Idli sambar is a traditional South Indian dish that consists of idlis (steamed rice and lentil cakes) served with a flavorful lentil-based vegetable stew called sambar. Here’s a simple recipe to make idli sambar at home:
Idli Sambar
Ingredients
For the Idlis
For the Sambar
Instructions
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To make the idlis, rinse the rice and urad dal separately and soak them in water for at least 4-6 hours.
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Drain the water and grind the rice and urad dal separately to a smooth batter consistency. Mix both batters and add salt. Cover and let it ferment for 8-10 hours.
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Grease the idli plates with oil and pour the batter into the idli molds. Steam the idlis for 10-12 minutes or until cooked.
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To make the sambar, cook the toor dal and mixed vegetables with enough water in a pressure cooker for 3-4 whistles.
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Add sambar powder, turmeric powder, chopped onion, tomato, tamarind paste, and salt to the cooked dal and vegetables. Add water as needed to get the desired consistency.
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Heat oil in a small pan and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and asafoetida. When the mustard seeds start spluttering, add the tempering to the sambar and mix well.
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Garnish with curry leaves and coriander leaves.
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Serve the hot idlis with the sambar on the side.
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Enjoy your homemade idli sambar!