If you want a tasty breakfast then you should definitely check how to make a sambar idli recipe
Making Sambar Idli is a delightful experience, combining the softness of idli with the spicy and tangy flavors of sambar.
This recipe will guide you through making both components from scratch.
You may also like our Stir Fry Noodles Recipe
Sambar Idli Recipe
Ingredients:
For Idli:
- Idli Rice: 2 cups
- Urad Dal (Skinned Black Lentils): 1/2 cup
- Fenugreek Seeds: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: To taste
- Water: For grinding
For Sambar:
- Toor Dal (Pigeon Pea Lentils): 1 cup
- Tamarind: A lemon-sized ball
- Sambar Powder: 2 tbsp
- Vegetables (e.g., drumstick, pumpkin, eggplant): 2 cups, chopped
- Tomatoes: 2, chopped
- Onion: 1, sliced
- Turmeric Powder: 1/2 tsp
- Mustard Seeds: 1 tsp
- Curry Leaves: A few
- Asafoetida (Hing): A pinch
- Coriander Leaves: For garnishing
- Oil: For cooking
- Salt: To taste
Equipment:
- Idli steamer or cooker
- Blender or grinder
- Pot for sambar
- Frying pan for tempering
- Spoons and ladles
Preparation Steps to Make a Sambar Idli Recipe
Making Idli Batter:
- Soak Rice and Dal: Soak idli rice and urad dal with fenugreek seeds in separate bowls for at least 6 hours.
- Grind Mixture: Drain the water and grind them separately to a smooth batter. Combine them and add salt. The batter should be thick.
- Ferment Batter: Let the batter ferment overnight in a warm place until it doubles in size.
How to make Idli batter

Making Idli:
- Grease Idli Molds: Lightly grease the idli molds.
- Pour Batter: Pour the fermented batter into each mold.
- Steam Idli: Steam in an idli cooker or steamer for 10-12 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly before scooping out.
Making Sambar:
- Cook Dal: Cook toor dal with turmeric and enough water until soft and mushy.
- Soak Tamarind: Soak tamarind in water and extract the pulp.
- Cook Vegetables: In a pot, boil vegetables, tamarind extract, sambar powder, tomatoes, and onions. Cook till vegetables are tender.
- Add Dal: Add cooked dal to the boiling vegetables. Add salt to taste.
- Tempering: In a small pan, heat oil, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Once they splutter, add it to the sambar.
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
How to make sambar for idli

Serving:
Serve hot idlis dipped or soaked in the flavorful sambar, often accompanied by coconut chutney.
Tips:
- Consistency of Batter: Ensure the batter for idli is not too runny.
- Fermentation Time: Fermentation time for the batter can vary depending on the climate.
- Vegetable Choices: You can choose vegetables as per availability and preference for the sambar.
Safety Precautions:
- Be cautious while handling hot steam from the idli steamer.
- Ensure the sambar is cooked at a simmer to avoid splattering.
Making Sambar Idli brings out the flavors of South India(since it’s famous over there).
It’s a wholesome meal for breakfast and snacks, loved by many for its simplicity and comforting taste.