This Sambar recipe will show you how to make sambar and get a wonderful soup to go with your Indian meals. This is an authentic sambar recipe for an Andhra Sambar–one that has been handed down for generations.
What Makes This Sambar Recipe So Good
This sambar recipe has a few more steps than my typical recipes, but I can guarantee that you will find it well worth it–because this makes some of the best homemade sambars I’ve ever had in my life!
- Fast . Done in about half an hour.
- Low Carb . Only 9 net carbs per serving.
- Authentic. Tastes just like Shubha’s recipe, but made simple in your Instant Pot .
- Delicious. Packed with flavor and a perfect comfort meal.
I can say this without any false pride–because this is Shubha Iyengar’s recipe that I tweaked to make just a few changes. But it’s not just Shubha’s sambar recipe –it’s a recipe that has been in her family for generations–minus the Instant Pot of course! Let’s let Shubha tell us a bit about this.
What Is The Origin Of Sambar?
A sambar is a South Indian lentil and vegetable stew made with lentils, tamarind, and a special sambar spice mix . There are as many sambar spice mixes as there are households. There are also many different variations of sambar. But a basic sambar recipe will have a mix of a few different vegetables, tamarind extract , lentils, sambar powder , and a few other spices.
Shubha’s Story Behind This Andhra Sambhar Recipe
My maternal grandfather was a priest at the Ranganathaswamy temple in a small village called Thondapadu in Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh. Being a priest, it was very important that sumptuous Prasadam was offered to the Lord which would then get distributed to the bhaktadis / visitors to the temple
It was imperative the food be made with extreme love–and it had to be very delicious. My grandmother was in control of the kitchen. How she made such delicious prasadam was out of the world to me, which then was translated to her daughters and through my mother to me.
Though we have adapted to the new-gen taste these days, the recipes that have been signature to the way it was made has never changed in our households.
Whenever we make such recipes at home, it brings alive all those eternal lovely memories of our childhood, playing on the temple streets, cleansing near the main gate with my grandmother and her daughters drawing the Rangoli in wee hours of the morning, prasadam distribution and eating that lovely meal.
Now thanks to Shubha, we too can enjoy this sambar recipe at home.
Is Sambar Spicy?
In most Indian homes, the family makes their own spice blend (as I have done with this recipe). It can be adjusted to suit the preferred heat level of the family. My particular spice blend is very family-friendly and not too spicy.
If the heat level proves to be too spicy for your tastes, simply reduce the amount of cayenne you add to the mix.
How To Make Instant Pot Sambar
There are a few steps to follow in making this Instant Pot Sambar recipe :
- Make a sambar spice blend . If you don’t want to do this, you can buy a ready-made sambar powder blend as well.
- Cook the toor dal with spices, tomatoes, and aromatics first.
- Use an immersion blender to blend this dal. This step is not typical, and Shubha says she’s not aware of other families doing this either. But I tried it, and it really does make the sambar a lot smoother and more homogenous, and I found I preferred the second batch of sambar I made by following this method.
- Quick cook some vegetables into it. This is also when we add the tamarind concentrate . We add this later since tamarind can retard the dal from cooking.
- Do a tadka using a tadka ladle or a small heat-proof pan. I debated this last step since I don’t typically like to dirty that many dishes. But I will say it makes a difference, so don’t skimp on it.
- While it is possible to make this stovetop, I think this Sambhar recipe is perfect in Instant Pot or another electric pressure cooker. Pressure cookers just make really quick work of cooking lentils.
Can You Freeze Sambhar?
As with many soups, this Instant Pot Sambar recipe can be frozen and reheated later. My suggestion is to freeze in single-serving sizes to reheat in a pinch. I love to use my Souper Cubes for this, as they make perfect portion sizes.
What Can Be Eaten With Sambar?
- Coconut Rice
- Naan
- Chapatis
- Chicken Tikka Bites
- Instant Pot Rice
Tips And Tricks For Making Sambar
- You can use ready-made sambhar masala for this recipe if you prefer.
- You can use other vegetables such as diced pumpkin, chopped eggplant, or whole okra as well.
Looking For More Great Recipes To Make With These Ingredients?
I know I’m asking you to get a few specialty ingredients for this Instant Pot Sambar such as toor dal , sambhar powder, curry leaves , etc. So here are some recipes you can make with some of your leftover ingredients!
- You can use the toor dal to make Pressure Cooker Rice and Dal.
- You can use the sambhar powder in this super simple Spicy Cauliflower Soup .
- Also, you can use the curry leaves in this Dry Sesame Garlic Chutney.
See? I never ask you to buy something for one recipe only!
Sambar
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Measuring Cups
- CUTTING BOARD
- Coffee Grinder
- KITCHENAID IMMERSION BLENDER
- Tadka Ladle
Ingredients
First Cooking Cycle For Sambar
- ▢ 1/2 cup Toor Dal
- ▢ 2.5 cups Water
- ▢ 1 cup Canned Tomatoes
- ▢ 1 Onion , roughly chopped
- ▢ 1.5 tablespoons Sugar Or Other Sweetener Equivalent , or jaggery
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- ▢ .5-1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- ▢ 1 batch Sambhar powder
Second Cooking Cycle For Sambar
- ▢ 1 tablespoon Tamarind Concentrate
- ▢ 2 cups Water
- ▢ ½ cup Frozen Pearl Onions
- ▢ ½ cup green beans , cut 2 inches long
For Tadka
- ▢ 2 teaspoon Ghee , or oil for vegan option
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Black Mustard Seeds
- ▢ 2 whole Dried Red Chilis
- ▢ 4-5 curry leaves
Garnish
- ▢ 2 tablespoons Cilantro , finely chopped
Instructions
First Cooking Cycle
- Make sure you have your Sambar Masala blend made up. You can either make the sambar spice blend at home using this recipe or you can use a ready-made sambar powder blend . If you’re using the homemade blend, use the whole batch for this recipe. For store-bought masala, use 1 tablespoon if you like it moderately spicy or adjust downward as needed.
- Add dal, water, tomatoes, chopped onion, sugar, salt, turmeric, cayenne and sambhar spice blend to the inner liner of your Instant Pot .
- Cook for 10 minutes at high pressure. Allow the pot to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes, and then release all remaining pressure.
- Using an immersion blender , blend together the dal and vegetables. You are doing this to create a flavorful mix and to keep the dal from settling to the bottom in what will be a relatively thin broth.
Second Cooking Cycle:
To the blended dal mixture, add 2 cups water, the tamarind concentrate, and the frozen vegetables.
Cook for 2 minutes at high pressure and then immediately release all remaining pressure.
On the stovetop in a small pan (preferably a tadka ladle ), heat 1 tablespoon of ghee. When it is hot, add mustard seeds, the whole red chilies, and the curry leaves. Stand back and allow the mustard seeds to splutter about 30 seconds.
Pour this hot, flavored ghee onto the sambhar, garnish with chopped cilantro and serve.
You can use ready-made sambhar masala for this recipe if you prefer
You can use other vegetables such as diced pumpkin, chopped eggplant, or whole okra as well
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Nutrition
Originally published March 4, 2018
Want More Instant Pot Recipes?
- Instant Pot Butter Chicken is an easy 30-minute dinner and you can make rice on top of it, as the video shows.
- Pressure Cooker Rice and Dal is a great vegetarian rice dinner.
- This Lebanese Lentil and Rice dish is another great Vegetarian Instant Pot recipe .
- Instant Pot Indian Khichadi is comfort food in a bowl!
- Instant Pot Risotto with Shrimp is another one-pot comfort meal.
- Buffalo chicken casserole for the days you want low carb recipes
- You might also like low carb Chicken Biryani that uses riced cauliflower.
- Chicken and Mushrooms are a great combo.
- My kids love Instant Pot Pork Chops with Rice and Vegetables
- Zucchini Lasagna - You won’t even miss the pasta.
- Haluski Recipe - A wonderful cabbage and noodles recipe.
Don’t forget to check out my otherBest-selling Instant Pot Cookbooks!
Indian Instant Pot , Keto Instant Pot, Instant Pot Fast and Easy , Healthy Instant Pot & Vegetarian Instant Pot .
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Sambar
Ingredients
First Cooking Cycle For Sambar
- 1/2 cup Toor Dal
- 2.5 cups Water
- 1 cup Canned Tomatoes
- 1 Onion roughly chopped
- 1.5 tablespoons Sugar Or Other Sweetener Equivalent or jaggery
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- .5-1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 batch Sambhar powder
Second Cooking Cycle For Sambar
- 1 tablespoon Tamarind Concentrate
- 2 cups Water
- ½ cup Frozen Pearl Onions
- ½ cup green beans cut 2 inches long
For Tadka
- 2 teaspoon Ghee or oil for vegan option
- 1 teaspoon Black Mustard Seeds
- 2 whole Dried Red Chilis
- 4-5 curry leaves
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Cilantro finely chopped
Instructions
First Cooking Cycle
- Make sure you have your Sambar Masala blend made up. You can either make the sambar spice blend at home using this recipe or you can use a ready-made sambar powder blend . If you’re using the homemade blend, use the whole batch for this recipe. For store-bought masala, use 1 tablespoon if you like it moderately spicy or adjust downward as needed.
- Add dal, water, tomatoes, chopped onion, sugar, salt, turmeric, cayenne and sambhar spice blend to the inner liner of your Instant Pot .
- Cook for 10 minutes at high pressure. Allow the pot to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes, and then release all remaining pressure.
- Using an immersion blender , blend together the dal and vegetables. You are doing this to create a flavorful mix and to keep the dal from settling to the bottom in what will be a relatively thin broth.
Second Cooking Cycle:
To the blended dal mixture, add 2 cups water, the tamarind concentrate, and the frozen vegetables.
Cook for 2 minutes at high pressure and then immediately release all remaining pressure.
On the stovetop in a small pan (preferably a tadka ladle ), heat 1 tablespoon of ghee. When it is hot, add mustard seeds, the whole red chilies, and the curry leaves. Stand back and allow the mustard seeds to splutter about 30 seconds.
Pour this hot, flavored ghee onto the sambhar, garnish with chopped cilantro and serve.
You can use ready-made sambhar masala for this recipe if you prefer
You can use other vegetables such as diced pumpkin, chopped eggplant, or whole okra as well
Sambar https://twosleevers.com/instant-pot-sambar-recipe/
Sophisticated, smoky, creamy, and absolutely yummy, this Keto Smoked Salmon Dip is a crowd-pleaser. For just $5 you can have an elegant tasting appetizer.
I first made this Smoked Salmon Dip over 20+ years ago. I had forgotten about it for years and decided to make it again, and I am really glad I did. It tastes even better than I remember, and I now realize why so many people asked me for the recipe!
What Makes This Keto Salmon Dip Crazy Good?
- Keto . Only 1 net carb per serving.
- Fast . Only 10 minutes to make this delicious appetizer .
- Easy. I use canned or leftover salmon for this recipe, so you just pour the ingredients together and it’s done.
- No-Cook . Really. If you use canned salmon for this smoked salmon dip, there’s no cooking required.
This Smoked Salmon Dip recipe is so simple and a total crowd-pleaser. Not only is it good to snack on while catching up with friends at a party, but it’s also a great Keto Brunch option too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 ounces canned salmon -This is the star ingredient of the dip, providing rich, savory salmon flavor and a slightly flaky texture.
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese - Cream cheese creates the creamy, spreadable base of the dip. It balances the smoky salmon flavor and ensures a rich, velvety consistency.
- 1 tablespoon Liquid Smoke -This adds deep, smoky flavor, mimicking traditional smoked salmon without needing smoked fish.
- 1/4 cup Chopped Green Scallions - Scallions contribute freshness, mild onion flavor, and a pop of color.
- 1/3 cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts - These nuts add crunch, earthiness, and contrast to the creamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon Salt - Salt enhances all the flavors in the dip, balancing richness and helping the salmon flavor pop.
- 1–2 teaspoons Ground Black Pepper - Pepper adds warmth, depth, and a bit of spice. Use closer to 2 teaspoons if you prefer a bolder kick.
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika - Sprinkled over the top, smoked paprika enhances the dip’s smoky flavor and adds an attractive reddish color to the final presentation.
How To Make Smoked Salmon Dip
- Soften cream cheese. Bring cream cheese to room temperature and mash with the back of a fork to soften.
- Mix. Gently mix in all the remaining ingredients.
- Rest. Allow dip to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature and mix once again.
- Garnish and Serve. Garnish with paprika for a burst of color before serving.
Salmon Cream Cheese Dip Tips and Tricks
Creating the perfect salmon cream cheese dip is all about balancing texture, flavor, and freshness. These tips will help you get the best results with minimal effort.
- This recipe calls for using canned salmon, but you can also use the leftover salmon from making my delicious Pressure Cooker Salmon with Orange Ginger Sauce . It’s a great way to repurpose your leftovers and create multiple dishes with the same seafood flavors.
- This recipe is super simple and is great when you need a quick, delicious, and healthy dip to take to a party. The dip tastes smoked due to the liquid smoke, so you can use any kind of salmon to make this recipe.
- I am always skeptical about recipes with canned products, but canned salmon is cheap, nutritious, and most importantly tastes good. It’s also a keto recipe with cucumbers, peppers, and more so you won’t break your diet by eating this dip.
- Lastly, I do recommend letting the dip sit after its made so that the flavors meld together.
Variations
If you love the classic recipe but want to add new flavors or textures, these easy variations will help you create a dip that’s perfect for parties, special occasions, or everyday snacking.
- Lemon-Herb Dip - Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons chopped dill or parsley for a bright, fresh twist.
- Spicy Salmon Dip - Stir in 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce, 1 minced jalapeño, or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Creamier Dip - Mix in 2–3 tablespoons sour cream, Greek yogurt, or mayonnaise to create a softer, more spreadable consistency.
Can You Freeze Smoked Salmon Dip?
Technically, yes. But I wouldn’t recommend it. While the flavor may not change much once it is defrosted, the texture of the cream cheese might change. It’s such a simple salmon dip recipe , you’re better off just making it fresh when you’re craving it.
What Goes Good With Smoked Salmon?
Smoked Salmon is great paired with so many different things. Obviously I love it paired with cream cheese, like in this keto dip recipe.
However, I also love to use it as a topping for my Air Fryer Baked Potatoes , in my Asparagus and Shrimp Gribiche , and it’s even great on my Chili Cheese Toast .
More Of Our Best Salmon Recipes
- Smoked Salmon and Cheese Timbale - low-carb appetizer that can be put together in about 15 minutes!
- Salmon Croquettes - deliciously moist, crunchy and bursting with salmon flavor in every bite.
- Salmon Bok Choy - It’s delicious and clean up is a breeze!
- Instant Pot Quinoa Salad With Salmon - A delicious and nutritious meal that’s so very easy to make.
- Instant Pot Salmon - packed with flavor and made fast in your Instant Pot.
If you’re looking for the perfect simple and delicious Keto appetizer, this Smoked Salmon Dip is it. If you and your guests love it as much as I do, make sure you share it with them on Facebook and Pinterest so you can make it again soon.
Smoked Salmon Dip | Crazy Good Salmon Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- ▢ 6 ounces ( 170.1 g ) canned salmon , skinless, boneless
- ▢ 8 ounces ( 226.8 g ) Cream Cheese
- ▢ 1 tablespoon ( 1 tablespoon ) Liquid Smoke
- ▢ 1/4 cup ( 25 g ) Chopped Green Scallions
- ▢ 1/3 cup ( 33 g ) chopped pecans , or walnuts
- ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) Kosher Salt , less if salmon is salted)
- ▢ 1-2 teaspoons ( 1 teaspoons ) Ground Black Pepper
For Finishing
- ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) Smoked Paprika
Instructions
Bring cream cheese to room temperature and mash with the back of a fork to soften.
Gently mix in all the remaining ingredients.
Allow dip to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature and mix once again.
Garnish with paprika for a burst of color before serving.
Use leftover cooked salmon
Add hot sauce
Add Worcestershire sauce
Substitute other nuts for pecans
Mix in lemon juice for a zing
Use sour cream instead of cream cheese
Add curry powder for a different flavor
Add chopped dill and capers
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Nutrition
Don’t forget to check out my other Ketocookbooks.
Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats , and Easy keto in 30 minutes.
