🇮🇳 Indian Cuisine · Breakfast

Idli with Sambar

Prep

20 mins

Cook

15 mins

Serves

4

Difficulty

Medium

Steamed fermented rice and lentil cakes served alongside a rich lentil and vegetable sambar and coconut chutney.

Ingredients

  • 600g basmati rice
  • 1 cup semolina
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 3 tbsp ghee
  • 2 green chilies, chopped
  • a handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • roasted cashews, to taste
  • 400ml whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 2 yellow onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    Gather and prep the semolina and basmati rice, measuring everything out so it is ready to go.

  2. 2

    Heat neutral vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat until warm but not smoking.

  3. 3

    Add the minced garlic and potatoes, cooking gently until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

  4. 4

    Stir in the basmati rice, season with ground coriander, and cook until just done, about 15 mins.

  5. 5

    Warm the semolina alongside, turning once, until heated through and lightly toasted.

  6. 6

    Plate the semolina and spoon the cooked mixture over the top.

  7. 7

    Drizzle with tamarind paste and finish with a sprinkle of curry leaves.

  8. 8

    Serve immediately while everything is warm.

Tips

A squeeze of citrus or a sprinkle of curry leaves just before serving brightens up the whole plate.

Prep the semolina and basmati rice the night before to make busy mornings much easier.

Make a double batch — leftovers reheat beautifully for a quick weekday breakfast.