If you're craving a burst of flavors and a comforting dish that warms the soul, look no further than this delightful Vegetable Sambar made effortlessly in your Instant Pot! This traditional South Indian recipe combines the goodness of toor dal and a medley of vibrant vegetables, all infused with aromatic spices that will tantalize your taste buds. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a hearty meal that serves four, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Ready to transform your cooking game and impress your loved ones? Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and discover the magic of Sambar!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, potatoes)
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sambar powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Mustard seeds and curry leaves for tempering
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the toor dal thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
- Chop all mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly similar in size for even cooking.
- Add rinsed toor dal, chopped vegetables, tomatoes, sambar powder, turmeric powder, and salt to the Instant Pot inner pot.
- Pour 3 cups of water into the pot, ensuring all ingredients are well submerged.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" mode.
- Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes.
- While dal is cooking, prepare the tempering. Heat oil in a small pan, add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add curry leaves to the tempering and sauté for 30 seconds, then set aside.
- After pressure release, open the Instant Pot lid and mash the dal slightly with a spoon to create a creamy consistency.
- Pour the prepared tempering over the sambar and mix gently.
- Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves before serving.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or dosa for an authentic South Indian meal experience.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and rinse the toor dal ahead of time. You can store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand! Zucchini, bell peppers, or peas can all add a unique twist to your Sambar.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of sambar powder. Conversely, for a spicier kick, add a pinch of red chili powder or fresh green chilies.
- Perfect Tempering: Don’t skip the tempering step! It adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish. Make sure the mustard seeds are fully spluttered for the best taste.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Vegetable Sambar with steamed rice, dosa, or idli for an authentic South Indian experience. A side of coconut chutney also pairs beautifully!
- Leftovers: Sambar tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
