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Idli Sambar is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes of South India. It’s a delicious combination of soft, fluffy steamed rice cakes (idlis) served with a flavorful, tangy lentil-based stew (sambar) that’s both nutritious and comforting. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner, this dish has earned its place as a staple in households across India and has made its way to the international food scene as well.
What is Idli Sambar?
Idli: These are steamed rice cakes made from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal (black gram lentils). They are light, fluffy, and slightly tangy due to the fermentation process.
Sambar: A spicy, savory stew made from lentils (toor dal), tamarind, and a mix of vegetables like carrots, drumsticks, and potatoes. The stew is flavored with sambar powder (a special spice blend), mustard seeds, curry leaves, and other seasonings.
This dish is a perfect example of the balance between carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins, making it not only delicious but also nourishing.
How to Make Idli Sambar
Ingredients for Idli:
2 cups rice
1/2 cup urad dal (black gram split)
1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (optional)
Salt to taste
Water for grinding and steaming
Ingredients for Sambar:
1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1-2 carrots, diced
1-2 drumsticks (optional), cut into pieces
1 potato, peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon sambar powder
1 tablespoon tamarind paste
Salt to taste
Mustard seeds, curry leaves, dried red chilies, and oil for tempering
Instructions:
For Idlis: Soak rice and urad dal with fenugreek seeds overnight. Grind them into a smooth batter, adding water as needed. Allow the batter to ferment for 8-12 hours. Once fermented, pour the batter into idli molds and steam for 10-15 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.
For Sambar: Cook toor dal until soft. In a separate pan, sauté onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables. Add the cooked dal and sambar powder, followed by tamarind paste and water. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the flavors blend. Finally, temper the sambar with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies in hot oil.
Serve: Pair hot, fluffy idlis with a bowl of aromatic sambar. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with coconut chutney on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Why Idli Sambar is Loved:
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with proteins from dal and carbohydrates from rice, it's a balanced and healthy meal.
Quick & Easy: While the fermentation process may take time, once prepared, idlis can be steamed quickly, making it an ideal dish for busy mornings.
Versatile: The sambar can be customized to your taste, with various vegetables and spice levels.
Tips for Perfect Idlis and Sambar:
Ensure the batter is fermented properly for soft idlis.
You can make sambar in bulk and store it in the fridge for a few days.
Adjust the consistency of sambar by adding more water if it's too thick.
