Vegetable Sambar with Lentils and Drumstick

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-24 · Updated 2026-04-24

A hearty South Indian lentil stew with mixed vegetables and tamarind, simmered to perfection. This Indian-inspired soup recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 45 minutes, pairs toor dal, drumsticks, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup, rinsed toor dal
• 4, chopped into 1-inch pieces drumsticks
• 1 medium, diced carrots
• 1 medium, diced potatoes
• 1 medium, chopped tomato
• 2 tbsp tamarind paste
• 1/2 cup, finely chopped onion
• 2, slit lengthwise green chilies
• 10 curry leaves
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• to taste salt
• 3 cups water

The stock pot we’d simmer this in → Best Stock Pots for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat, add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds, and cook until they pop.
2. Step 2: Add 10 curry leaves and 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped, and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
3. Step 3: Add 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, and cook for 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Add 1 medium tomato, chopped, and cook for 5 minutes until the tomato breaks down.
5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup toor dal, rinsed, 4 drumsticks, chopped, 1 medium carrot, diced, 1 medium potato, diced, and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes until lentils and vegetables are tender.
6. Step 6: Add 2 tbsp tamarind paste and salt to taste, and simmer uncovered for 10 more minutes until the sambar thickens.
7. Step 7: Remove drumsticks and potatoes, then serve hot with rice.