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Instant Pot Sambar Recipe: Simple & Flavorful Instant Pot Sambar Recipe: Simple & Flavorful

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Instant Pot Sambar Recipe: Simple & Flavorful

Written by: Lucas Johnson

This Instant Pot Sambar is my go-to comfort food. Packed with wholesome veggies and lentils, it's a flavorful, nourishing dish that I love serving with rice or idli. It's simple, quick, and utterly delicious!

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Let me share my go-to instant pot recipe that'll make your taste buds dance! This sambar is a flavor explosion, packed with hearty lentils and colorful veggies. I've perfected this dish over countless family dinners, tweaking spices until hitting that perfect balance. Trust me, once you try this aromatic, tangy goodness, you'll be hooked. It's a breeze to whip up, leaving you more time to savor each spoonful. Ready to dive into a bowl of comfort?

Ingredients Needed for Delicious Sambar

  • Toor dal: Essential for the base of the sambar, provides a creamy texture and a nutty flavor to the dish.
  • Mixed vegetables: Adds color, flavor, and nutrients to the sambar, creating a wholesome and balanced dish.
  • Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor base to the sambar, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
  • Tomatoes: Bring a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the sambar, balancing the other spices and ingredients.
  • Green chilies: Add a spicy kick to the sambar, providing heat and depth of flavor to the dish.
  • Turmeric powder: Provides a vibrant color to the sambar and adds a warm, earthy flavor to the dish.
  • Sambar powder: A blend of spices that gives the sambar its signature flavor profile, adding depth and complexity to the dish.
  • Tamarind paste: Adds a tangy and slightly sour taste to the sambar, balancing the sweetness of the vegetables and dal.
  • Fresh coriander leaves: Used as a garnish, these leaves add a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the sambar, enhancing its overall taste.

Essential Tools for Making Instant Pot Sambar

  • Instant Pot: Speeds up cooking time and ensures even cooking of dal and vegetables.
  • Chopping board: Essential for chopping vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and green chilies for the sambar recipe.
instant-pot-sambar-recipe-simple-flavorful

Instant Pot Sambar Recipe: Simple & Flavorful

This Instant Pot Sambar recipe is a simple and flavorful South Indian dish made with toor dal, mixed vegetables, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
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Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine South Indian
Servings 4 people
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients:  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, potatoes, beans)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 green chilies, slit
  • 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tbsp sambar powder
  • 1 tbsp tamarind paste (size of a small lemon)
  • to taste Salt
  • as needed Water
  • for garnish Fresh coriander leaves

Instructions: 

  • Rinse the toor dal and set aside.
  • In the Instant Pot, add the toor dal, mixed vegetables, onion, tomatoes, green chilies, turmeric powder, sambar powder, tamarind paste, salt, and water.
  • Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
  • Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.
  • Open the lid, stir well, and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
  • Serve hot with rice or idli.

Notes:

This sambar is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with various South Indian staples like rice, idli, or dosa.

Nutrition value:

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg

Keywords:

Keyword Indian Cuisine, Instant Pot, Sambar
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Tips for Making Sambar Ahead of Time and Freezing

Make Ahead Instructions

  • Prepare the sambar as per the recipe.
  • Allow it to cool completely.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions

  • Let the sambar cool down entirely.
  • Transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

To enhance the flavor of the sambar, try adding a small piece of jaggery while cooking to balance the tanginess of the tamarind and tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Sambar

FAQ:
Can I use other vegetables in this instant pot sambar recipe?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand to customize this sambar to your liking.
How can I adjust the spice level of the sambar?
You can control the spiciness by adding more or fewer green chilies or adjusting the amount of sambar powder according to your preference.
Is it necessary to soak the toor dal before cooking?
No, soaking the toor dal is not required for this recipe since we are pressure cooking it, which helps in quick and easy cooking.
Can I make this sambar without an instant pot?
Yes, you can make this sambar on the stovetop by cooking the ingredients in a regular pot until the dal and vegetables are soft and well cooked.
How long can I store the leftover sambar?
You can store the leftover sambar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it before serving.

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