One Pot Vegetable Sambar

Name: One Pot Vegetable Sambar
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: South Indian
Ingredients: 2.5 cup Boiled dal; 0.5 tbsp Turmeric powder; 500 mL water; 50 g French beans; Few cauliflower florets; 2 potato diced; 1 raw banana diced; 0.5 cup green peas; 2 small brinjals cut into long cubes; 0.5 onion diced; 0.5 tomato diced; Few curry leaves; 2 slit green chillies; 2 piece tamarind; 0.5 tbsp Red chilli powder; 1 tbsp sambar powder; 0.5 tbsp salt; 1 jaggery cube; Few Coriander leaves; 1 tbsp Coconut oil; 1 tsp Mustard seeds; 2 dry red chilli; Few curry leaves; 1 tsp Asafoetida

One Pot Vegetable Sambar is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful South Indian dish made with lentils and vegetables, cooked together in a single pot to save time and effort. It’s a wholesome meal rich in proteins and fibers, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. Traditionally, sambar is served with rice, idli, or dosa.

Step 1

In a cooker , add boiled toor dal , turmeric powder and water. Mix well.

Step 2

Add all the veggies one by one as mentioned in the ingredients section from french beans - tomato.

Step 3

Next add green chillies & tamarind pieces.

Step 4

Add masalas like red chilli powder, sambar powder with salt , a piece of jaggery and coriander leaves . Mix everything together in the cooker.

Step 5

Close the lid and pressure cook for 1-2 whistles on medium heat if using a traditional pressure cooker. For an Instant Pot, set it to manual or pressure cook mode for about 10 minutes. Once the pressure releases naturally, open the lid and check the consistency. If the sambar is too thick, you can add a little more water to adjust.

Step 6

Heat coconut oil add mustard seeds, , dry red chilies, and curry leaves. Let them splutter for a few seconds until aromatic. Add a pinch of asafoetida. Temper the sambar.

Step 7

Taste and adjust salt or tamarind for tanginess. Serve hot with steamed rice, idli, dosa, or as a soup.

You can use a variety of vegetables depending on availability—pumpkin, zucchini, or radishes are good alternatives.

Make Sambar a day before consumption.It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. I usually prepare at night to serve in breakfast the next day as the flavors continue to deepen.

Toor dal (pigeon peas) is traditionally used for sambar, but you can also combine it with moong dal for a smoother texture.

The tamarind adds tang, but to balance this sourness, adding a small piece of jaggery (or sugar) gives the sambar a slightly sweet edge. This enhances the complexity of flavors.

The consistency of sambar should neither be too thick nor too watery. It should be pourable but not soupy.

Let the sambar rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to develop and meld together.

Always add tempering at the end for best aroma . Coconut oil works great for tempering if you prefer a South Indian touch.

How do I make One Pot Vegetable Sambar in a traditional pressure cooker?

To make One Pot Vegetable Sambar in a traditional pressure cooker, start by adding boiled toor dal, turmeric powder, and water to the cooker. Mix well, then add all the chopped vegetables, green chillies, tamarind, and spices. Close the lid and cook for 1-2 whistles on medium heat. Once done, let the pressure release naturally before opening the lid. Adjust the consistency with water if needed, and temper with coconut oil, mustard seeds, and curry leaves before serving.

What are some good substitutions for vegetables in One Pot Vegetable Sambar?

You can easily customize One Pot Vegetable Sambar by substituting vegetables based on your preference or availability. Instead of French beans, you can use green beans or zucchini. Cauliflower can be replaced with broccoli, and raw banana can be substituted with sweet potato. Feel free to mix and match according to what you have on hand!

Is One Pot Vegetable Sambar suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, One Pot Vegetable Sambar is completely vegan as it contains no animal products. The dish is made with lentils, vegetables, and spices, making it a nutritious option for those following a vegan lifestyle. Just ensure that the jaggery used is also vegan, as some brands may contain animal-derived ingredients.

How should I store leftover One Pot Vegetable Sambar?

To store leftover One Pot Vegetable Sambar, let it cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it in portions. When reheating, you may need to add a little water to adjust the consistency.

What dishes pair well with One Pot Vegetable Sambar?

One Pot Vegetable Sambar is traditionally served with steamed rice, idli, or dosa. It also pairs wonderfully with appams or even as a soup on its own. For a complete meal, you can serve it alongside a side of papad or a fresh salad to enhance the flavors.