Instant Pot Tiffin Sambar is a quick and easy one pot Split Yellow lentils stew. It is usually served as a breakfast side dish for Idli, dosa, or Pongal.
Sambar is an emotion for most of the South Indians. It is like a mandatory add-on to go with our Idli (Steamed Rice Cakes) or Dosa( Rice pancakes). We literally dunk our idli or Dosa in Sambar. Many of us can relate. The Ratna cafe in Madras is famous for that reason. And many more I can say on that.
So here is one quick and easy recipe for one such sambar. In Hotel Sambar they usually dry roast the spices and prepared the masala. It is then added to prepare the Sambar. I am taking a shortcut using an Instant pot for Sambar. Also using a readymade Sambar powder makes the job simpler.
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What is Sambar
Sambar is a south Indian Lentil stew prepared from lentils along with Vegetables and spice powders. Traditionally we use Toor Dal or Yellow pigeon peas for Sambar. But for Tiffin sambar, we use the Moong Dal (Split Yellow lentils).
We then mash the cooked lentils to a lump-free consistency. Then add a special tempering along with Sambar powder (a special masala blend for sambar) and Vegetables.
If you are looking for a stovetop version of Tiffin Sambar. Check out the recipe in my blog. I have that version as well.
Ingredients
Moong Dal - Moong dal is the Hindi word for Yellow split lentils. Use good quality lentils for the Sambar.
Hing or Asafoetida - Hing is another important ingredient for the sambar. It brings tonnes of flavor. It is mandatory for Sambar. You may use either the powdered hing or the block ones. I usually add in with tempering the sambar. But my mom uses it while cooking the dal also. If using block hing you can use it while cooking the Dal also.
Sambar Powder - Ok so this the main spice powder that brings the sambar taste. It has various whole spices that are dry roasted and ground to a fine powder. Sambar powder is available in almost all Indian grocery stores.
so these are the main ingredients. Other than them we use onions, Tomato. Usually, shallots ate small onions are used in Sambar. And then mustard, cumin, dry red chili, Green Chilli, and curry leaves are used while garnishing the sambar.
How to Prepare Tiffin Sambar in Instant Pot
Pressure Cook the Dal
In the inner pot of the Instant pot add 1 cup of Moong Dal or Split Yellow Lentils. Along with this add in 1.5 cups of water.
Close the Instant pot and set the pressure knob to the sealing position. Select the pressure cook mode and set 5 mins in high pressure. Once the Instant Pot goes off. Do a quick release by turning the knob from sealing to the venting position. Open the IP and mash the Dal well. Transfer to another bowl and set the dal aside.
Cook Tiffin Sambar
Clean the Inner pot and place it again. Turn on the IP in Saute Mode. Add in Oil or Ghee. Once the oil heats up add in the Mustard seeds, let it splutter. Then add in Cumin seeds and Fenugreek seeds. Also, add in the Hing Green Chilli, Dry Red chili, Garlic pods, and Curry leaves. Saute everything together for a nice aroma.
Next, add in the chopped onions and cook till soft.
And then add in the chopped tomatoes and cook till they are mushy.
Now add in the cooked and mashed dal. Combine everything.
To this add in the Sambar Powder, Turmeric powder, and the required Salt.
Check the sambar for salt and spice add if anything is needed. Close the Instant Pot and select the pressure cook mode and, set 2 mins in high pressure. Once the Instant Pot goes off. Do a quick release by turning the knob from sealing to the venting position.
Instant pot Tiffin Sambar is now ready. Garnish the sambar with chopped Cilantro and serve hot with Idli or Dosa.
Serve hot with Idli or Dosa.
Variatons & Storage Suggestions
- I am not adding any Vegetables to my Tiffin Sambar. But you may add if you prefer.
- Vegetables like Drumstick, Brinjal, Pumpkin, or Carrot go well for Tiffin Sambar.
- We usually do not add Tamarind for Tiffin Sambar. The tanginess from the tomatoes is sufficient. If you prefer more you can add tamarind.
- Soak tamarind in hot water for10 min. Squeeze the pulp and then add to the sambar.
- Add Pearl onions or Shallots for a nice flavor.
- Tiffin Sambar stays good in the fridge for 3 days.
- You can freeze the cooked Dal and then make the sambar anytime as you prefer.
How to Serve Tiffin Sambar
- Tiffin Sambar goes well with Idli or Dosa. You can also serve with Pongal.
- If you wanted to serve them for rice, add tamarind along with sambar bring it to a boil and serve.
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📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Tiffin Sambar
Ingredients
To cook the Dal
- 1 cup Yellow split Lentils | Moong Dal
- 1.5 cups Water
To Temper :
- Oil/Ghee – 1 tbsp
- Hing / Asafoetida a generous pinch
- Mustard Seeds – 1 tsp
- Cumin Seeds – 1 tsp
- Dry Red Chilli - 2
- Green Chilli – 1
- Curry Leaves – 1 spring
Other Ingredients
- 1 Onion
- 1 Tomato
- 2 tbsp Sambar Powder
- ¼ tsp Turmeric powder
- Salt as needed
- Coriander leaves to garnish
Instructions
Pressure Cook the Dal
- In the inner pot of the Instant pot add 1 cup of Moong Dal or Split Yellow Lentils. Along with this add in 1.5 cups of water.
- Close the Instant pot and set the pressure knob to the sealing position. Select the pressure cook mode and set 5 mins in high pressure. Once the Instant Pot goes off. Do a quick release by turning the knob from sealing to the venting position. Open the IP and mash the Dal well. Transfer to another bowl and set the dal aside.
Cook Tiffin Sambar
- Clean the Inner pot and place it again. Turn on the Ip in Saute Mode. Add in Oil or Ghee. Once the oil heats up add in the Mustard seeds, let it splutter. Then add in Cumin seeds and Fenugreek seeds. Also, add in the Hing Green Chilli, Dry Red chili, Garlic pods, and Curry leaves. Saute everything together for a nice aroma.
- Next, add in the chopped onions and cook till soft.
- And then add in the chopped tomatoes and cook till they are mushy.
- Now add in the cooked and mashed dal. Combine everything.
- To this add in the Sambar Powder, Turmeric powder, and the required Salt.
- Check the sambar for salt and spice add if anything is needed. Close the Instant Pot and select the pressure cook mode and, set 2 mins in high pressure. Once the Instant Pot goes off. Do a quick release by turning the knob from sealing to the venting position.
- Instant pot Tiffin Sambar is now ready. Garnish the sambar with chopped Cilantro and serve hot with Idli or Dosa.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist, the nutrition value provided here is an estimate. It will vary based on the quantity and brands of the products used.
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