Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare Dal

   Add 1 cup of soaked Arhad Dal (Toor Dal) to a pressure cooker.

2. 2.Add Water and Spices

   Pour 2 cups of water, add ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp turmeric powder into the pressure cooker with the dal.

3. 3.Pressure Cook Dal

   Cover the pressure cooker and cook on high flame until 2-3 whistles are released. Then, turn off the flame and let the pressure release naturally.

4. 4.Check Dal

   Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and stir the cooked dal. It should be soft and slightly mashed.

5. 5.Add Vegetables

   Add 2 medium chopped tomatoes, 1 cup chopped pumpkin, ½ cup chopped radish, ½ cup chopped ladiesfinger, 2 drumsticks, 1 cup chopped brinjal, and 1 medium roughly chopped onion to the cooked dal in the pressure cooker.

6. 6.Add Water and Mix

   Add approximately 1 cup of water to the vegetables and dal. Mix all the ingredients well to combine.

7. 7.Cook Vegetables

   Cover the pressure cooker again and cook on low flame for 15-20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.

8. 8.Prepare Sambar Masala Paste

   While the vegetables are cooking, take 2-3 tablespoons of sambar masala in a small bowl and mix it with ½ cup of water to form a smooth paste.

9. 9.Check Vegetables

   After 15-20 minutes, open the pressure cooker. The vegetables should be tender.

10. 10.Add Sambar Masala and Tamarind

    Pour the prepared sambar masala mixture into the cooker. Then, add ½ cup of tamarind paste and some salt to taste.

11. 11.Mix and Simmer

    Mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Let the sambar simmer gently for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

12. 12.Prepare Tempering

    Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a separate pan. Add 6-8 crushed garlic cloves and sauté until they turn light golden.

13. 13.Add Red Chillies and Curry Leaves

    Add 3-4 whole red chilies and 1 sprig of curry leaves to the pan. Sauté until the curry leaves are fragrant and the chilies are slightly roasted.

14. 14.Add Mustard Seeds

    Add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds to the tempering. Let them splutter.

15. 15.Combine Tempering with Sambar

    Carefully pour the hot tempering mixture into the simmering sambar in the pressure cooker.

16. 16.Final Mix and Simmer

    Stir the tempering into the sambar. Cover the cooker and cook on low flame for another 5-7 minutes to infuse the flavors.

17. 17.Serve

    The Sambar is now ready to be served hot with rice, idli, or dosa.