Instant Pot Sambar (Lentils & Vegetable Stew)

Name: Instant Pot Sambar (Lentils & Vegetable Stew)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: ½ cup toor dal (split pigeon peas); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pinch heeng (asafetida); 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds; 12-15 curry leaves; 1 medium onion (chopped in ½-inch pieces); ½ inch ginger (minced (2 teaspoons)); 2 garlic cloves (minced (2 teaspoons)); 1 cup chopped Roma tomatoes; ¾ -1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 tablespoon sambar powder (reduce to 2 tsp for mild, or 1.5 tbsp for spicy); 1 teaspoon coriander powder; 2 cups water; 1 large zucchini (cut in 1-inch pieces); 1 large carrot (cut in ½ inch pieces); 1 teaspoon tamarind concentrate ((adjust to taste)); ¼- ½ teaspoon sugar or jaggery (optional); 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Instructions

Prep:10minCook:20min

A quick and easy Instant Pot recipe for an authentic south-Indian lentil and vegetable stew called Sambar. It comes together in 40 minutes and is best enjoyed with rice, idli or dosa.

Updated at: Fri, 11 Sep 2026 03:03:18 GMT