How to Make the Perfect Soft Idli with Sambar
Indian · Easy · 35 min · 4 servings
Idli with sambar is one of the most nutritious and kid friendly recipes in Indian cuisine, loved by children for its soft texture and mild flavors. This simplified kid friendly recipe uses a shortcut batter so parents can make this iconic breakfast quickly any day.
Why this recipe works
This Soft Idli with Sambar recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 11g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 500 g store bought idli batter
- 1 cup red lentils rinsed
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 tbsp mild sambar powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cups water
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Steam the Idli
Grease an idli mold with a little oil. Pour store bought batter into each mold filling three quarters full. Place in a steamer or large pot with an inch of boiling water. Cover and steam for 12 to 15 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 2: Cook the Lentils
While idli steams, add rinsed lentils, frozen vegetables, and water to a medium pot. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 12 minutes until lentils are completely soft and mushy.
Step 3: Season the Sambar
Add sambar powder and salt to the cooked lentil mixture. Stir well and simmer for another 5 minutes. Heat oil in a small pan and pour it into the sambar for extra flavor and richness.
Step 4: Serve Together
Remove idlis from molds using a wet spoon. They should come out cleanly and look puffy and white. Arrange on plates and serve with warm sambar for dipping. Kids love dunking soft idli into the flavorful soup.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- store bought idli batter → homemade batter from soaked rice and urad dal ground together
- red lentils → yellow split peas for an equally soft sambar
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overfilling the idli molds which causes them to stick and not cook evenly
- Not simmering sambar long enough which leaves it watery and flavorless
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 11g protein, 48g carbs, 5g fat, 6g fiber.
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