Idli Sambar
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:
Ingredients
- 1 cup parboiled rice
- 1/2 cup urad dal
- 1/2 teaspoon Fenugreek Seeds
- salt to taste
- water as needed
- 1 cup of dal
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (Carrots, Potatoes, Drumsticks, Eggplant, Okra, Etc.)
- 2 tablespoons sambar powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 ounce small onion (Finely Chopped)
- 1 small tomato (Chopped)
- 1 teaspoon tamarind paste
- salt to taste
- water as needed
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- a pinch of asafoetida
- curry leaves for garnish
- coriander leaves for garnish
For the Idlis
For the Sambar
Instructions
- To make the idlis, rinse the rice and urad dal separately and soak them in water for at least 4-6 hours.
- 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.
- Grease the idli plates with oil and pour the batter into the idli molds. Steam the idlis for 10-12 minutes or until cooked.
- To make the sambar, cook the toor dal and mixed vegetables with enough water in a pressure cooker for 3-4 whistles.
- 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.
- 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.
- Garnish with curry leaves and coriander leaves.
- Serve the hot idlis with the sambar on the side.
- Enjoy your homemade idli sambar!
Idli, Sambar