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Showing posts with label IDLI/DOSA SAMBAR RECIPES. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IDLI/DOSA SAMBAR RECIPES. Show all posts

February 11, 2015

Easy Brinjal Gothsu/Kathirikai Gothsu Recipe For Idli, Pongal

Brinjal gothsu recipe
I am a big big fan of brinjal recipes (Kathirikkai in Tamil). But Sendhil & Raksha are just opposite to me. So I make brinjal dishes only when my in-laws visit my place. This morning, I made this easy brinjal gothsu recipe in a pressure cooker learning from my MIL. Its a very easy, one pot brinjal gosthu recipe. In this method, you don’t need to roast & powder the spices as we do for Chidamabaram kathirikai gosthu. The procedure of this brinjal gravy is very similar to my MIL’s Thanjavur style tomato gosthu

We usually make this as a side dish for Idli. But recently I had tasted this with pongal too. It was yummy. Its a great recipe for bachelors & working women who look for easy side dish recipes. All you have to do is just chopping, sauting & pressure cooking, Tada! This gravy would be ready under 15 minutes. Just try once, you will come to know. My MIL makes it watery as we like it that way. Here I have made it slightly thick to suit pongal. Finally, the consistency is your choice. Lets see how to make this yummy kathirikai/Brinjal gosthu recipe for idli and pongal.

Brinjal gothsu

Easy brinjal gosthu/Kathirikai gotsu recipe


Easy brinjal gosthu/Kathirikai gotsu recipe Easy brinjal gosthu recipe-Side dish for idli and pongal
Cuisine: South Indian
Category: Side dish
Serves: 2
Prep time: 5 Minutes
Cook time: 10 Minutes
Total time: 15 Minutes


INGREDIENTS

  • Brinjal / Kathirikai - 3 nos ( medium)
  • Small onions or big onion - 20 nos/1 no
  • Green chillies - 4 nos
  • Tomato - 1 no
  • Tamarind - small berry size (Sundakkai alavu)
  • Sambar powder - 1/2 tsp 
  • Moong dal - 1.5 tbsp
  • Turmeric powder – 1/8 tsp
  • Salt and water - as needed
To temper
  • Cooking oil - 2 tbsp
  • Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
  • Urad dal - 1 tsp
  • Chana dal - 1 tsp
  • Curry leaves - few
  • Hing/asafetida - a big pinch
  • Idli/Dosa batter OR Rice flour - 1/2 tbsp/1.5 tsp
Coriander leaves – to garnish
HOW TO MAKE BRINJAL GOSTHU - METHOD

  • Wash and chop the brinjal into small squares. Soak in water till use to prevent discoloration. Similarly chop the onions,green chillies finely.

  • Heat oil in a cooker base. Splutter mustard seeds, urad dal & chana dal. Then add the finely chopped onions, green chillies, curry leaves & hing. Saute till onion turns transparent.
Brinjal gothsu recipe
  • Now add the finely chopped tomato pieces & brinjal. Add some salt and saute till tomato turns mushy. Lastly add the tamarind extract and moong dal. Mix well. Add little turmeric powder, sambar powder(optional) , required salt and water.
Brinjal Gothsu
Kathirikai gothsu
  • Pressure cook in low flame for one whistle. After the steam is released, mash everything well. No problem if some dals are visible. Its enough if its just cooked & blossomed. Then add the idli/dosa batter or rice flour diluted in 1/4 cup of water. Mix well & allow the gravy to boil till it thickens lightly. Make it slightly thin if using for idli & thick for pongal. Garnish with lots of coriander leaves. Serve hot with idli or pongal.
Brinjal gothsu recipe

Enjoy !

NOTE
  • If  you are serving for idli,add sesame oil/gingely oil while eating.It tastes great.
  • Add more chillies based on your taste.
  • Tamarind should be very less. Its used just to remove the mild bitterness of brinjals ( we call it as “Kaaral” taste in Tamil)
  • This recipe is completely different from chidambaram gosthu.So it tastes mildy spicy and tangy.
  • Adding idli/dosa batter helps to thicken the gravy. U can also replace it with rice flour.
  • Garnishing with coriander leaves gives a nice smell.


Enjoy this yummy, easy brinjal gosthu with idli or pongal !
Kathirikai gothsu recipe

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March 4, 2014

KUMBAKONAM KADAPPA RECIPE/கும்பகோணம் கடப்பா-SIDE DISH FOR IDLI DOSA

Kumbakonam Kadappa as the title says, it is a very famous side dish recipe for idli, dosa in Kumbakonam, Thiruvarur & Thanjavur district, Tamil nadu. It tastes more like kurma but its consistency is between sambar and kurma. I have tasted this once in Sendhil’s uncle’s house in Kumbakonam.

Long back I tried two versions & posted here too. But this recipe is the authentic, restaurant style one from Chef, Master Ravi of  the famous “Vaasan cafe”, Thiruvarur, Kumbakonam. I took this recipe from Aval vikatan Magazine. Last month I prepared this when my in-laws were here. We all loved it & relished with idli. I have tried this many times after that.

The color of kadappa is usually white. In some hotels/restaurants, they make with or without tomato, carrot. Even the recipe given the book had carrot and tomato. So I tried two versions. Hope U can find the difference in color in pictures. Do try any based on your liking. I am sure you’ll love this mildly spiced, kurma like gravy for idli, dosa. Procedure seems a bit lengthy. But its worthy to try. Lets see how to make restaurant style kumbakonam kadappa recipe with step by step pictures.

Kadappa with tomato & carrot

Kumbakonam/Thanjavur kadappa recipe


Kumbakonam/Thanjavur kadappa recipe Kumbakonam/Thanjavur kadappa recipe - Authentic recipe from a chef. A tasty side dish for idli,dosa!
Cuisine: Indian
Category: Side dish
Serves: Serves 4
Prep time: 20 Minutes
Cook time: 20 Minutes
Total time: 40 Minutes


INGREDIENTS
1 cup - 240ml
To pressure cook
  • Yellow moong dal - 1/4 cup
  • Potato - 1 no
  • Water - as needed
  • Oil - a drop
To powder
  • Cinnamon - 1 inch piece
  • Fennel - 1/2 tsp
  • Garlic cloves - 5 nos
To saute
  • Oil - 1 tsp
  • Green chilli – 4- 5 
  • Fried gram dal /Pottukadalai – 2 tsp
To grind with above
  • Grated coconut - 1/4 cup
  • Khus-Khus/Poppy seeds - 1 tsp
  • Soambu/Fennel seeds - 1 tsp
  • Garlic cloves - 5 nos
  • Ginger - 1 inch piece
To temper & saute
  • Oil - 2 tbsp
  • Cloves - 2 nos
  • Biryani leaf / bay leaf - 1 no
  • Star anise - 1 no
  • Small onion - 10 nos OR Big onion - 1 
  • Garlic cloves - 10 nos
  • Tomato – 1 no (optional)
  • Curry leaves - few
  • Carrot - 1 no (small,optional)
  • Mint, coriander leaves - 2 tbsp
  • Lemon juice - few drops
HOW TO MAKE KADAPPA - METHOD

  • Pressure cook moong dal adding required water & a drop of oil. Keep a whole potato inside it. Cook them for one whistle in low flame. Remove, peel the potato skin & cut into cubes. Mash the dal & set aside.
kadappa tile1
  • In a kadai, heat a tsp of oil & saute the green chillies & fried gram dal. Take this in a mixie jar & add grated coconut, ginger, garlic cloves, poppy seeds & fennel seeds. Grind everything to a smooth paste adding required water. Set aside.
  • Crush the cinnamon, fennel & garlic cloves & set aside. In the same kadai, heat 2 tbsp of oil. Saute cloves,star anise,cardamom and biryani leaf.
kadappa tile2
  • Now add the crushed cinnamon powder. Then add onions, garlic cloves & saute till transparent. Now add tomatoes & saute for a minute. No need to become mushy. Adding tomato & carrot is optional.
  • Add sliced carrots, saute well. Add water to cook the carrots and cover cook for few minutes.
kadappa tile3
  • After the carrots are cooked well, add the ground coconut paste and cooked moong dal. Boil for sometime. Check for salt. Add the potato cubes, allow the gravy to boil till thickens slightly. 
  • Before removing, add the chopped coriander and mint leaves. Give one boil and switch off the flame.
kadappa tile4
kadappa tile5
  • Add lemon juice and Serve with hot idlies !

I served it with Oats Barely idli !



Note

  • This gravy would thicken after it cools down.So make it slightly watery.
  • Adding tomato & carrots are optional. I have not seen them in the kadappa I tasted in kumbakonam restaurants. But I added as it was mentioned in the recipe.
  • To make it white, omit tomato & carrots. Add more green chillies if you want it more spicy.
Enjoy this Kumbakonam kadappa for idli,dosa with  Kumbakonam degree coffee !


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May 2, 2013

Thakkali Sambar - Instant Tomato Sambar Without Coconut, dal For Idli

  Tomato sambar without dal for idli

I learnt this instant tomato sambar recipe / Thakkali sambar for idli without dal and coconut from my mom. This is our family's all time favourite sambar. Its very simple to do and its made without cooked dal & coconut. Sambar onions, hing and coriander leaves are the star ingredients. This sambar should be served adding sesame oil / gingely oil. It gives a nice taste and flavour. So add gingely oil on top of sambar before you eat . I have used Bangalore tomatoes here. Please adjust the quantity of green chillies based on the Tamil nadu tomato you use. Try this easy, instant tomato sambar for idli, you’ll like it for sure. It tastes similar to tomato soup with sauteed onions ;)

If interested , check out  my

Tomato sambar with coconut for idli

Tomato brinjal sambar for idli

Spicy sambar for dosa  




Thakkali sambar without dal

Tomato sambar for Idli Without coconut, dal


Tomato sambar for Idli Tomato sambar / thakkali sambar without coconut, dal for idli dosa.
Cuisine: Indian
Category: Side dish
Serves: 3
Prep time: 10 Minutes
Cook time: 20 Minutes
Total time: 30 Minutes


INGREDIENTS
1 cup - 250ml

  • Ripe Tomato – 5 nos
  • Green chilli – 5 -7 nos (Use 7 for spicy sambar)
  • Hing / Asafetida – 1/4 tsp
  • Turmeric powder – A pinch
  • Salt & water – as needed
To temper
  • Oil – 1.5 tbsp
  • Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
  • Urad dal – 1/2 tsp
  • Sambar onion – 3/4 - 1 cup ( finely chopped )
Coriander leaves – a quarter bunch chopped for garnishing (must)
METHOD
  • Heat a tsp of oil in a pan and saute the slitted green chillies for a while till the skin shrinks. Cook the tomato and the green chilli with required water and let it cool. It should be well cooked ( Usually My mom pressure cooks it)
  • Filter the cooked water and grind the tomato, green chillies to a smooth paste adding the cooked water after it cools down. Add salt , turmeric powder and 1/4 tsp of hing to the paste and set aside. Chop the onions finely.
tomato sambar tile 1
  • Heat 1.5 tbsp of oil in a kadai and season with mustard seeds and urad dal. Now add the chopped onions and saute till they are transparent. Add the cooked tomato water. Give a boil.. Finally add the ground paste and add the remaining water, salt.(This sambar should be slightly watery. )
Tomato sambar tile2

  • Sprinkle few chopped coriander leaves and give a boil. Switch off the flame and garnish with the remaining coriander leaves.
Tomato sambar tile3
    NB: Please don't try this sambar without coriander leaves. You wont get the exact flavour and taste. Also small onion gives a special flavour to this sambar. So we don't use big onions. Please don’t use curry leaves in this recipe. It will change the flavour of this sambar. Enjoy !


Tasty tomato sambar is ready to serve hot with idlis !! Top with sesame oil / Gingely oil.
It tastes divine !!!

Instant tomato sambar recipe



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December 8, 2012

Idli Sambar Recipe - Saravana bhavan Hotel Tiffin Sambar

Saravana bhavan sambar

When I was searching for idli sambar recipes, I got this one titled as Saravana Bhavan sambar in many blogs & sites. Saravana bhavan is one of the hotels in which I am longing to have my breakfast and dinner and very recently I had a chance to visit it. As I have tasted this sambar, I wanted to try in my kitchen because this recipe is totally new from my usual hotel sambar recipe. No need to make additional powder for sambar. Our usual sambar powder is enough. I have tried the original recipe many times and I felt its less tangy because of Bangalore tomato. So I changed the recipe according to our taste buds. Nowadays I am making this sambar regularly for idlirice upma. It tastes great !

Idli Sambar Recipe - Hotel Style


Idli Sambar Recipe - Hotel Style Hotel Saravana bhavan style Idli Sambar Recipe
Cuisine: South Indian
Category: Side dish for Idli,dosa
Serves: Serves 4
Prep time: 10 Minutes
Cook time: 20 Minutes
Total time: 30 Minutes


INGREDIENTS
1 cup =250ml 
To pressure cook
  • Toor dal – 1/3 cup ( less than 1/2 cup)
  • Hing /Asafetida – a pinch
  • Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
  • Cooking Oil – few drops
  • Vegetables – Brinjal , carrot , potato & drumstick ( cook separately and add if using)
  • Tamarind – a small gooseberry size
  • Sugar or jaggery – 1/4 tsp
To saute
  • Sambar onion/ small onion – 10 nos
  • Tomato – 1 no
  • Green chillies – 1 no ( slit)
  • Curry leaves – few
To grind
  • Grated coconut – 2 tbsp
  • Fried gram dal – 1 tbsp
  • Sambar powder - 1 tbsp ( any sambar powder is fine ) OR ( chilli powder – 1.5 tsp + dhania powder – 1.5 tsp)
  • Tomato – 1 no
To temper
  • Cooking oil - 2 tsp
  • Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
  • Urad dal – 1/2 tsp
  • Methi seeds – 1/2 tsp
  • Cumin seeds – 1/2 tsp
  • Red chilly – 1 no ( pinched )
  • Hing – 1/4 tsp
To garnish
  • Coriander leaves – few chopped
HOW TO MAKE SARAVANA BHAVAN SAMBAR - METHOD

  • Pressure cook all the ingredients given under “pressure cook”  till mushy. Remove & mix well.( Cook drumstick seperately in a bow. and place inside the cooker without adding water. Use drumstick for best tasting sambar). 
Saravana Bhavan sambar
  • Grind all the ingredients adding little water to make a smooth paste.( given under “to grind”)
Saravana Bhavan sambar
  • Add this ground paste and the tamarind extract ( do not add tamarind extract if you are using tangy tomatoes), salt  to the cooked dal mixture and allow it to boil well till the raw smell emanates. It will thicken. Add water when necessary.
Saravana Bhavan sambar
  • Heat oil and add onions and green chillies , curry leaves and saute till onion turns transparent. Add tomato pieces and saute until mushy. Add this to the boiling sambar. Boil for some more time. Add sugar or jaggery while boiling. Finally temper the ingredients given under “To temper” and add to sambar. Garnish with coriander leaves and close it with a lid. Serve after 30 minutes. For guests , add a tsp of ghee before serving : ))
    Saravana Bhavan sambar


Note

    • The actual recipe did not use tamarind. As I used Bangalore tomatoes, I felt its bland. So I added little tamarind extract. If you use Tamil nadu tomato( Naatu thakkali) , tamarind may not be necessary. Make sure the sambar should be mild in tanginess.
    • Tempering at the end gives a nice flavor. If you want, you can do this step while sauteing onions.
    • Adding sambar onion gives  a nice taste. U can replace with big onion if you don’t have it.
    • If you wish, you can use moong dal or a combination of toor dal & moong dal.

Try this yummy Saravana bhavan style Idli sambar at home and enjoy your breakfast/dinner !!

Saravana Bhavan sambar

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December 1, 2012

Kathirikai Gothsu - Chidambaram Brinjal Gothsu - Side Dish For Idli Dosa


Chidambaram Kathirikai gothsu
(Updated picture)
I got this Chidambaram Kathirikai gosthu / brinjal gosthu recipe from my friend Swarna. She had learnt it from a Chidambaram cook. I have tried this 3 times so far. Recipe for Kathirikkai gothsu powder is so simple. We can make it once & store for weeks. 

Basically I am a big fan of brinjal but my husband hates it. But the good thing about this recipe is he liked it a lot and gave approval to make it often. The consistency of this gothsu should be very thick like a paste but we love to have it in semi gravy consistency. As I haven't tasted the original authentic gosthu in hotel & temple style gosthu, I tried in both the ways and shared the pictures here. Please make it as you like. It tastes the best when made with sambar onions. So use small onions only. I heard this is the best side dish for Pongal. But we like to have it with idli. 

For gothsu powder, I followed my friend’s recipe but I saw so many variations in this recipe like adding methi seeds, toor dal etc. Anyways it tasted great. Please have a look at the notes section too. Do try and let me know how u like it. Lets see how to make Chidambaram special Kathirikai gothsu.

Check out my another easy, one pot brinjal gosthu version HERE.

Here is the old picture !
 Chidambaram brinjal gothsu

Chidambaram special Kathirikai gothsu / Brinjal gothsu


Chidambaram special Kathirikai gothsu Chidambaram special Kathirikai gothsu recipe for idli, dosa. 
Cuisine: Indian
Category: Side dish for idli pongal
Serves: Serves 3
Prep time: 10 Minutes
Cook time: 20 Minutes
Total time: 30 Minutes
INGREDIENTS

  • Brinjal – 5 nos (medium sized)
  • Tamarind – Big gooseberry size (adjust)
  • Small onion – 15 to 20 nos
  • Salt & water – As needed
For gothsu powder ( to dry roast & powder)
  • Coriander seeds – 1 tbsp
  • Red chillies – 4-6 nos ( long variety)
  • Chana dal - 1/2 tbsp
For large quantity (to grind n store)
  • Coriander seeds - 1/4 cup
  • Red chillies - 12-15 nos (long variety)
  • Chana dal - 1.5 tbsp
To temper
  • Cooking oil – 1 tbsp
  • Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
  • Urad dal – 1 tsp
  • Hing – 1/8 tsp (optional)
  • Curry leaves – few ( pinched)
Gingely oil/Nalla ennai – 1 tbsp( to add at the end)
HOW TO MAKE CHIDAMBARAM GOSTHU - METHOD

  • Dry roast dhania , chana dal & red chillies (1/2 tsp methi seeds – optional) in low flame for 2-3 mins till dhania starts to splutter. Make sure you dont burn them. Then grind them to a fine powder and set aside. Please add the mentioned amount of red chillies while making gotsu powder because if you reduce the chillies, gothsu powder may taste bitter and it will spoil the taste of gothsu. 
  • In that case , add little red chilly powder and proceed. Cut brinjal into small pieces and keep in water to avoid brinjal turning black in color. Cut small onions into cubes and set aside. Soak tamarind in little water.brinjal gothsu
  • Heat a kadai with oil and add mustard seeds, urad dal and curry leaves & hing. Now add the small onions and saute till it turns transparent.. Then add the finely chopped brinjal pieces.  Add the required salt. Saute till it shrinks and becomes mushy. Add little water if needed and cover cook the brinjal for sometime. brinjal gothsu
  • Add the tamarind extract and cover cook till the brinjal is cooked well. Mash the brinjal with ladle but still some pieces should be visible.Now add 2 tsp of gotsu powder,mix well. Add little water if necessary. Boil it for sometime. The gravy thickens. yoAdjust the water if u want in thin consistency OR enjoy as it is !!  Add coriander leaves for garnishing but it is not needed. Lastly add 1 tbsp of sesame oil on top of gravy. Close it with a lid to retain the aroma.brinjal gothsu
    Enjoy with hot idlies / pongal adding sesame oil/ ghee. Sesame oil enhances the taste. For pongal , no need to add sesame oil. Check out my easy Brinjal gosthu recipe HERE 
Note
  • I’ve given the gothsu powder for larger amount which you can store and use. U can use 2 tsp of this powder for one time..
  • My friend told that the authentic version calls for burning the brinjal in flame with skin and they mash it & add. But nowadays everybody follow this easy method.
  • If you feel the gravy is bitter, you can try adding more tamarind extract because the bitterness completely depends on the brinjal we use.

Enjoy this yummy side dish with Idli or pongal. Tastes yumm !!
Kathirikai gosthu
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August 24, 2012

PAROTTA SALNA | VEGETABLE SALNA FOR PAROTTA

Salna recipe
Salna is a spicy, delicious side dish served with parotta in roadside hotels of Tamil nadu (Kai endhi bhavan). It is very popular in Madurai. Empty Salna recipe is nothing but a plain, watery, tomato based spicy gravy packed with awesome flavour. But today I made vegetable salna recipe for parotta. Whenever I think about parotta, the side dish that immediately strikes my mind is Salna. This road side hotel gravy is my favorite more than vegetable kurma that is served in restaurants. Nothing can beat this combo.

Before marriage, my dad used to buy parotta salna almost twice in a month. We used to buy the parotta just for salna which tastes good for dosa, idli and chapathi as well. So we buy less parotta and ask for more salna ;). My mom makes idli /dosa additionally and we relish the salna with it. Even nowadays when I visit my mom’s place , my lovable dad never forgets to buy this for me.

Vegetable salna recipe

Last week I bought frozen parotta for the first time just to prepare this salna. When I searched for the recipe, I got so many. Finally I made my own by combining all the recipes based on the salna I tasted. Usually in vegetarian salna , you can’t find any vegetables except onions, skin of tomato and a layer of oil floating on top and may be some pieces of cauliflower. I have also shared a plain tomato salna. But I added some vegetables just to make it healthy. We loved its taste. Its taste will surely remind road side hotels salna to you.
 
Lets see how to make parotta salna at home. Give a try and let me know how it turned out for you.  Hope you will love it like me ;).  If you have salna and parotta leftover in hand, you can make delicious kothu parotta too.





Salna recipe

Vegetable Salna Recipe / Hotel style Veg salna for Parotta


Vegetable Salna Recipe / Hotel style Veg salna for Parotta

Vegetable Salna Recipe / Hotel style Veg salna for Parotta and biryani


 
Cuisine: Indian
Category: Side dish 
Serves: Serves 4
Prep time: 10 Minutes
Cook time: 20 Minutes
Total time: 30 Minutes
 


INGREDIENTS
For gravy
  • Mixed Vegetables ( carrot , beans , peas and potato, cauliflower) – 1/2 cup ( I add 1 cup)
  • Ginger – Garlic paste – 1/2 tsp
  • Big onion –1 no (finely chopped)
  • Tomato - 1 no (-do-)
  • Mint leaves – a few
  • Cooking oil - 2 tbsp
  • Bay leaf – 1 (optional)
  • Black stone flower – 1 (optional)
  • Salt & water - as needed
To grind:
  • Cooking oil – 1 tbsp
  • Tomato – 2 nos
  • Red chilli powder – 1.5 tsp (use 3/4 tsp for less spice)
  • Coriander powder – 2 tsp
  • Jeera powder – 1/4 tsp
  • Garam masala powder OR Chicken masala powder - 1/2 tsp
  • Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
  • Cinnamon – 1 small stick
  • Cloves – 2-3 nos
  • Elachi / cardamom – 1 seed
  • Fennel seeds /soambu – 1/2 tsp
  • Grated coconut – 3 tbsp
  • Khus khus / Poppy seeds – 1/2 tsp
  • Cashew nuts – 3 nos
  • Salt & water – as needed
HOW TO MAKE VEGETABLE SALNA
  1. Wash and Cut all the vegetables of small size uniformly.
  2. In a kadai, heat oil and add the spices, ginger, garlic, onion, tomato and spice powders.
  3. Mix well till tomato mushes. Then add the grated coconut, cashews, poppy seeds. Mix well and switch off the flame. After it cools down, add little water and grind to a smooth paste.
  4. In a cooker base, add oil, bay leaf, black stone flower and Ginger garlic paste, onions, mint leaves and sauté till raw smell emanates. Now add the chopped tomato pieces and saute well till it turns mushy.
  5. Now add the ground masala paste,required salt  and all the vegetables. Add enough water and pressure cook for one whistle.
  6. When you open the cooker, you’ll see a layer of oil floating on top and you get a nice aroma. If you feel the water is more, allow it to boil for sometime by simmering the flame which makes the oil separate more. Remove and garnish with coriander leaves.
  7. Serve hot with Parotta, dosa, idli and biryani. Enjoy !

NOTE
  • If you want the salna to be watery, add little more water after opening the cooker and allow to boil.
  • U can also add coconut milk at the end instead of grinding coconut .
  • For variations, try adding all the masala while sauting instead of grinding part.
  • Adjust the amount of chilli powder according to your taste. You can even add it at the end and boil for sometime if required.
 
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April 9, 2012

Hotel Idli Sambar Recipe | Tamil nadu Tiffin Sambar - Side Dish For Idli Dosa Pongal

Hotel sambar

I think most of you would have tried varieties of Tamil nadu hotel style idli sambar recipes at home. Even I too posted an idli sambar with toor dal long time back which learnt from my MIL. It tastes similar to the hotel ones. But I should say this is the exact recipe for restaurant style sambar. I got this recipe from Aval vikatan’s supplementary.

Yesterday I tried this for my guests. My guests liked it so much, I was showered with compliments and they were asking for the recipe. Thanks to Mrs. Revathy shanmugam for this yummy hotel kind of recipe. It tastes mildly tangy with more of dal, less spicy and you can even drink this sambar.
 
You can use this as basic Tiffin sambar recipe for making sambar vada,Mini idli sambar etc. It’s a great side dish for Idli, dosa recipes. My friend Jayarani gave me a tip recently. She told me to add pumpkin instead of jaggery and she also suggested me to use drumstick.

 Yes, as she told adding pumpkin gave a mild sweetness and drumstick gave a nice flavour. I have updated the recipe adding them. Do try this, I am sure you’ll get the exact taste as in most of the restaurants. It goes well with idli , dosa , Venpongal and vada

Check out this recipe for another version of hotel sambar if interested.

Check out my MINI IDLI SAMBAR RECIPE too.



Hotel idli sambar

Hotel Idli Sambar Recipe


Hotel Idli Sambar Recipe Hotel Idli Sambar Recipe - Restaurant style Tiffin Sambar Recipe
Cuisine: Indian
Category: Side dish
Serves: Serves 4
Prep time: 15 Minutes
Cook time: 15 Minutes
Total time: 30 Minutes


INGREDIENTS
1 cup - 250ml
  • Toor dal OR Moong dal – 1/3 cup
  • Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
  • Cooking Oil – A drop
  • Pumpkin – 4-6 pieces ( cube sized)
  • Drumstick – 1 no ( Chop into small pieces)
  • Vegetables ( Carrot & potato) – If needed.
  • Tamarind – 2 seeds (approx. small gooseberry size)
To roast and grind
  • Cooking Oil - 1 tsp
  • Dhania / Coriander seeds – 1 tbsp
  • Chana dal – 2 tbsp
  • Red chillies – 6 nos
  • Methi seeds – 1/2 tsp
To temper & saute
  • Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
  • Urad dal –1tsp
  • Jeera / cumin seeds – 1/2 tsp
  • Red chillies – 2 nos (pinched)
  • Curry leaves – a few
  • Asafetida/Hing – few pinches
  • Small onion - a cup
  • Tomato – 1- 2 nos
  • Sambar powder – 1/2 tsp
  • Coriander leaves – to garnish
  • Jaggery – 1 tsp ( Add if you don’t use pumpkin)
  • Ghee – 1 tbsp
HOW TO MAKE HOTEL IDLI SAMBAR - METHOD
  • Soak tamarind in warm water for 20 minutes and take the extract. Set aside.
  • Peel the onions and chop the tomatoes. Pressure cook the dals with turmeric powder, pumpkin pieces and a drop of oil. Mash and set aside. Cook drumstick and other vegetables separately and set aside
  • In a kadai roast all the above said ingredients and make it a fine powder.
 

  • In the same kadai , add oil and temper all the items in the same order. Now add the sambar onions and saute till transparent. Then add the tomatoes ( crush it with your hands before adding , this makes the sauting process faster ) and required salt. Saute till tomatoes turn mushy and juicy. Add the tamarind extract , raw pinched curry leaves , hing, sambar powder and turmeric powder.
  • Allow to boil till the onions get cooked. Now add the mashed dal,cooked vegetables ( if using) and the ground powder. Mix well so that there are no lumps.
  • Boil for few minutes. It will thicken. Add more water if necessary. Switch off the flame add garnish with coriander leaves.
  • Last but not the least, don’t forget to add a tbsp of ghee & Cover it with a lid until you serve.. 
Enjoy with idli, dosa and pongal!
Note
  • U can use the combination of moong dal and toor dal in equal quantities and make this sambar.
  • Adding pumpkin gives a sweetness to the sambar. So no need to add jaggery or sugar. If you don’t add pumpkin use either jaggery or sugar while sambar boils.
  • Make this sambar atleast 3-4 hours before serving because all the tastes blends well. U can reheat it while serving.
  • For variations, you can add a tbsp of grated coconut while roasting the powder ingredients and powder them.
  • Tastes great the next day with full aroma !!

ENJOY THIS SAMBAR WITH SOFT IDLIES.CRISPY DOSA & VEN PONGAL !!

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