How To Make Drumstick Sambar In Pressure Cooker

Drumstick sambar is a delicious and nutritious South Indian dish that is made with drumstick vegetable, lentils, and a flavorful spice mix. It is a popular recipe in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and other southern states of India. Drumstick sambar is not only easy to make but also packed with flavors and health benefits.

To make drumstick sambar in a pressure cooker, you will need ingredients like toor dal (pigeon peas), drumstick vegetable, tamarind pulp, sambar powder, and a variety of spices. The pressure cooker helps to cook the lentils and drumstick quickly, allowing the flavors to blend perfectly.

First, you need to cook the toor dal in the pressure cooker until it becomes soft and mushy. In a separate pan, sauté the drumstick pieces with onions, tomatoes, and spices. Then, add the cooked lentils to the pan along with tamarind pulp and sambar powder. Allow the sambar to simmer for a few minutes until the flavors are well combined.

Serve the drumstick sambar hot with steamed rice or idli, dosa, vada, or any other South Indian dish of your choice. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a drizzle of ghee for an extra dash of flavor. This wholesome and satisfying dish is perfect for lunch or dinner and is sure to be a hit among your family and friends.

What Is Drumstick Sambar?

Drumstick Sambar, also known as Murungakkai Sambar, is a popular South Indian dish made with lentils, tamarind, and drumstick vegetables. It is a tangy and flavorful stew-like dish that is typically served with rice, idli, or dosa.

The key ingredient in Drumstick Sambar is the drumstick vegetable, which is a long and slender pod that comes from the Moringa tree. The drumstick adds a unique taste to the sambar and is rich in nutrients. It is believed to have various health benefits, including improving digestion, boosting immunity, and promoting joint health.

To make Drumstick Sambar, toor dal (split pigeon peas) is cooked with spices, tamarind pulp, and drumstick pieces. The dal provides a creamy texture to the sambar, while the spices and tamarind add a tangy and slightly sour flavor. Drumstick Sambar is typically garnished with chopped coriander leaves and served hot.

Drumstick Sambar is a popular dish in South Indian households and is often served as part of a meal or during special occasions and festivals. It is a delicious and nutritious dish that is loved by people of all ages.

Key Ingredients	Spices
– Toor dal (split pigeon peas)	– Mustard seeds
– Drumstick vegetables	– Cumin seeds
– Tamarind pulp	– Curry leaves
– Onions	– Red chili powder
– Tomatoes	– Turmeric powder
– Garlic	– Asafoetida

Why Use a Pressure Cooker?

A pressure cooker is a versatile and efficient kitchen appliance that can significantly shorten cooking time while retaining the nutritional value of the food. Here are some reasons why using a pressure cooker is beneficial:

Time-saving: Pressure cookers use high-pressure steam to cook food quickly. This means that dishes that usually require hours of cooking can be prepared in a matter of minutes. It is especially useful for busy individuals who don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.
Energy-efficient: Pressure cookers require less energy compared to conventional cooking methods. The sealed chamber traps heat and steam, reducing energy consumption while maintaining high cooking temperatures.
Nutrient retention: Since the cooking time is significantly reduced, pressure cookers help to preserve the natural nutrients present in food. Unlike boiling or open cooking, which can lead to nutrient loss, pressure cookers lock in the essential vitamins and minerals that are vital for a healthy diet.
Flavor enhancement: The high-pressure environment of a pressure cooker allows flavors to penetrate food quickly and deeply. This results in more flavorful dishes that are infused with delicious and aromatic tastes.
Versatility: Pressure cookers can be used for a wide variety of recipes, including soups, stews, curries, beans, and grains. They are also great for tenderizing tough cuts of meat, making them more succulent and tender.

Overall, utilizing a pressure cooker in the kitchen can save time, energy, and enhance the taste and nutritional value of your meals. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, a pressure cooker is a valuable tool that will revolutionize your cooking experience.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Drumstick Sambar in a pressure cooker:

For the sambar:

1 cup split red gram (toor dal)
2 cups water
3-4 drumsticks, cut into pieces
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, finely chopped
2 green chilies, slit
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
2 teaspoons sambar powder
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
A few curry leaves
2 tablespoons oil
Salt to taste

For the tempering:

2 teaspoons oil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
A pinch of asafoetida
A few curry leaves

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start making the Drumstick Sambar in a pressure cooker.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin making drumstick sambar in a pressure cooker, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1 cup of toor dal	Cleaned and chopped drumsticks – 2 cups
1 small onion, chopped	1 tomato, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced	1 green chili, chopped
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder	2 teaspoons of sambar powder
Salt to taste	Water as required
Coriander leaves for garnishing

Equipment:

Pressure cooker
Mixing spoon
Kitchen knife
Cutting board

Having these ingredients and equipment ready will ensure a smooth cooking process. Now that you have everything prepared, let’s move on to the next steps of making delicious drumstick sambar.

Main Ingredients

The main ingredients needed to make Drumstick Sambar in a pressure cooker are:

1. Drumsticks

Drumsticks, also known as Moringa sticks, are the star of this dish. They add a unique flavor and texture to the Sambar.

2. Toor Dal

Toor Dal, a type of split pigeon pea, is the lentil used in this recipe to give the sambar its base.

3. Tamarind

Tamarind paste or pulp is used to give tanginess to the sambar. It adds a delightful tartness to balance out the flavors.

4. Sambar Powder

Sambar powder is a blend of spices that gives the sambar its authentic South Indian taste. It typically includes coriander seeds, red chili powder, turmeric, fenugreek seeds, and other spices.

5. Vegetables

Other vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and carrots are added to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the sambar.

6. Oil and Spices

Oil, mustard seeds, curry leaves, asafoetida (hing), and salt are used to season the sambar and bring out its flavors.

7. Garnish

Fresh coriander leaves (cilantro) are used as a garnish to add a fresh and vibrant touch to the sambar.

These ingredients combine to create a delicious and aromatic Drumstick Sambar that is sure to be a hit at your dining table!

Optional Ingredients

If you want to add some extra flavor and texture to your drumstick sambar, here are some optional ingredients you can consider:

1. Tamarind pulp: You can add a small amount of tamarind pulp to enhance the tanginess of the sambar.

2. Coconut: Grated coconut can be added while grinding the sambar masala to give it a creamy and rich taste.

3. Curry leaves: Adding a few curry leaves will add a distinct aroma to the sambar.

4. Asafoetida: A pinch of asafoetida can be added to enhance the flavor of the sambar.

5. Jaggery: If you prefer a slightly sweet taste, you can add a small piece of jaggery to balance the flavors.

6. Shallots: Adding shallots or small onions will add a sweeter and milder taste to the sambar.

7. Ghee: Topping the sambar with a little ghee before serving will add a rich and buttery flavor to the dish.

8. Sambar powder: If you prefer a spicier sambar, you can add a teaspoon of sambar powder along with the other spices.

Remember, these ingredients are optional and can be adjusted according to your taste preferences. Experiment with different combinations to create your perfect drumstick sambar!

Preparation:

To make drumstick sambar in a pressure cooker, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup drumsticks, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup toor dal (split pigeon pea)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
3 green chillies, slit
10-12 curry leaves
1 tablespoon tamarind paste
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon sambar powder
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 tablespoons oil
Salt to taste

Before you start cooking, make sure to wash the drumsticks and dal thoroughly. Then, soak the dal in water for about 15 minutes before cooking.

Step 1: Cooking the Dal

Add the soaked dal, turmeric powder, and water to the pressure cooker.
Cook the dal on medium heat for about 3-4 whistles or until it becomes soft and mushy.
Once cooked, mash the dal using a spoon or a masher until smooth.

Step 2: Preparing the Sambar

In a separate pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
Once the seeds start spluttering, add the chopped onions, green chillies, and curry leaves.
Saute until the onions turn golden brown.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
Next, add the drumstick pieces and saute for a few minutes.
Add the tamarind paste, sambar powder, and salt.
Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Now, add the cooked and mashed dal to the pan and mix everything together.
Cook the sambar for another 5-10 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to blend.

Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start making drumstick sambhar, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and prepare them as required. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

1. Drumsticks

Start by cleaning the drumsticks thoroughly under running water. Remove any dirt or dust particles and then cut them into 2-inch pieces. Keep them aside.

2. Toor Dal

Wash the toor dal (split pigeon peas) with water until it runs clear. Soak the dal in water for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. Drain the water and set aside.

3. Tamarind

Take a small lemon-sized ball of tamarind and soak it in warm water for approximately 15 minutes. Extract the juice by squeezing the soaked tamarind and discard the pulp. Set the tamarind juice aside.

4. Sambar Powder

You can either prepare sambar powder at home or use store-bought sambar powder. If you are using store-bought sambar powder, measure out around 2 tablespoons and keep it ready. If you prefer homemade sambar powder, ensure it is made before starting the recipe.

5. Vegetables

Aside from drumsticks, drumstick sambhar typically includes onions, tomatoes, and carrots. Chop one large onion into small pieces and dice one medium-sized tomato and carrot into small cubes. Set them aside.

6. Garlic and Green Chillies

Peel and finely chop 4-5 cloves of garlic and slit 2-3 green chillies lengthwise.

7. Other Ingredients

Additionally, gather the following ingredients: curry leaves, mustard seeds, turmeric powder, asafoetida (hing), salt, red chilli powder, and oil or ghee for tempering.

With all the ingredients prepared and ready to go, you can now move on to the next steps in making drumstick sambhar.

FAQ

What is drumstick sambar?

Drumstick sambar is a popular South Indian dish made with drumsticks, lentils, and spices. It is a flavorful and tangy lentil stew that is typically served with rice.

What are the ingredients required to make drumstick sambar?

To make drumstick sambar, you will need drumsticks, toor dal (pigeon peas), tamarind paste, sambar powder, turmeric powder, mustard seeds, dried red chilies, curry leaves, onions, tomatoes, garlic, and salt.

Can I make drumstick sambar in a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can make drumstick sambar in a pressure cooker. Using a pressure cooker helps to cook the lentils and drumsticks faster, saving you time in the kitchen.