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    You are here: Home / Recent Posts / Idli Sambar | Sambar Idli

    Idli Sambar | Sambar Idli

    March 27, 2022 by Sharmilee J 20 Comments

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    Idli Sambar is a famous divinely south indian breakfast combination. Idli Sambar is comforting and healthy making it the best and popular breakfast in India. Sambar idli tasting just like in hotels is posted here. Idli Sambar recipe with step by step pictures for easy understanding and reference.

    Hotel Sambar RecipePin

    Idli Sambar is an unbeatable combo sure a match made in heaven. Idli and sambar is a staple in South India and we enjoy idli sambar for both breakfast and dinner.

    Table of Contents
    1 About Idli Sambar
    2 What is Sambar?
    3 Is Idli Sambar and Sambar Idli the same?
    4 Idli Sambar | Sambar Idli
    5 How to make Idli Sambar
    6 How to make Sambar Idli
    7 Expert Tips
    8 Variations
    9 FAQs

    About Idli Sambar

    Idli is steamed rice cake. Sambar is a vegetable curry made with shallots and assorted vegetables. Idli Sambar is nothing but soft idli dunked in hot piping sambar with a lavish garnish of raw onions and coriander leaves.

    I love to eat idli with both sambar and coconut chutney. At times I love to dunk the idlis in sambar and enjoy my sambar idli that is my preference only now, during my childhood days I hate to mash up and eat. I love mini idli sambar or sambar idli the best but only at some restaurants where I like their sambar, here in CBE I love both Annapoorna and Anandas.

    Sambar is one of the quite essential south indian staple lunch menu. Usually we make tiffin sambar with moong dal which I have posted long back but I prefer this sambar. This idli sambar recipe is no fancy just a easy method of making sambar so wanted to share it with you all.This sambar goes well with idli dosa pongal or even with rice.Attimes I make this in the morning as tiffin sambar and combine it with lunch as lunch sambar yes 2 in 1 sambar.

    Sambar Idli RecipePin

    What is Sambar?

    Sambar is a South indian vegetable stew made with lentils, assorted vegetables and a spice blend called sambar powder. It is a staple in South indian homes.

    Is Idli Sambar and Sambar Idli the same?

    Yes they are one and the same. Just the name we refer to differs. At home we call it idli with sambar which slowly changed to idli sambar. Idli sambar is called sambar idli in hotels and they serve it with a generous garnish of raw onions and coriander leaves.

    Idli Sambar memories

    When we visit Hotel Annapoorna, I buy sambar idli just for the sake of sambar, though the sambar now served there is not as tasty as it used to be years ago…still I love the sambar for its unique flavour and taste. When relatives / friends visit us, we make it a point to take them to Annapoorna, they love the sambar and say its the best.Now let me tell you this idli sambar recipe is no way connected to Annapoorna sambar, Now you ask me why do I rave so much about Annapoorna sambar when this post is no way related to it?! Let me tell you I always have fond memories of eating idli sambar and dosa sambar at Annapoorna so it takes me back to my childhood days whenever I write about Sambar and its sure a feel good factor for me.

    I saw this hotel sambar recipe in my favorite tv show long back and totally forgot about it. Few weeks back, when I was looking for different sambar recipes for making sambar idli and sambar vadai,I remembered this one and tried it. The color and flavour of this sambar is so good,it was a great combo with piping hot idlis.I made this sambar few weeks back but the taste still lingers. This sambar is great as tiffin sambar guess it will go well with rice too.

    To make Sambar Idli just pour sambar generously over the soft hot idlis, garnish with chopped raw onion, coriander leaves, drizzle ghee and serve hot!

    idli sambarPin

    If you have any more questions about this idli sambar do mail me at [email protected] In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest ,Youtube and Twitter .

    Tried this  idli sambar recipe? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Idli Sambar | Sambar Idli

    Idli sambar is a popular, comforting breakfast combo that is one of the best breakfast in South India. Idli Sambar is divinely tasty and made by cooking dal, veggies, spice powders & herbs. Sambar idli recipe explained with step by step pictures & Sambar tasting just like in hotels.
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time45 mins
    Total Time1 hr
    Servings4 people
    AuthorSharmilee J

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 cup toor dal
    • 1/8 cup moong dal
    • 2 tsp oil
    • 15 nos small onions
    • 1 big tomato
    • 2 small carrots cubed
    • 1 no green chilli
    • 1 tsp kashmiri red chilli powder
    • 2 tbsp tamarind
    • a generous pinch turmeric powder
    • 1 tbsp coriander leaves
    • water as required
    • salt to taste as needed to immerse

    For tadka

    • 2 tsp oil
    • 1 tsp mustard seeds
    • 1/4 tsp urad dal
    • a generous pinch hing
    • a small sprig curry leaves
    • 1 heaped tsp sambar powder

    Instructions

    Idli Sambar :

    • Take 1/2 cup toor dal along with 1/8 cup moong dal.Rinse it well.
    • Add to cooker along with 2 cups water, 1/2 tsp oil and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder. Pressure cook for 5 to 6 whistles or until mushy.
    • Let the pressure release by itself.
    • Open and mash it well with a laddle. Set aside.
    • To a bowl add 2 tbsp tamarind, soak in around 1/2 cup warm water. Crush it roughly and set aside for 15 mins.
    • After 15 mins crush well to extract the pulp. Tamarind extract ready.
    • Now to a pot heat 2 tsp oil – add around 10-15 small onion,1 big tomato ,1 long green chilli
    • Saute for few mins until tomatoes turn mushy.
    • Add cooked, mashed dal to it.
    • Rinse the cooker with 1 cup water and add it. Mix it well.
    • Cook covered for 10-12 mins for the veggies to get cooked. Open.
    • Check if carrot is cooked. Prick with a spoon or fork if it easily goes through then its done else cook for few more mins.
    • Strain and add tamarind extract.
    • Add 1 tsp kashmiri red chilli powder.
    • Mix well and let sambar boil. Meanwhile we can prepare the tadka.
    • To a tadka pan – heat oil. add 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1/4 tsp urad dal, a generous pinch hing, few curry leaves and let it splutter. Finally add 1 heaped tsp sambar powder give a quick mix and switch off. Do not burn so switch off immediately.
    • Add this to boiling sambar.
    • Mix it well. Boil for 3-5 mins.
    • Finally garnish with 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves, 1 tsp sugar and switch off. Hot tasty idli sambar ready.

    Idli:

    • Take a ladle full of idli batter and add it to the idly pan and steam it for 10-12mins. Sprinkle little water and carefully slide around the edges using a spoon to take the idlis. Now idlis are ready.

    Sambar Idli:

    • Take 2 idlis in a plate. Pour sambar over it. Pour more till the idlis are fully covered with sambar. Drizzle ghee. Now sprinkle chopped raw onion and coriander leaves. Delicious Sambar Idli ready!

    Video

    YouTube video player

    Notes

    • This sambar will get thick, so adjust the consistency by adding water according to your preference.
    • Adding veggies is purely your choice. You can use carrots, brinjal for making this sambar. You can even use drumstick.
    • Adding moong dal gives thickness to the sambar and also lends a good flavour.
    • Sambar should be neither thick nor runny, it should be in between.
    • Add veggies or a combination of veggies so that sambar is flavourful. I used carrots and shallots(small onion) for making this sambar. You can even use potatoes , brinjal or ladies finger or drumstick or raw mango.
    • Make sure your sambar or idli is hot while making sambar idli so that the idlis easily absorb the sambar.
    • Add 1/2 tsp chilli powder if your sambar powder is less spicy.
    Nutrition Facts
    Idli Sambar | Sambar Idli
    Amount Per Serving (100 ml)
    Calories 155 Calories from Fat 45
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 5g8%
    Saturated Fat 0.4g3%
    Trans Fat 0.01g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 3g
    Sodium 46mg2%
    Potassium 148mg4%
    Carbohydrates 23g8%
    Fiber 5g21%
    Sugar 5g6%
    Protein 7g14%
    Vitamin A 4349IU87%
    Vitamin C 2mg2%
    Calcium 31mg3%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @sharmispassions or tag #sharmispassions
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    How to make Idli Sambar

    Idli Sambar – Method 1 Hotel style

    1.Take 1/2 cup toor dal along with 1/8 cup moong dal.Rinse it well.

    Pin

    2.Add to cooker along with 2 cups water, 1/2 tsp oil and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder. Pressure cook for 5 to 6 whistles or until mushy.

    Pin

    3.Let the pressure release by itself.

    Pin

    4.Open and mash it well with a laddle. Set aside.

    Pin

    5.To a bowl add 2 tbsp tamarind, soak in around 1/2 cup warm water. Crush it roughly and set aside for 15 mins.

    Pin

    6.After 15 mins crush well to extract the pulp. Tamarind extract ready.

    Pin

    7.Now to a pot heat 2 tsp oil – add around 10-15 small onion,1 big tomato ,1 long green chilli

    Pin

    8.Saute for few mins until tomatoes turn mushy.

    Pin

    9.Add cooked, mashed dal to it.

    Pin

    10.Rinse the cooker with 1 cup water and add it. Mix it well.

    Pin

    11.Cook covered for 10-12 mins for the veggies to get cooked.

    Pin

    12.Open.

    Pin

    13.Check if carrot is cooked. Prick with a spoon or fork if it easily goes through then its done else cook for few more mins.

    Pin

    14.Strain and add tamarind extract.

    Pin

    15.Add 1 tsp kashmiri red chilli powder.

    Pin

    16.Mix well and let sambar boil. Meanwhile we can prepare the tadka.

    Pin

    17.To a tadka pan – heat oil. add 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1/4 tsp urad dal, a generous pinch hing, few curry leaves and let it splutter. Finally add 1 heaped tsp sambar powder give a quick mix and switch off. Do not burn so switch off immediately.

    Pin

    18.Add this to boiling sambar.

    Pin

    19.Mix it well. Boil for 3-5 mins.

    Pin

    20.Finally garnish with 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves, 1 tsp sugar and switch off. Hot tasty idli sambar ready.

    Pin

    Sambar ready! Drizzle ghee while serving. You can even add a tsp of ghee while tempering.

    Pin

    Idli Sambar – Method 2 Home style

    Ingredients

    1/2 cup toor dal
    2 small tomatoes
    2 small carrot roughly chopped
    1 heaped tsp sambar powder
    2 pinches turmeric powder
    1 tbsp thin tamarind pulp
    Water as required
    1 tsp ghee
    salt to taste

    To temper:
    2 tsp oil
    1/2 tsp mustard seeds
    1/2 tsp split urad dal
    10 nos small onion
    1/4 tsp hing
    a sprig curry leaves
    1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds

    Step by Step

    1. Rinse dal and set aside.In a pressure cooker heat oil add tomato and carrot saute till tomatoes becomes mushy then add dal along with turmeric powder and salt.Add water and pressure cook for 4 whistles in low medium flame.How to make maa vathal kuzhambu - Step1Pin
    2. Allow pressure to release by itself.Mash the dal well and heat it up.Make a paste with sambar powder and little water and add it to the boiling sambar.
      How to make maa vathal kuzhambu - Step2Pin
    3. Let it boil, add water to adjust the consistency if it becomes too thick.Let it boil for a good 5mins.
      How to make maa vathal kuzhambu - Step3Pin
    4. Then add tamarind water.In a kadai – add the items listed under ‘to temper’ saute it for a minute.
      How to make maa vathal kuzhambu - Step4Pin
    5. Add it to sambar and let it boil for 5more minutes.Then garnish with coriander leaves , add a tsp of ghee and switch off.
      How to make maa vathal kuzhambu - Step4Pin
    6. Ina  serving plate place the idlis and pour hot sambar over the idlis so that they are nicely dunked inside.Garnish with coriander leaves and serve.
      How to make maa vathal kuzhambu - Step5Pin

    Serve with hot idlis.

    How to make Sambar Idli

    1. Take a laddle full and add it to the idly pan and steam it for 10-12mins. Say hi to my new idli pot  which I’ve been longing to buy.
      How to make Sambar Idli Recipe - Step1Pin
    2. Sprinkle little water and carefully slide around the edges using a spoon to take the idlis.Now idlis are ready.Sambar should be hot now get ready with all other ingredients.Take 2 idlis in a plate.
      How to make Sambar Idli Recipe - Step2Pin
    3. Pour sambar over it.Pour more till the idlis are fully covered with sambar.
      How to make Sambar Idli Recipe - Step3Pin
    4. Yes done, this is what we want, drizzle ghee.Now sprinkle chopped raw onion and coriander leaves.Serve!
      How to make Sambar Idli Recipe - Step4Pin

    Serve hot!

    idli sambarPin

    Expert Tips

    • This sambar will get thick, so adjust the consistency by adding water according to your preference.
    • Adding veggies is purely your choice.You can use carrots,brinjal for making this sambar. You can even use drumstick.
    • Adding moong dal gives thickness to the sambar and also lends a good flavour.
    • Sambar should be neither thick nor runny, it should be inbetween.
    • Add veggies or a combination of veggies so that sambar is flavourful.
    • Make sure your sambar or idli is hot while making sambar idli so that the idlis easily absorb the sambar.
    • Add 1/2 tsp chilli powder if your sambar powder is less spicy.

    Variations

    • You can either use tiffin sambar or this hotel sambar for making idli sambar.
    • Adding vegetables is purely your choice or even make it plain like I have made. But I strongly recommend vegetables like brinjal, drumstick etc.
    • If you don’t have sambar powder use 1 tsp red chilli powder along with 1 tsp coriander powder.

    FAQs

    1.What is Idli sambar / Sambar idli?

    Soft idli dunked in piping hot sambar is served in hotels which is called idli sambar or sambar idli.

    2.Can we use lunch sambar or leftover sambar for this idli sambar ?

    Yes you can use the leftover sambar you made for lunch. Just heat it up and do a mild tempering with mustard seeds,curry leaves and hing to get fresh flavours.

    3.Can I make sambar using only toor dal? Is moong dal must?

    A combination of dal is used which gives great flavour and taste to the sambar. So I recommend adding both or even masoor dal instead of moong dal. If you don’t have or don’t prefer adding combination of dals then just add toor dal alone.

    4.What can I replace with sambar powder?

    You can add 1 tsp red chilli powder along with 1 tsp coriander powder to replace sambar powder.

    5.Can I use vegetables for this sambar?

    Adding vegetables is purely your choice or even make it plain like I have made with just shallots and tomatoes. But I strongly recommend vegetables like brinjal, drumstick etc.

    6. Can I use readymade or storebought sambar powder?

    Yes you can use either homemade or storebought sambar powder.

    Pin
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    Filed Under: How to's, Idli Recipes, RandomPosts, Recent Posts, Sambar

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Uma Shankar

      July 30, 2014 at 4:59 am

      Picture perfect recipes!too good!

      Reply
    2. Ramya Venkateswaran

      July 30, 2014 at 5:26 am

      my fav idli.delicious version

      Reply
    3. Sona S

      July 30, 2014 at 8:41 am

      Superb clicks. Sambar idli looks so delicious and inviting.

      Reply
    4. Meenal Ramanathan

      July 30, 2014 at 9:14 am

      i am waiting for ur aloo mutter post.what happened?

      Reply
      • SHARMILEE J

        August 16, 2014 at 2:43 pm

        Will be posting it by next week 🙂

        Reply
    5. Kurinji

      July 30, 2014 at 11:16 am

      mouthwatering sambar and clicks too…

      Reply
    6. sushma Mallya

      July 30, 2014 at 3:49 pm

      Beautiful Presentation no body can say no to this combo fav combo at my house too 🙂

      Reply
    7. traditionallymodernfood

      July 30, 2014 at 4:46 pm

      Delicious sambar Idli:-)

      Reply
    8. traditionallymodernfood

      July 30, 2014 at 4:46 pm

      Delicious sambar Idli:-)

      Reply
    9. Manibharathi M Kumar

      August 16, 2014 at 1:30 pm

      Hi akka,
      Thank you for the easy-to-make and wonderful recipe.
      Will the cooking process be same if i use brinjal.

      Reply
      • SHARMILEE J

        August 16, 2014 at 2:43 pm

        Yes if you use brinjal just saute and add don't need to pressure cook….

        Reply
    10. Kaajal Bhawnani

      January 31, 2015 at 2:25 pm

      Hi. Pls suggest how much is half cup in terms of grams. Thank u

      Reply
      • SHARMILEE J

        February 01, 2015 at 2:46 am

        I usually don't measure in gms, may be next time will measure and update here….

        Reply
      • Kaajal Bhawnani

        March 18, 2015 at 6:03 am

        Hey tried recipe multiple times. Yum… Thank u.
        I bought measuring cups :))

        Reply
    11. shivakumar

      March 04, 2015 at 4:40 pm

      I will try. It looks good.

      Reply
    12. Anu B

      April 28, 2015 at 10:41 am

      Yummm! I learnt some great recipes from http://www.halfticket.tv/ 🙂

      Reply
    13. Sireesha Ayyagari

      November 15, 2015 at 5:36 am

      Thank you for the recipe. It came out so perfect!!!

      Reply
    14. Subhashini

      January 28, 2016 at 3:43 am

      Tried it, came out very well and tasty too….
      Thank u for a yummy recipe

      Reply
    15. fatima siddiq

      July 19, 2016 at 6:41 pm

      Tried it numerous times!! The best sambar i have ever had n cooked of course!thanks a lot 🙂

      Reply
    16. sandhya k

      January 30, 2019 at 9:44 am

      Tried it today it was super yum my son loved it

      Reply

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