If there is one vegetable that can be grilled, baked, roasted, stewed, or even stuffed and a vegetable rich in iron, calcium, and dietary fiber that's none other than eggplants! And that's the prime ingredient of my recipe today Brinjal Sambar or Eggplant Sambar"
Eggplant is a very common vegetable in south Asian, especially Karnataka cuisine. I have posted several recipes with Eggplants in the past like Brinjal Masala curry.
Today's Eggplant Sambar is yet another simple yet delicious option for Eggplant. It goes equally well with boiled rice or dosa.
Before starting the procedure, I want you to note that I used the recipe for Sambar Powder first to prepare the masala and then the Sambar. So if you do not have the Sambar Powder ready, please check out my post here. Preparation is key for a tasty meal such as this 😉
About this recipe
Sambar is a lentil-based recipe with a strong and unique aroma that can pique any appetite. My version of the sambar is made primarily from Toor dal (pigeon pea lentils), eggplant, tamarind & supporting spices.
If you are planning to try this today, plan it around steamed rice and a side dish like vegetable stir fry for a sumptuous meal!
Sambar gets its unique flavor from the addition of a special spice preparation (Sambar powder) and can either be purchased from a store or it can be prepared at home.
I prefer the home version as it packs fresh flavor. But if you are not sure about the process, you can always buy a pack. The spices you will need are coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, urad dal, and red chilies. Here's a link to the sambar powder recipe that I prepared in Karnataka style.
Sambar can be cooked with a wide variety of vegetables as the prime ingredient. Some commonly used vegetables are Eggplant (Brinjals), Pumpkin, Okra, Onion, Radish, Potatoes, French beans, etc. The proportion of tamarind and spice would vary depending on what the vegetables offer. Like an excellent pair for rice as well as dosa or idli.
Eggplant Sambar is an excellent low-fat and vegan option you should try today!
Instant pot method
Let us see how we can prepare this with the Instant Pot. Being one of my family favorites, I have prepared this numerous times over the years on a stovetop.
Since the time I purchased the Instant Pot, I have not looked back at any other option because it makes it a lot easier.
As often as I prepare this dish, I decided to update my old stovetop recipe with the new and modern version with the Instant Pot. I still have the stovetop version included, if you do not have an Instant Pot yet.
Here is my step-by-step instant pot version of brinjal/ Eggplant sambar
Step one: Add oil to the inner pot in your Instant Pot and press the sauté option. As the oil heats up, add mustard seeds and urad dal.
When the mustard seeds start to sputter, add curry leaves and green chilies and stir well for a minute. Add onions and continue to saute for at least a minute.
Step two: Add brinjal pieces, turmeric, and sambar powder and stir well for an even mixture.
Add split Toor dal (split pigeon pea), tamarind, 2 ½ cup water, and salt.
Step three: Add split Toor dal (split pigeon pea), tamarind, 2 ½ cup water, and salt.
Close the lid of the instant pot. Turn the steam release handle to the "sealing" position. Press on the "Pressure cooking" setting and set the timer for 6 minutes. When time is up open the lid using 10 minutes natural release option.
Garnish with cilantro and Eggplant Sambar is ready!
Stovetop method
Saucepan's version of eggplant sambar is straightforward. Check my step-by-step pictures below in the comment box.
For this method, I chopped the eggplants along the length to get long pieces and cooked them in boiling water.
The lentils will have to be cooked separately under pressure for up to 4 whistles. If you were using an Instant pot, cook the Toor dal for 6 minutes under high pressure, and open the lid using the natural release method.
Top tips
- use small green or purple eggplants for this recipe
- Wash and soak the brinjals in the water after its chopped, this help in retaining the color
- Use tamarind or tamarind paste do not skip this
- Add jaggery to enhance the flavor, you could substitute with brown sugar
For detailed procedures, check the recipe box below.
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📖 Recipe
Brinjal Sambar Recipe
Equipment
Process Shot
Check above for step-by-step pictures (most of my recipes include pictures)
Ingredients
- 6- 8 small purple Brinjal - Eggplant
- ½ cup Toor dal
- 1 medium-sized onion
- 4 green chilies
- 2 tablespoon Sambar powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- Small lemon sized tamarind or 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 5 curry leaves
- 2 red chilies - optional
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon split black gram
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 teaspoon grated jaggery - or use brown powder
Instructions
Stove Top Directions:
- Place a pan over medium heat and drizzle a little oil (vegetable or olive oil).
- As the oil heats up, add mustard seeds, split black gram and red chilies.
- Fry them until they turn golden. Add curry leaves and continue to saute for 10 seconds. Add Sambar powder and saute for about 30 seconds.
- Add green chilies and chopped onions and saute them until the onions turn transparent.
- Add the sliced Brinjal and follow up with turmeric powder and a cup of water.
- Place a cover on the pan and let it simmer for 8 minutes or until its a little soft.
- Add tamarind water or paste and continue to cook for 5 more minutes.
- Now it's time to add Toor dal (steam cooked). Add water and salt to your desired consistency and taste. Stir well and simmer for 2 more mins.
- Eggplant Sambar is ready to be served with steamed rice!
Instant Pot Directions
- Add oil to the inner pot in your Instant Pot and press the sauté option.
- As the oil heats up, add mustard seeds and urad dal.
- When the mustard seeds start to sputter, add curry leaves and green chilies and stir well for a minute.
- Add onions and continue to saute for at least a minute.
- Add brinjal pieces, turmeric, and sambar powder and stir well for an even mixture.
- Add split Toor dal (split pigeon pea), tamarind, 2 ½ cup water, and salt.
- Close the lid of the instant pot. Turn the steam release handle to the "sealing" position. Press on the "Pressure cooking" setting and set the timer for 6 minutes.
- When time is up open the lid using 10 minutes natural release option.
- Garnish with cilantro and Eggplant Sambar is ready!
- Pair it with steamed rice, Dosa or Idli….
Notes
- For the instant pot version after rinsing the Toor dal in clean water soak it until you finish your prep work. (10 mins)
- You can use curry powder instead of sambar powder.
- use small green or purple eggplants for this recipe
- Wash and soak the brinjals in the water after its chopped, this help in retaining the color
- Use tamarind or tamarind paste do not skip this
- Add jaggery to enhance the flavor, you could substitute with brown sugar
YOUR OWN NOTES
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
Pin this recipe for later use
Ben M says
I love eggplant and it really is so versatile. This dish and your recipe looks so comforting. Thanks for sharing!
Natalie says
This looks really delicious and so satisfying. I absolutely love all the ingredients and flavors. I must make this asap.
Mirlene says
This eggplant dish is amazing! Well flavored and easy to follow instructions.
frieddandelions says
I don't care for eggplant, but my husband LOVES it! I know he would enjoy this recipe!!!
Hauke Fox says
Brinjal = Eggplant! When I come around to your blog I learn something new every time 😀
The dish looks awesome. Eggplants are way under-used in my household till now!
veggiesdontbite says
I love how you gave the small step by step directions in pictures! Especially for those of us that have never heard of some of the ingredients. It's great to have a visual!
Linda and Alex @ Veganosity says
Yum! I love eggplant and all of the spices in this dish.
Uma Raghupathi says
Thank you Linda 🙂
melmcdonald2 says
I adore eggplant and this sounds so flavourful! Lovely.
Uma Raghupathi says
Thank you Mel!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
I love eggplant! This dish looks delicious.
Strength and Sunshine says
What a nice eggplant curry.