Idli Sambar is a popular South Indian dish. Idli, a fermented rice cake, is served with flavorful sambar, a lentil-based stew.
Idli Sambar Recipe
Idli Sambar is a classic South Indian dish that combines soft and fluffy idlis (steamed rice cakes) with a tangy and aromatic lentil soup called sambar. This delightful combination is not only incredibly delicious but also a nutritious and filling meal. Whether you're a fan of South Indian cuisine or simply looking to explore new flavors, this Idli Sambar recipe will surely impress your taste buds. So let's dive into the ingredients and steps to create this traditional and mouthwatering dish!
Ingredient:
For Idli:
For Sambar:
For Tempering:
Instructions:
Preparing the Idli Batter:
- Rinse the idli rice and urad dal separately under running water.
- Soak them in water separately for about 4-5 hours. Add fenugreek seeds to the urad dal while soaking.
- After soaking, grind the rice and dal separately in a blender until smooth. Add water as needed to achieve a thick yet pourable consistency.
- Mix the ground rice and dal batter together in a large bowl, add salt, and mix well.
- Cover the bowl and let the batter ferment overnight or for at least 8 hours.
Making the Sambar:
- Rinse the toor dal thoroughly and pressure cook it with 2 cups of water until soft and mushy.
- In a separate pan, heat oil over medium heat and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they start spluttering, add asafoetida and curry leaves.
- Add chopped onions and green chilies to the pan and sauté until the onions turn translucent.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, and sambar powder. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
- Add the mixed vegetables, cooked dal, and salt. Mix well and add water as needed.
- Cover the pan and let the sambar simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.
Steaming the Idlis:
- Grease the idli molds with oil and pour the fermented batter into each mold, filling it about 3/4th full.
- Steam the idlis in a steamer for about 10-12 minutes or until they are cooked through. You can insert a toothpick into an idli to check if it comes out clean.
- Once done, remove the idlis from the molds using a spoon or a butter knife.
Tempering the Sambar:
- In a small pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds. When they start spluttering, add cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves.
- Pour this tempering over the prepared sambar and mix well. This step enhances the flavor of the sambar.
Serving:
- Serve the freshly steamed idlis with a generous serving of hot sambar. You can also serve coconut chutney or tomato chutney as accompaniments.
- Enjoy the delightful combination of soft idlis and flavorful sambar with your family and friends!
Conclusion:
- Preparing Idli Sambar at home allows you to indulge in the authentic flavors of South Indian cuisine. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to make fluffy idlis and tangy sambar that will leave you craving for more. So gather the ingredients, get ready to impress your taste buds, and embark on a culinary adventure to savor the traditional goodness of Idli Sambar. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious meal with your loved ones and create lasting memories around the dining table!
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 362kcal
- Calories from Fat 81kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9g14%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Cholesterol 116mg39%
- Sodium 510mg22%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Protein 28g57%
* * The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
