Rinse and soak the toor dal (lentils) in water for at least 30 minutes to fasten the cooking process as pumpkins cook faster than lentils.
Press SAUTE on Instant Pot. Add oil and once it's hot, add mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves, and asafetida, let it splutter.
Then add diced pumpkin, rinsed and soaked toor dal (lentils), sambar powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, tamarind extract, salt, coconut paste, and water. Mix well.
Close the Instant Pot with pressure valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.
Once the pot beeps, Do a NATURAL PRESSURE RELEASE.
Remove lid away from you, garnish with coriander leaves. Mix well and adjust consistency and spice level. Increase accordingly.
Serve sweet pumpkin sambar with Hot Steamed Rice.