Is Sambar Idli healthy?

Yes, Sambar Idli is a very healthy and balanced meal. The idlis are steamed, making them low in fat. The sambar is packed with protein from lentils and fiber and vitamins from vegetables. The fermentation process also makes it easy to digest and good for gut health.

How many calories are in one serving of Sambar Idli?

One serving of Sambar Idli (approximately 3 idlis with a bowl of sambar) contains around 350-450 calories, depending on the amount of oil and specific vegetables used. It's a nutritious and filling meal.

My idli batter didn't ferment. What went wrong?

The most common reason for failed fermentation is cold temperature. The batter needs a warm environment (around 80-90°F or 26-32°C). Other factors could be old urad dal, using iodized salt, or over-washing the dal, which removes natural yeasts.

Can I make this recipe without a pressure cooker?

Absolutely. You can cook the toor dal in a regular pot on the stovetop. It will take longer, about 45-60 minutes, until the dal is completely soft and mushy. Ensure you add enough water to prevent it from drying out.

How do I store leftover Sambar Idli?

It's best to store leftover idlis and sambar in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The sambar will last for 2-3 days and the idlis for 1-2 days. Reheat the sambar thoroughly and steam the idlis for a few minutes to soften them before serving.

Sambar Idli Recipe

Ingredients

For 4 servings

1 cup Idli Rice (Also known as parboiled rice)

0.5 cup Urad Dal (Skinned and split black gram lentils)

0.25 tsp Fenugreek Seeds

2 tbsp Thick Poha (Thick flattened rice)

1.5 tsp Salt (Divided for batter and sambar)

0.75 cup Toor Dal (Split pigeon peas)

0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder (Divided)

1 pc Drumstick (Cut into 2-inch pieces)

1 pc Carrot (Medium, diced)

0.5 cup Pumpkin (Peeled and cubed)

1 pc Onion (Medium, chopped)

1 pc Tomato (Medium, chopped)

1 inch Tamarind (Small ball, soaked in 1/2 cup warm water)

2 tbsp Sambar Powder (Use a good quality brand)

0.25 tsp Hing (Asafoetida)

6 cup Water (Approx. 1.5 cups for batter, 4.5 cups for sambar)

2 tbsp Gingelly Oil (Sesame oil, for tempering)

1 tsp Mustard Seeds

2 pc Dried Red Chilies (Broken in half)

1 sprig Curry Leaves

2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (Freshly chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare and Ferment Idli Batter (8-12 hours)

Rinse idli rice and urad dal separately until water runs clear. In a large bowl, soak the rice. In a separate bowl, soak the urad dal and fenugreek seeds. Cover both with plenty of water and soak for 4-6 hours.
Soak the poha in a little water for 15 minutes before grinding until it softens.
Drain the urad dal and grind it in a wet grinder or high-speed blender to a very smooth, fluffy paste. Add small amounts of cold water (about 3/4 cup total) as needed. Transfer the paste to a large pot.
Next, drain the rice and poha. Grind them together to a slightly coarse, semolina-like texture, adding water (about 3/4 cup total) as needed. Add this to the urad dal paste.
Add 1 tsp of salt and mix the batter thoroughly with your clean hands for 2-3 minutes. The warmth from your hands aids fermentation.
Cover the pot and place it in a warm, draft-free spot (like an oven with the light on) to ferment for 8-12 hours or overnight, until it has doubled in volume and has a pleasant sour aroma.

Cook the Dal for Sambar (15 minutes)

Rinse the toor dal thoroughly. Place it in a pressure cooker with 2.5 cups of water and 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder.

Soft, fluffy steamed rice cakes submerged in a hot and tangy lentil stew, packed with vegetables and aromatic spices. A classic South Indian comfort food perfect for breakfast or lunch.

This south_indian recipe takes 65 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 513.29 calories per serving with 19.91g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for breakfast or brunch or lunch.

Sambar Idli

Ingredients

Nutrition per Serving

Instructions

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About This Sambar Idli Recipe

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Recipe Variations

Vegetable Additions

Mini Idli Sambar

Spicier Sambar

Ghee Topping

Health Benefits

Excellent Source of Protein

Promotes Gut Health

Rich in Fiber and Nutrients

Naturally Gluten-Free

Frequently Asked Questions