Does anyone know how they get the sambhar in restaurants to come out orangish in color, the toor dal is yellow

Question

I have tried adding tomatoes, the color is better but not vivid orangish, I wonder if they add some food coloring or whether adding tomato puree (bright red) would produce the right color.

Answer 1

Normally, the cook add colour called "Zafrani rung"

Answer 2

Add turmeric, sambhar powder, and tomatoes

Answer 3

I think they mix something into it which turns it out to b vivid orangish,mayb garam masala or red chilli powder coz mostly south-indian food r spicy,so.....mayb.

Answer 4

my friend even i have the same prob at home i tried making sambar but it was yellow i think they add color for sure but they aint saying

Answer 5

Try adding tamarind puree i.e. soak tamarind in warm water, then squeeze out the concentrate.  Also use turmeric & hing while cooking the dal.  Trust me even home cooked sambhar does get your mentioned colour.  If nothing helps use sambhar pwd. from MTR/Aachi Masalas/Everest/MDH or whatever masala you can lay your hands on.

Answer 6

I don"t know why u r bothering about the colour? Add tomatto, add sambar powder,tamarind paste and prepare it,u will get a nice colour.May be in hotels they add colourpowders.

Answer 7

Food coloring from wut I've heard....

Answer 8

Use sambhar powder for the colour, aroma, and taste. Normally this powder is home made from dry masalas and spices (natural) in south India or among south Indian families, yet they are available ready made in the market under different brand names. In North India and in Chandigarh you can have them under the popular brand names like MTR, Everest, MDH, Kailash..... MTR is the best. Use the powder quantity as per your taste and spice level. You may also add Tamarind paste, readily available in the market, for good taste.

Answer 9

tomatoes dont really give it the same shade, plus they change it into tomato soup instead of sambar.

it shouldnt really be bright orange, more of a brownish orange.  

tamarind paste, coriander, red chilis, those are the things you need.

Answer 10

By putting sambar powder little more , not mooore !