Turn on the instant pot to saute mode .Once it displays ‘HOT’ add the sesame oil .
Add coriander seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chilies, fenugreek seeds and chana dal. Once the lentils turn golden brown turn off the stove or instant pot and add the 2 tbsp grated fresh coconut or desiccated coconut and transfer it to another bowl. Let the mix cool down completely.Grind it into a coarse powder and keep it aside.
Turn on the instant pot, saute mode once it displays ‘hot’ add the sesame oil or ghee, add mustard seeds, 1 broken red chili, onion, shallots, tomato, spice powder, salt, water, tamarind water or tamarind paste 2 tbsp, soaked lentil, cilantro leaves and turn on the instant pot to pressure cook mode – high pressure 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally.
Turn on instant pot to saute mode and add 2 tbsp of sambar powder we made and mix it well.Let it come to a rolling boil.Turn off the instant pot check for the taste and finally add chopped coriander leaves.
You can have this sambar with idli , dosa, adai or any savory crepes or just with plain rice or can have this as a lentil soup.It will taste delicious.
I washed and soaked lentil for 15 minutes.Its totally optional.
If you dont have raw tamarind use 2 tbsp of tamarind paste for this recipe.
You can increase or decrease thr spice level according to your taste.