Step 1 of 7
Idli sambar
Rinse the rice and soak it in plenty of water for 4 to 6 hours. In a separate bowl, rinse and soak the urad dal with the fenugreek seeds for the same time.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Idli sambar take?
16 hr 55 min all in — 40 min prep, 1 hr 15 min cook, 15 hr rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 people. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
Medium heat.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Wheat. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Nut-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Cheap night — about Under $8 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Blender, Mixing bowl, Saucepan, Stockpot, Frying pan, Mortar and pestle.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1½ tsp.
What can I use instead?
Parboiled rice → Idli rava (coarse rice semolina). Rinse 300 g idli rava, soak 30 minutes, squeeze it out and mix it with the ground dal instead of grinding rice. Common in diaspora kitchens. Toor dal → Masoor dal (red lentils). Cooks in 15 minutes and goes smooth easily. The sambar is a little thinner and less nutty.
What should I watch for?
Curry leaves spit hard in hot oil. Stand back as they go in.
Any tips from this recipe?
Batter that has not risen after 14 hours is usually too cold, not dead. Move it somewhere warmer and give it a few more hours. Leftover batter keeps four days in the fridge and gets sourer. Use it for dosa or uttapam. Sambar thickens as it stands. Loosen it with hot water before serving.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Leftover batter keeps four days in the fridge and gets sourer. Use it for dosa or uttapam. Leave room in the bowl. A good batter can climb over the edge overnight.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.