Idli Sambhar

Idli Sambhar is a beloved South Indian dish that features soft, fluffy idlis served with a spicy and tangy lentil stew called sambhar. This comforting combination is perfect for a midnight snack, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• Idli Rice - 1 cup
• Split Urad Dal (Black Gram) - 1/4 cup
• Fenugreek Seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Water - 1 1/2 cups (for idli batter)
• Vegetable Oil - for greasing idli molds
• Toor Dal (Pigeon Pea) - 1/2 cup
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Tomato - 1 medium, chopped
• Green Chilies - 2, slit
• Sambhar Powder - 2 tablespoons
• Tamarind Paste - 1 tablespoon
• Mustard Seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Curry Leaves - a few
• Coriander Leaves - for garnish
• Salt - to taste
• Water - 3 cups (for sambhar)

Steps

1. Soak idli rice and urad dal with fenugreek seeds in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the soaked ingredients and blend them into a smooth batter, adding water as needed to achieve a thick, pancake-like consistency. Add salt and mix well.
3. Pour the batter into greased idli molds and steam in an idli steamer for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Set aside.
4. In a pot, cook toor dal with 2 cups of water until soft, about 20-25 minutes. Mash it slightly and set aside.
5. In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add chopped onions, green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté until onions are translucent.
6. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft. Stir in sambhar powder and tamarind paste, followed by the cooked toor dal. Add salt and enough water to reach desired consistency. Simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Serve the steaming idlis with a generous ladle of sambhar, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein and fiber from lentils and rice, promoting digestive health.
• Low in cholesterol and fat, making it a heart-healthy meal option.

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