[FULL GUIDE] How To Make Sambar In Instant Pot

Sambar is a traditional South Indian lentil-based vegetable stew that is packed with rich and aromatic flavors. It is a popular and essential dish in South Indian cuisine, often enjoyed with rice, idli (rice cakes), dosa (rice pancake), or vada (fried lentil fritters). Making sambar in an Instant Pot not only simplifies the cooking process but also significantly reduces the cooking time while preserving the authentic taste and texture.

This guide will take you through the step-by-step process of making delicious sambar using an Instant Pot, covering everything from ingredient selection to troubleshooting common issues that may arise during the cooking process.

Quick Answer: How Long To Make Sambar In Instant Pot

The total time required to make sambar in an Instant Pot is approximately 40 minutes, including both the preparation and cooking time. This is significantly lesser than the traditional stovetop method, making the Instant Pot an ideal choice for busy individuals who don’t want to compromise on the authentic taste of homemade sambar.

Selection

Ingredients

Before you begin making sambar in an Instant Pot, it’s essential to select high-quality, fresh ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture. Here are the key ingredients you will need:

Lentils

Select ¾ cup of toor dal (split pigeon peas) for the base of your sambar. Toor dal is rich in protein and imparts a creamy texture to the sambar when cooked.

Vegetables

You can customize the selection of vegetables based on your preference, but common choices include drumsticks, okra, eggplant, carrots, and shallots. Ensure that the vegetables are fresh and free from any blemishes.

Tamarind

Tamarind pulp or concentrate is a crucial ingredient for adding a tangy flavor to sambar. Opt for seedless tamarind to simplify the preparation process.

Sambar Powder

Select a high-quality sambar powder, readily available in Indian grocery stores, or make your own by grinding together coriander seeds, cumin seeds, whole red chilies, fenugreek, turmeric, and asafoetida (hing).

Spices And Herbs

Gather mustard seeds, curry leaves, dried red chilies, fenugreek seeds, asafoetida (hing), turmeric powder, and fresh cilantro for seasoning.

Preparation

Preparing The Ingredients

1. Prepping the Vegetables:

   • Wash the vegetables thoroughly under running water, and then chop them into bite-sized pieces. If using drumsticks, cut them into 2-inch long pieces.
   • If using okra, rinse and pat dry the okra completely before cutting them into small segments.

2. Rinsing the Lentils:

   • Rinse the toor dal under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and impurities from the lentils.

3. Soaking Tamarind:

   • Soak a small lemon-sized ball of tamarind in warm water for 15 minutes. Once soft, extract the tamarind pulp and discard the solids.

Instant Pot Preparations

1. Sautéing and Pressure Cooking:

   • Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode, which will be used for seasoning the sambar before pressure cooking.

2. Organizing Spices and Herbs:

   • Ensure that all your spices and herbs are within reach, as the cooking process will involve adding them at different stages.

Instant Pot Cooking Times For Sambar

When using an Instant Pot to make sambar, it is important to understand the cooking times for each component to achieve the desired texture and flavor. Here are the approximate cooking times for different steps in the sambar-making process:

1. Sautéing the Seasoning: 5 minutes
2. Pressurizing the Instant Pot: 10-15 minutes
3. Cooking the Sambar under Pressure: 10 minutes
4. Natural Pressure Release: 10 minutes
5. Total Cooking Time: 40 minutes (including prep time)

How To Make Sambar In Instant Pot

Step 1: Sautéing The Seasoning

1. Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Adjust the heat to “Normal” and wait for the display to show "Hot."

2. Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the Instant Pot and allow it to heat up. Once hot, add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and let them splutter.

3. After the mustard seeds crackle, add 1 sprig of curry leaves, 2 dried red chilies, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing).

4. Sauté the seasoning for a minute until the curry leaves become crisp and the red chilies turn slightly darker.

Step 2: Adding Vegetables, Lentils, And Tamarind

1. Add the chopped vegetables to the Instant Pot and sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.

2. Next, add the rinsed toor dal (pigeon peas) and mix it well with the sautéed vegetables.

3. Pour in the tamarind pulp and ensure that it is evenly distributed among the vegetables and lentils.

4. Add 2 tablespoons of sambar powder and ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder to the mixture. Stir well to coat the vegetables and lentils with the spices.

Step 3: Pressurizing And Cooking

1. Pour 4 cups of water into the Instant Pot and give everything a good stir to combine.

2. Cancel the Sauté function and secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the pressure valve is set to the sealing position.

3. Select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting and set the cooking time to 10 minutes at high pressure.

4. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before carefully switching the pressure valve from "sealing" to "venting" to release any remaining pressure.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

1. Open the Instant Pot and give the sambar a gentle stir. If the consistency is too thick, add some hot water to reach your desired consistency.

2. Garnish the sambar with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice or your choice of Indian bread.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sambar Too Thin

If your sambar turns out thinner than expected, you can use the following methods to thicken it:

1. Mashed Lentils: Take a ladle and mash some of the cooked toor dal against the sides of the Instant Pot. This helps thicken the sambar as the mashed lentils release starch.

2. Roux: In a separate pan, prepare a roux by mixing 1 tablespoon of ghee or oil with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour or rice flour. Cook the mixture until it turns golden brown, then stir it into the sambar to thicken it.

Sambar Too Thick

In case your sambar ends up thicker than desired, simply add hot water gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Allow the sambar to simmer for a few minutes after adding the water to ensure that the flavors are well incorporated.

Adjusting The Seasoning

If you find the sambar is lacking in flavor, you can adjust the seasoning by adding a pinch of salt, a teaspoon of sambar powder, or a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the taste.

Burn Notice

If your Instant Pot displays a “Burn” notice during the sautéing process, it’s likely that some ingredients have stuck to the bottom of the pot. In this case, carefully cancel the cooking process, release the pressure, and carefully scrape off any food stuck to the bottom of the pot. Add a little extra water to deglaze the pot before resuming the cooking process.

Making sambar in an Instant Pot offers a convenient and efficient way to prepare this beloved South Indian dish without compromising on its authentic flavors. By carefully selecting high-quality ingredients, paying attention to the cooking times, and following the step-by-step instructions, you can consistently create delicious and comforting sambar in a fraction of the time it takes through traditional stovetop cooking methods. With the flexibility to customize the vegetables and spices according to personal preference, the Instant Pot method ensures that you can enjoy a warm, hearty bowl of sambar at any time, even on the busiest of days.

Achieving Perfect Texture

If you’re a fan of South Indian cuisine, then sambar is a dish that needs no introduction. Sambar is a comforting and versatile lentil-based soup that is packed with a medley of vegetables, aromatic spices, and a tangy tamarind flavor. Traditionally, sambar is cooked in a pressure cooker or on a stovetop, which requires constant monitoring and can take a significant amount of time. However, with the invention of the Instant Pot, making sambar has become much easier, quicker, and hassle-free.

The Instant Pot is a multifunctional kitchen appliance that combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more. With its programmable settings and hands-free operation, the Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we cook, making it an ideal kitchen companion for busy individuals.

One of the challenges of making sambar is achieving the perfect texture. The lentils should be cooked until they are soft and creamy, but not mushy. The vegetables should be tender, yet retain their shape and color. With the Instant Pot, you can easily achieve this ideal texture by following a few simple steps.

Step 1: Rinse And Soak The Lentils

Start by rinsing the lentils (typically toor dal or yellow pigeon peas) thoroughly under cold water. This helps remove any impurities or dust. After rinsing, soak the lentils in water for about 15-20 minutes. This step helps soften the lentils and reduces the cooking time.

Step 2: Sauté The Spices

Turn on the sauté mode on your Instant Pot and heat some oil. Add the whole spices like mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, and dried red chilies to the oil. Sauté them for a minute or until they become fragrant. This step helps release the flavors and aromas of the spices, enhancing the overall taste of the sambar.

Step 3: Add Lentils, Vegetables, And Water

Drain the soaked lentils and add them to the Instant Pot along with the chopped vegetables of your choice. Popular vegetables used in sambar include carrots, eggplant, drumsticks, beans, and tomatoes. Add enough water to cover the lentils and vegetables. The ratio of lentils to water is typically 1:3, but you can adjust it based on your preference for a thinner or thicker consistency.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the pressure cook function and set the cooking time for about 10-12 minutes on high pressure. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the type and quality of lentils used. It’s always better to slightly undercook the lentils as they will continue to cook during the natural release process.

Step 5: Natural Release

Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the lentils and vegetables to continue cooking gently and evenly. After the natural release, carefully open the lid and check the consistency of the lentils. If they are not fully cooked, you can select the pressure cook function again for a few more minutes.

Flavor Infusion

Now that we have achieved the perfect texture, let’s focus on infusing delightful flavors into our sambar. A good sambar should have a balance of flavors, including spicy, tangy, and savory notes. With the Instant Pot, you can easily achieve a well-rounded flavor profile by following a few additional steps.

Step 1: Prepare The Tamarind Pulp

Tamarind is a key ingredient in sambar as it adds a tangy and slightly sour taste to the dish. To prepare the tamarind pulp, soak a small piece of tamarind (about the size of a lemon) in warm water for 10-15 minutes. Once the tamarind softens, squeeze and strain the pulp, discarding the fibrous residue.

Step 2: Add The Tamarind Pulp And Spices

After the natural release, open the Instant Pot and turn on the sauté mode again. Add the tamarind pulp to the sambar along with the sambar powder, which is a blend of spices like coriander, cumin, turmeric, and red chili powder. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Adjust Seasoning

Taste the sambar and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add salt, red chili powder, or tamarind pulp if needed. If the sambar tastes slightly bland, you can also add a teaspoon of jaggery or sugar to balance the flavors.

Step 4: Tempering/Tadka

The final step to elevate the flavor of the sambar is the tempering or tadka. In a separate small pan, heat some oil or ghee and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Once the mustard seeds start spluttering and the cumin seeds turn brown, pour this tempering over the sambar and stir gently to mix. This step adds a burst of aroma and depth of flavor to the sambar.

Aroma

The aroma of sambar is as important as its taste. The aromatic spices used in sambar create a tantalizing fragrance that will make your kitchen smell inviting. With the Instant Pot, you can ensure that the flavors and aromas are locked in, thanks to its sealed cooking environment.

As mentioned earlier, sautéing the spices at the beginning of the cooking process helps release their aromas. Additionally, the natural release method in the Instant Pot allows the fragrance to infuse into the sambar, making it even more appetizing.

To further enhance the aroma, you can also include a few sprigs of fresh curry leaves while cooking the sambar. Curry leaves not only add a distinct flavor but also contribute to the overall aroma. Simply add a handful of curry leaves to the Instant Pot along with the lentils and vegetables.

Other Instant Pot Cooking Methods For Sambar

While the pressure cooking method is the most popular way to prepare sambar in the Instant Pot, there are a few other cooking methods that you can try to suit your preferences and available time.

Slow Cook Method

If you prefer a slower cooking process, you can use the slow cook function on your Instant Pot to make sambar. Follow the same steps of sautéing the spices and adding the lentils, vegetables, and water. Instead of pressure cooking, select the slow cook function and set it on low heat for about 6-8 hours. This slow-cooking method allows the flavors to meld together and results in a rich and deeply flavored sambar.

Sauté Method

If you’re short on time and want to simplify the cooking process, you can use the sauté function of the Instant Pot to make sambar. Start by sautéing the spices in oil as mentioned earlier. Then, add the lentils, vegetables, water, and remaining ingredients. Cook the sambar on the sauté mode for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils and vegetables are fully cooked. This method requires more active monitoring but can be a quick and convenient option when you’re in a hurry.

Pot-in-Pot Method

The pot-in-pot method is a great option if you want to cook the sambar along with rice or any other dish simultaneously. In this method, you can place a heatproof bowl or container inside the Instant Pot and cook the sambar in it while the rice cooks below. This technique is especially useful if you want to save time and space while preparing a complete meal.

To use the pot-in-pot method for sambar, follow the steps mentioned earlier to prepare the sambar ingredients. Then, place the trivet or a heatproof stand inside the Instant Pot and add water. Place the heatproof bowl with the sambar ingredients on top of the trivet. Close the lid and pressure cook for the recommended time. This method ensures that the flavors of the sambar do not mix with the rice or any other dish being cooked in the main pot.

Tips For Making Sambar In Instant Pot

To make the process of making sambar in the Instant Pot even smoother and to enhance the taste, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Soak the lentils: Soaking the lentils before cooking helps reduce the cooking time and ensures even cooking. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Properly rinse the lentils: Thoroughly rinsing the lentils helps remove any dirt or impurities. This is especially important if you’re using organic lentils or if the lentils have been sitting in your pantry for a while.

3. Use the right sambar powder: Sambar powder is readily available in Indian grocery stores, but it’s also easy to make at home. Ensure that you use a good quality sambar powder that suits your taste preferences. You can adjust the quantity of sambar powder based on your desired level of spiciness.

4. Don’t overcook the lentils: It’s important to cook the lentils until they are soft and creamy but still hold their shape. Overcooking can result in a mushy sambar, which may alter the texture and taste.

5. Customize the vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables in your sambar. You can use a combination of traditional vegetables like drumsticks, eggplant, and carrots, along with seasonal vegetables to add variety and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for different vegetables.

6. Be mindful of the liquid level: Sambar tends to thicken upon standing, so you may need to add some hot water before serving to achieve the desired consistency.

7. Garnish generously: Garnishing with fresh coriander leaves (cilantro) not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the taste and aroma of the sambar. You can also add a dollop of ghee or lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Creative Instant Pot Sambar Recipes And Variations

While the traditional sambar recipe is delicious on its own, you can also get creative and add your own twists and variations using the Instant Pot. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

1. Mixed Vegetable Sambar: This is a classic variation where you can add a variety of vegetables like carrots, beans, bell peppers, and potatoes. The combination of different flavors and textures makes this sambar hearty and filling.

2. Sambar with Coconut Milk: To give your sambar a creamy and rich flavor, you can substitute a portion of the water with coconut milk. The coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness and velvety texture to the sambar.

3. Kadamba Sambar: This is a special type of sambar that incorporates a medley of vegetables, including Pumpkin, Drumstick, White Radish, and Ash Gourd. The combination of these vegetables adds a unique taste and makes it a satisfying and nutritious meal.

4. Spinach Sambar: For a healthy twist, you can add a handful of spinach leaves to your sambar. The spinach not only adds vibrant color but also boosts the nutritional value of the dish.

5. Red Pumpkin Sambar: Red pumpkin, also known as butternut squash, adds a subtle sweetness and velvety texture to the sambar. Try adding diced red pumpkin to the lentils and vegetables for a unique and delicious variation.

6. Sambar Rice: This is a one-pot meal where you can cook the sambar and rice together in the Instant Pot. Simply add rice along with the sambar ingredients and adjust the cooking time accordingly. This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weekdays.

Remember, sambar is a versatile dish, and you can experiment with different combinations of vegetables, spices, and lentils based on your taste preferences.

Conclusion

The Instant Pot has truly simplified the process of making sambar, allowing you to achieve the perfect texture, infuse rich flavors, and create an irresistible aroma. By following the steps mentioned above and experimenting with different variations, you can enjoy a delicious and comforting bowl of sambar in no time.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, the Instant Pot takes the guesswork out of making sambar and guarantees consistent results every time. So, dust off your Instant Pot and get ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with the authentic flavors of South India.

FAQS

What Is Sambar?

Sambar is a popular South Indian lentil-based soup or stew made with a variety of vegetables and flavored with spices and tamarind.

Can I Make Sambar In An Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make delicious sambar in your instant pot using this easy and foolproof method.

What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Sambar In An Instant Pot?

The main ingredients for sambar include lentils, vegetables (such as eggplant, pumpkin, okra, or drumsticks), tamarind, and a blend of spices. You will also need basic pantry staples such as oil, salt, and water.

How Long Does It Take To Make Sambar In An Instant Pot?

The actual cooking time for sambar in an instant pot is about 20 minutes. However, the instant pot will also take time to come to pressure and release pressure, which can take an additional 10-15 minutes.

Is Making Sambar In An Instant Pot The Same As Making It On The Stovetop?

The overall process of making sambar in an instant pot is similar to the stovetop method, but using an instant pot offers the convenience of one-pot cooking and a shorter cooking time. The end result is equally delicious and flavorful.