Chef Damodaran Vegetarian Recipes In Tamil For Every Meal

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Chef Damodaran is a celebrated name in the world of Tamil cuisine, especially when it comes to crafting delightful vegetarian dishes that are both wholesome and flavorful. His recipes beautifully blend traditional Tamil ingredients with modern cooking techniques, making vegetarian meals not just healthy but absolutely irresistible.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, his vegetarian recipes in Tamil offer a perfect balance of taste, nutrition, and simplicity. In this blog post, we dive into some of Chef Damodaran’s most popular vegetarian recipes, presented in Tamil style, to inspire your next meal at home.

From vibrant vegetable curries to aromatic rice dishes, these recipes are guaranteed to impress your family and friends while keeping things meat-free and nutritious.

Ready to explore the magic of Tamil vegetarian cooking through Chef Damodaran’s eyes? Let’s get started with some of his most loved recipes that you can easily recreate in your kitchen today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chef Damodaran’s vegetarian recipes in Tamil are beloved for many reasons. First, they emphasize fresh, locally sourced ingredients that highlight the natural flavors of Tamil Nadu’s rich culinary heritage.

Each dish is thoughtfully balanced with spices and herbs that elevate simple vegetables into mouthwatering creations.

Beyond the delicious taste, these recipes are designed to be accessible for cooks of all skill levels, making it easy to incorporate healthy vegetarian meals into your daily routine. The use of traditional Tamil cooking methods also ensures that these dishes stay authentic and true to their roots, offering a genuine taste experience.

Whether you are looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet or want to impress guests with an authentic Tamil feast, Chef Damodaran’s vegetarian recipes are a perfect choice.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, potatoes)
  • 1 cup of cooked rice (preferably sona masoori or basmati)
  • 1/2 cup of toor dal (split pigeon peas)
  • 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 green chilies, slit
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
  • 1 sprig of curry leaves
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 2 tbsp oil (preferably sesame or coconut oil)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
  • 1 tbsp grated coconut (optional)

Equipment

  • Medium-sized cooking pot or pressure cooker
  • Frying pan or kadai
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander or strainer
  • Mixing bowl

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dal: Rinse the toor dal thoroughly and soak it for 15 minutes. Cook the dal in a pressure cooker with 2 cups of water until soft and mushy. Set aside.
  2. Cook the vegetables: Chop the mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan, add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add chopped onions and green chilies. Cook until onions are translucent. Then add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
  4. Add spices and vegetables: Stir in turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Add the chopped vegetables and mix well. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  5. Combine dal and vegetables: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the cooked dal to the pan. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
  6. Add rice and garnish: Mix in the cooked rice gently, ensuring it’s evenly combined. Sprinkle with fresh coriander leaves and grated coconut if using.
  7. Final touch: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a small pan, add mustard seeds and curry leaves, and pour this tempering over the dish for an authentic Tamil flavor boost.

Tips & Variations

Always use fresh curry leaves and mustard seeds for the best aroma and flavor. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a little water while simmering the dal and vegetables together.

You can also replace toor dal with moong dal for a lighter version. For a richer taste, add a tablespoon of ghee during the tempering step.

If you want to try a protein boost, toss in some cooked chickpeas or paneer cubes. For a vegan twist, avoid ghee and stick with sesame or coconut oil.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving
Calories 320 kcal
Protein 12 g
Carbohydrates 45 g
Fat 7 g
Fiber 6 g
Sodium 450 mg

Serving Suggestions

This Tamil-style vegetarian dish pairs beautifully with a side of Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or a simple cucumber raita to cool down the spices. You can also serve it alongside warm chapatis or freshly made dosas for a complete Tamil meal experience.

For a refreshing finish, try dessert options such as Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese. If you prefer snacks, the Pecan Crackers Recipe make an excellent accompaniment to your meal.

Conclusion

Exploring Chef Damodaran’s vegetarian recipes in Tamil is a delightful journey into the heart of South Indian cuisine. These recipes not only highlight the vibrant flavors and textures of Tamil Nadu but also promote a healthy, plant-based lifestyle.

With easy-to-follow steps and accessible ingredients, you can bring the authentic taste of Tamil home cooking to your table without any hassle.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these dishes promise to be a hit with their perfect blend of spice, nutrition, and tradition. Embrace the rich culinary heritage of Tamil vegetarian cuisine with Chef Damodaran’s recipes and enjoy wholesome, delicious meals every day!

📖 Recipe Card: Chef Damodaran Vegetarian Sambar

Description: A traditional South Indian lentil and vegetable stew with authentic flavors by Chef Damodaran. Perfectly balanced with tangy tamarind and aromatic spices, served with rice or idli.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, drumstick, pumpkin, brinjal)
  • 1 medium-sized tomato, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
  • 2 green chilies, slit
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2 dried red chilies
  • 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
  • 1 tablespoon sambar powder
  • 10 curry leaves
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 3 cups water

Instructions

  1. Wash and pressure cook toor dal with 2.5 cups water until soft.
  2. Soak tamarind in warm water and extract juice.
  3. Heat oil in a pot, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and asafoetida.
  4. Add chopped vegetables, green chilies, and sauté for 3 minutes.
  5. Add tamarind extract, cooked dal, sambar powder, and salt.
  6. Add remaining water and bring to boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
  7. Add curry leaves and simmer for 2 more minutes.
  8. Serve hot with rice or idli.

Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 35 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Chef Damodaran Vegetarian Sambar”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A traditional South Indian lentil and vegetable stew with authentic flavors by Chef Damodaran. Perfectly balanced with tangy tamarind and aromatic spices, served with rice or idli.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)”, “1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, drumstick, pumpkin, brinjal)”, “1 medium-sized tomato, chopped”, “1 tablespoon tamarind paste”, “2 green chilies, slit”, “1 teaspoon mustard seeds”, “1 teaspoon cumin seeds”, “2 dried red chilies”, “1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)”, “1 tablespoon sambar powder”, “10 curry leaves”, “Salt to taste”, “2 tablespoons oil”, “3 cups water”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Wash and pressure cook toor dal with 2.5 cups water until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Soak tamarind in warm water and extract juice.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a pot, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and asafoetida.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped vegetables, green chilies, and saut\u00e9 for 3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add tamarind extract, cooked dal, sambar powder, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add remaining water and bring to boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add curry leaves and simmer for 2 more minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot with rice or idli.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “250 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “6 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “35 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X