Vegetable Sambar with Idli
A traditional South Indian recipe combining the flavors of sambar, a lentil-based vegetable stew, with idli, steamed rice cakes.





4.2 / 5 (710)
Ingredients
For Sambar
- Toor Dal
1 cup
- Carrots
2 medium sized
- Potatoes
2 medium sized
- Onions
1 large
- Tomatoes
2 medium sized
- Tamarind Paste
a small ball
For Idli
- Idli Rice
2 cups
- Urad Dal
1 cup
- Fenugreek Seeds
1 teaspoon
- Salt
to taste
For Seasoning
- Mustard Seeds
1 teaspoon
- Curry Leaves
a few leaves
Instructions
- 1
Begin by preparing the sambar. Rinse the toor dal and cook it in a pressure cooker with enough water until it's tender.
This step is crucial as it determines the consistency of the sambar. Make sure to not overcook the dal.
- 2
While the dal is cooking, chop the vegetables like carrots, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes.
Chopping the vegetables into similar sizes ensures they cook evenly. Try to make the pieces not too large or too small.
- 3
In a large pan, heat some oil and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add the chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent.
The use of mustard seeds for seasoning is typical in South Indian cooking. It adds a distinct flavor to the dish.
- 4
Add the chopped vegetables, tamarind paste, and some water to the pan. Bring to a boil and then let it simmer until the vegetables are cooked.
Ensure that the vegetables are tender but not overcooked. The tamarind paste gives the sambar its characteristic sour taste.
- 5
For the idli, soak the idli rice and urad dal separately for a few hours. Then, grind them into a smooth batter.
The quality of the batter is crucial for the idlis to turn out fluffy. Use a mixer or grinder to get the right consistency.
- 6
Add fenugreek seeds and salt to the batter and mix well. Let the batter ferment overnight.
Fermentation is key to the idlis rising properly. Keep the batter in a warm place to facilitate the process.
- 7
The next morning, grease the idli molds and fill them with the fermented batter. Steam the idlis for about 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through.
Idlis are cooked when they are soft and fluffy. Do not overcook them as they can become hard.
- 8
To serve, place a few idlis on a plate and pour the hot sambar over them. Garnish with curry leaves and serve immediately.
The combination of the spicy sambar with the soft idlis is a classic South Indian breakfast combination. Enjoy with your family and friends.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
355
4
210
3
81
2
50
1
14
Reviews
- CaspianB
A commendable attempt at a traditional South Indian dish, but ultimately, I found the Vegetable Sambar with Idli to be somewhat lacking in heartiness. As a meat-lover, I must admit that the absence of a substantial protein source was noticeable. The idlis, while soft and fluffy, seemed somewhat bland without a rich, savory accompaniment. I appreciate the effort to balance flavors and textures, but I fear I would need to augment the dish with a more satisfying component to make it a staple in my culinary repertoire. Nevertheless, I applaud the recipe's adherence to traditional methods and ingredients, and I daresay it would be a delightful option for those with a penchant for vegetarian cuisine.
- JulesTheTech
I'll be honest, this Vegetable Sambar with Idli recipe didn't exactly blow my mind, but I can see why it's a classic South Indian dish. As an omnivore with a mild allergy to peanuts, I appreciate that this recipe avoids any peanut-related ingredients. The combination of a lentil-based stew with steamed rice cakes is definitely unique, and I love trying new types of cuisine. However, I do wish there was a way to incorporate some British pub-style elements, like a side of fish and chips to go with it. From a technical standpoint, the recipe seems well-structured, with clear steps and ingredients listed. That being said, I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to make this again, but I might consider it if I was in the mood for something a bit more exotic. Overall, it's a solid 3-star recipe - not bad, but not exactly my cup of tea either.
- AkuaM95
I try this recipe, Vegetable Sambar with Idli. Not bad, but no jollof rice or groundnut stew, you know? As vegetarian, I like, but fish allergy not a problem here. Traditional South Indian food, I respect. Idlis soft and fluffy, sambar a bit spicy. Need to adjust seasoning to my taste. Overall, okay. Would try again with some changes.
- LilyP87
I must express my sincere appreciation for this delightful recipe of Vegetable Sambar with Idli. As a vegetarian who takes great pleasure in exploring the culinary traditions of India and the Middle East, I found this dish to be a masterful blend of flavors and textures. The incorporation of a variety of vegetables and the utilization of tamarind paste to create a harmonious balance of sour and spicy notes is truly commendable. The instructions provided are clear and concise, making it accessible for individuals with a moderate level of cooking proficiency. I would like to highlight that the recipe is lactose-free, which aligns with my dietary requirements. Overall, I am thoroughly impressed with this recipe and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking to expand their culinary repertoire. The combination of sambar and idli is a classic South Indian breakfast combination that I have thoroughly enjoyed.
- LeilaH92
I appreciate the effort in sharing this traditional South Indian recipe. Although it's quite different from my favorite Egyptian cuisine, I can see the beauty in combining lentils and vegetables in a stew. The idea of serving it with idli, a type of steamed rice cake, is interesting. I'd love to try a variation of this recipe with Egyptian flavors, maybe incorporating some local spices or herbs. The emphasis on family and community in sharing meals is something I deeply resonate with. Overall, a nice recipe, but I'd love to see more diverse and halal options in the future.
- FelipeG88
Yooo, I gotta say, this Vegetable Sambar with Idli recipe is straight fire! I'm all about tryin' new foods from different cultures, and this South Indian dish did not disappoint. The combo of the spicy sambar and soft idlis is a winner in my books. I mean, I had a bit of a struggle with some of the steps, English not bein' my first language and all, but the end result was worth it. One thing I gotta mention is that I'm super glad there were no nuts in this recipe, I'm allergic and it's always a relief when I can enjoy somethin' without worryin' about breakin' out. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that it took a bit longer than I expected to make, but it's def worth the effort. I'd def make it again and rec it to my friends and fam.
- Yarasilva19
OMG, I'm super excited to try this Vegetable Sambar with Idli recipe!!! As a flexitarian, I'm always on the lookout for new veggie-packed dishes to add to my rotation. This South Indian recipe seems like a great combination of flavors and textures. I love that it's got a mix of tender veggies, savory lentils, and soft idlis - yum! I'm a bit worried about the prep time, but 30-40 minutes doesn't seem too bad. I'm definitely gonna give this a try and experiment with some Afro-Brazilian twists (hello, coconut milk and spices!). Only thing I'm not sure about is the tamarind paste - is it super sour? I'm trying to cut down on sugar, so I hope it's not too sweet or sugary. Overall, I'm stoked to try this recipe and make some delicious idlis!
- SofiRKH
This Vegetable Sambar with Idli recipe is a game-changer! As a flexitarian who's always on the lookout for new plant-based flavors, I was excited to dive into this South Indian classic. The combination of the spicy sambar with the soft idlis is *muy rico*! I loved how the recipe highlighted the importance of not overcooking the dal and using the right consistency for the idli batter. The fact that it's relatively easy to make and requires minimal gluten (only in the idli rice) is a huge plus for me. My only suggestion would be to add some Colombian twists - maybe some aji amarillo peppers or cilantro to give it a bit of a fusion flavor? Nonetheless, this recipe gets a solid 4 stars from me. ¡Lo recomiendo!