Sambar is a popular South Indian dish that is often served with rice, dosa, idli, or vada. It is a gluten-free and vegan lentil-based soup that is flavored with tamarind, vegetables, and spices.
Set the Instant Pot to Saute(more)mode and heat the oil. Add the mustard seeds and cook until they start to pop. Add hing, curry leaves, onion, and garlic and saute for 2 minutes.
Add tomato, carrot, bottle gourd, and drumstick beans, turmeric, salt and, sambar powder and mix well. Add toor dal, and water and give a quick stir.
Close the Instant Pot with the steam release handle to sealing. PressureCook(High) for 8 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally and open the pot. Mix the daal well, mashing with the back of the spoon.
Stir in tamarind. Add more water if needed to bring the sambar to the desired consistency. Note: sambar will continue to thicken as it cools down. Add more salt and sambar powder to taste. Select the Saute (More) setting and bring the sambar to a full boil. Press Cancel. Garnish with cilantro. Serve hot.
Video
Notes
Stove Top Recipe:
Add rinsed and washed lentils along with 2 cups of water to a pressure cooker and cook until the lentils are soft and mushy. You can also cook them on a stovetop pot for about 30 minutes or so.
In another medium-sized pot heat oil. Add the mustard seeds and cook until they start to pop. Add hing, curry leaves, onion, and garlic and saute until the onions turn translucent and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
Add tomato, carrot, bottle gourd, and drumstick beans, turmeric, salt and, sambar powder and mix well. Add 2 cups of water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook covered on low to medium heat until the vegetables are cooked through. About 10 minutes.
Add cooked dal and give a quick stir. Stir in tamarind. Add more water if needed to bring the sambar to the desired consistency. Adjust salt to taste and add more sambar powder if needed.