your diet. It's suitable for weight management and supports a vegetarian diet.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use fresh chilies for the brightest flavor.
- 💡Tip 2: Adjust the number of chilies to suit your spice tolerance.
- 💡Tip 3: Blend in small batches for better consistency.
- 💡Tip 4: Add lime juice after cooling for a zesty finish.
- 💡Tip 5: Serve sambal cold or at room temperature for best taste.
Storage & Serving
Keeps for 6-8 hours at room temperature. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze in small portions.
Best served: Lunch or as a snack accompaniment
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 50.0 kcal |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12.0 g |
| Total Fat | 3.5 g |
| Fiber | 2.8 g |
| Sugars | 7.0 g |
| Iron | 1.1 mg |
| Calcium | 22.0 mg |
| Sodium | 950.0 mg |
| Potassium | 210.0 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0.0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 350.0 IU |
| Vitamin C | 18.0 mg |
| Magnesium | 16.0 mg |
| Zinc | 0.3 mg |
| Phosphorus | 28.0 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.0 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.8 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.0 µg |
| Folate | 18.0 µg |
