One Pot Palak Sambar: A nutritious South Indian-style dal simmered with fresh spinach.


 

One Pot Palak Sambar is a wholesome and hearty South Indian dal made with fresh spinach (palak), toor dal, masoor dal, and classic sambar spices. This recipe brings together the earthy goodness of greens with the protein-rich benefits of lentils, all in a single pressure cooker. Perfect for busy days, it’s a healthy, comforting dish that pairs beautifully with rice or idli.

 

 

 

 

 

What is One Pot Palak Sambar?

 

Palak Sambar is a variation of traditional sambar where spinach is added to the usual lentil and tamarind base. It combines soft-cooked dals with the iron-rich nutrition of palak, infused with garlic, chilies, and sambar spices, then topped with a classic South Indian tempering.

 

 

Main Ingredients of One Pot Palak Sambar

 

  • Toor dal & Masoor dal – the protein-rich base

  • Fresh palak (spinach) – adds nutrients and color

  • Tomato & onion – for depth and body

  • Tamarind water – for tang

  • Sambar powder, turmeric, chili powder – for warmth and flavor

  • Garlic & green chili – for a punch of heat

  • Tempering with ghee, mustard, fenugreek & curry leaves – for that signature aroma

 

 

 

 

 

What Is So Special About Palak Sambar?

 

  • Made entirely in one pot

  • Combines two dals for better texture and nutrition

  • Fresh spinach boosts its iron and fiber content

  • Quick pressure cooking saves time without sacrificing flavor

  • Perfect comfort food for lunch or dinner

 

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

 

Quick and Easy One Pot Palak Sambar

 

Soaked dals, spinach, and spices are pressure cooked together and blended into a smooth, flavorful sambar. The dish is finished with a ghee-based tempering for that signature South Indian touch. No separate cooking required!

 

 

How to Make One Pot Palak Sambar

 

  1. In a pressure cooker, combine:

    • ½ cup chopped palak

    • ¼ cup soaked toor dal

    • ¼ cup soaked masoor dal

    • 1 medium chopped tomato

    • 1 medium chopped onion

    • 5 garlic cloves

    • 1 chopped green chili

    • ⅓ cup tamarind water

    • 1½ tsp sambar powder

    • ¼ tsp turmeric powder

    • 1 tsp red chili powder

    • Salt to taste

    • 1½ cups water

  2. Pressure cook for 4 whistles on medium heat. Let it release pressure naturally.

  3. Once done, open the lid and blend the mixture using a hand blender until smooth.

  4. Prepare the tempering:

    • Heat 2 tsp ghee in a small pan.

    • Add 1 tsp mustard seeds, ½ tsp fenugreek seeds, 1 dry red chili, and 8–10 curry leaves.

    • Let them crackle and turn aromatic.

    • Pour the tempering over the blended dal.

  5. Serve hot with steamed rice, idli, dosa, or quinoa.

 

 

Expert Tips

 

  • Use fresh, tender palak for the best flavor and color.

  • Soak the dals for at least 40 minutes to ensure a soft, creamy texture.

  • Opt for a good quality sambar masala to enhance the authentic taste.

  • You can add a pinch of jaggery at the end for a sweet-tangy balance.

 

 

Recipe Card

 

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