How to Master the Art of Preparing Authentic Idli Sambar- A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Prepare Idli Sambar: A Traditional South Indian Delight

Idli Sambar is a classic South Indian dish that combines the soft, spongy idlis with a rich, flavorful sambar. This dish is a staple in many South Indian households and is often served for breakfast or as a light meal. If you’re looking to recreate this delicious dish at home, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare idli sambar.

Ingredients for Idli Sambar:

– 1 cup idli rice
– 1/2 cup urad dal
– 1/2 cup poha (flattened rice)
– 1/2 cup chana dal
– 1/4 cup moong dal
– 1/4 cup masoor dal
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 2 cups water
– Salt to taste

Ingredients for Sambar:

– 1/2 cup toor dal
– 1/2 cup sambar powder
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
– 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek powder
– 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida
– 2 tablespoons oil
– 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
– 1 teaspoon urad dal
– 1 teaspoon chana dal
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin powder
– 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek powder
– 1 teaspoon asafoetida
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup fresh coconut, grated
– 1/4 cup tamarind paste
– 2 green chilies, slit
– 1 sprig curry leaves
– Salt to taste

Instructions for Idli Sambar:

1. Soak the idli rice, urad dal, poha, chana dal, moong dal, and masoor dal in separate bowls for at least 6 hours or overnight.
2. After soaking, grind the idli rice, urad dal, and poha together to a smooth batter. Add water as needed.
3. In another bowl, grind the chana dal, moong dal, and masoor dal to a smooth paste. Add water as needed.
4. Combine the two batter mixtures and add salt and baking soda. Mix well and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
5. Grease idli molds and pour the batter into the molds. Steam the idlis for about 10-12 minutes or until they are cooked and firm to the touch.
6. While the idlis are steaming, prepare the sambar. Heat oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds, urad dal, and chana dal. Let them splutter.
7. Add the asafoetida, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and fenugreek powder. Stir for a few seconds.
8. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
9. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and the oil separates from the mixture.
10. Add the toor dal, sambar powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, fenugreek powder, and asafoetida. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes.
11. Add the tamarind paste, salt, and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes.
12. Add the grated coconut and green chilies. Cook for another 5 minutes.
13. Finally, add the curry leaves and let the sambar simmer for a few more minutes.
14. Serve the idli sambar hot, with a side of coconut chutney or papadums.

Now you can enjoy this delicious and authentic South Indian dish in the comfort of your own home. Happy cooking!