Sambar, the comforting South Indian lentil stew brimming with vegetables and a bold tamarind-spice flavour, is a staple across Indian households. Traditionally slow-cooked and layered with complex flavours, sambar is often considered a dish that takes time and care. But what if you could enjoy this wholesome delicacy without spending hours in the kitchen? If you are looking for a shortcut without sacrificing taste, here are three smart and speedy ways to make delicious sambar in minutes, with clever kitchen hacks and time-saving techniques.
Also Read: Arachuvita Sambar: A Classic Recipe For A Delicious Sambar
Here Are 3 Quick Ways To Make Sambar:
1. Microwave Sambar Recipe in a Mug
Yes, you read that right — sambar in a mug! This is ideal for solo meals or quick lunches, especially if you've got pre-cooked dal (toor dal or moong dal) at hand.
What you need:
- 2 tbsp cooked dal
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp sambar powder
- A handful of chopped vegetables (carrot, beans, tomato)
- Salt and water to taste
- A pinch of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and hing (asafoetida)
- 1 tsp oil or ghee
How to make it:
- In a large microwave-safe mug or bowl, mix dal, vegetables, sambar powder, tamarind paste, salt, and enough water.
- Microwave on high for 5–6 minutes, stirring halfway. Ensure veggies are soft.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, add oil/ghee, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and hing. Microwave for 30–40 seconds until mustard seeds splutter. Add this tempering to the sambar.
- Stir well, garnish with fresh coriander, and enjoy with rice or idli.
Tip: Use frozen or pre-chopped vegetables to save even more time.
Also Read: How To Make Spicy Sambar Masala, Chettinad-Style (Recipe Inside)
Sambar can be paired with various South Indian dishes.
Image: iStock
2. One-Pot Pressure Cooker Sambar Recipe:
This is the ultimate “dump-and-cook” method, especially handy for batch cooking or feeding the family. It works in a traditional pressure cooker or an Instant Pot.
What you need:
- ½ cup toor dal (washed)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (drumsticks, brinjal, pumpkin, okra, etc.)
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp sambar powder
- 1 tbsp tamarind pulp
- Salt and water
How to make it:
- Add all ingredients (except tempering) to a pressure cooker with 2 cups water.
- Cook for 2–3 whistles (or 8 minutes in Instant Pot on Manual).
- Once pressure releases, mash gently for a creamy texture.
- Heat oil/ghee in a small pan, add mustard seeds, dry red chillies, curry leaves, and hing. Pour over the cooked sambar.
- Mix and serve hot with rice or dosa.
Tip: You can even add a spoonful of jaggery for a hint of sweetness — a regional twist from Karnataka.
3. Instant Sambar Using Ready Mix
Perfect for emergencies or late-night cravings, this method uses store-bought sambar mix or paste.
What you need:
- 2 tbsp sambar instant mix (available in Indian stores)
- 1 cup water
- Boiled vegetables (optional)
- Cooked dal (optional, for extra body)
How to make it:
- In a saucepan, mix the instant sambar mix with water.
- Add vegetables and/or dal if available.
- Boil for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust salt or spice to taste and garnish with fresh coriander.
Tip: Always keep a pack of instant mix and frozen mixed vegetables in your pantry for this emergency fix.
With these three quick methods, sambar no longer needs to be a weekend-only indulgence. Whether you're using a microwave, pressure cooker, or instant mix, these hacks will help you whip up this nutritious, tangy delight in minutes, without compromising on flavour. Click here for our best sambar recipes.