Vegetable Sambar with Lentils and Drumstick
A hearty South Indian lentil stew with mixed vegetables and tamarind, simmered to perfection. This indian-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs rinsed toor dal, chopped into 1-inch pieces drumsticks, medium, diced 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
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat, add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds, and cook until they pop.
- Step 2: Add 10 curry leaves and 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped, and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Add 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 4: Add 1 medium tomato, chopped, and cook for 5 minutes until the tomato breaks down.
- 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.
- Step 6: Add 2 tbsp tamarind paste and salt to taste, and simmer uncovered for 10 more minutes until the sambar thickens.
- Step 7: Remove drumsticks and potatoes, then serve hot with rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vegetable Sambar with Lentils and Drumstick take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Vegetable Sambar with Lentils and Drumstick?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rinsed toor dal from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetable Sambar with Lentils and Drumstick?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Vegetable Sambar with Lentils and Drumstick for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Vegetable Sambar with Lentils and Drumstick vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Easy and delicious. The lentils cooked to perfection.
- ★★★★★
Loved the authentic flavor. Made it for my husband's family, they were impressed!
- ★★★★★
This sambar was a hit with my family! The drumsticks were perfectly tender.
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