Instant Sambar Recipe: Quick Steps To Prepare South Indian Meal

By Garima Johar

March 6, 2025

If you’re craving a traditional South Indian meal, sambar has to be on your plate. However, soaking, grinding, and simmering can take a lot of time. For a quick fix, try this instant sambar recipe.

Ingredients

1 cup cooked Toor dal 2 cups assorted vegetables 1 onion chopped 2 tomatoes 1-2 green chillies 1 tablespoon tamarind paste 2 tablespoons sambar powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds A pinch of asafoetida A few curry leaves 2 tablespoons oil Salt to taste Cilantro for garnish

Step 1

Rinse and chop all the veggies into small pieces.

Step 2

Heat some oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, and hing.

Step 3

Add chopped onion, tomato and chillies. Cook till the tomatoes are soft.

Step 4

Mix in all the spices and stir for a minute. Add the chopped veggies and cooked dal.

Step 5

Stir in tamarind paste, water, and salt. Let the mixture come to a boil.

Step 6

Simmer for 10-15 minutes, garnish with coriander leaves, and serve.