Which Cooker Is Good for Cooking Sambar?

Sambar is a beloved dish across many Indian households—especially in the southern regions. It’s a wholesome, nutritious, and flavorful preparation made using toor dal (pigeon peas), seasonal vegetables, tamarind pulp, and an aromatic spice blend. While it might appear simple, achieving that perfect balance of softness in dal, well-cooked vegetables, and flavor infusion requires the right technique—and more importantly, the right cookware. A pressure cooker simplifies the entire process and brings out the best in this comforting classic.

What is Sambar?

Sambar is a lentil-based stew that blends the richness of protein-packed toor dal with the tanginess of tamarind, the depth of spice powders, and the natural sweetness of vegetables. Commonly served with rice, idli, dosa, or vada, it’s a dish rooted in tradition but adaptable to taste and region.

Why Use a Pressure Cooker for Sambar?

Cooking toor dal and vegetables can be a time-consuming process when done on an open flame. A pressure cooker reduces this effort significantly. Toor dal softens perfectly in a pressure cooker, and vegetables retain their shape and taste while absorbing the flavors of the dish.

The sealed environment enhances flavor infusion, minimizes nutrient loss, and ensures even cooking. It also reduces cooking time and fuel usage, making it an efficient and reliable option for busy kitchens.

Best Cooker for Sambar: Meyer Presta Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker

The Meyer Presta Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker is a perfect companion for cooking dishes like sambar. It is made from high-grade stainless steel, which is non-reactive and safe to use with tamarind and acidic ingredients commonly found in South Indian recipes.

Its heavy base with an aluminium core ensures even heating, which prevents dal from sticking or burning at the bottom. Safety features like pressure indicators and secure locking systems make it user-friendly and reliable. Available in multiple sizes, it suits households of all sizes, whether you're cooking a small portion or preparing a large meal.

MEYER Presta 3L Tri-ply with Outer Lid Pressure Cooker

How to Make Sambar Using Meyer Presta Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

• 1 cup toor dal (soaked for 30 minutes)

• 3 cups water

• Mixed vegetables (drumsticks, carrots, pumpkin, brinjal)

• Tamarind pulp (2 tablespoons)

• Sambar powder (2 tablespoons)

• Mustard seeds, curry leaves, dried red chilies

• Salt to taste

• A pinch of turmeric

• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee

Steps

1. Cook the dal by adding soaked toor dal, turmeric, and water in the Meyer Presta pressure cooker. Pressure cook for 3–4 whistles and allow the steam to release naturally.

2. Open the lid, add chopped vegetables, and cook again for 1–2 whistles.

3. Once the pressure releases, add tamarind pulp, salt, and sambar powder. Simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes.

4. In a separate pan, prepare the tempering using oil or ghee, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried chilies. Pour this over the sambar and stir.

Conclusion

The Meyer Presta Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker is ideal for preparing sambar due to its durable construction, even heating, and tamarind-safe material. It not only reduces your cooking time but also enhances the overall flavor and texture of your sambar. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just beginning your culinary journey, this cooker will help you bring the authentic taste of South India to your table—quickly and easily.