Lentil Stew With Rice Cakes (udupi Sambar Idli)

Lentil Stew with Rice Cakes (Udupi Sambar Idli) is a traditional dish from Karnataka Cuisine that combines the goodness of lentils and the comfort of rice cakes in a flavorful stew.

Lentil Stew With Rice Cakes (udupi Sambar Idli)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup lentils
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 green chili, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 8-10 rice cakes (idli)
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • A few curry leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
  • 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse the lentils and cook them with water, onion, tomatoes, green chili, turmeric powder, and salt in a pressure cooker for 15 minutes.
  2. Open the pressure cooker and add the rice cakes to the lentil stew. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. In a separate pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Once the seeds splutter, pour this tempering over the lentil stew.
  4. Add tamarind paste and let the stew simmer for another 5 minutes.
  5. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
40 minutes
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
300 per serving
Carbohydrates
50g
Protein
15g
Fat
5g

Supplies

Pressure cooker Pan

Tools

Spatula Knife Cutting board

Serving suggestions

Serve the Lentil Stew with Rice Cakes hot, accompanied by coconut chutney or a side of mixed vegetable stir-fry.

Tips & tricks

For a variation, you can also add diced carrots and bell peppers to the lentil stew for added texture and flavor.

Cost

$10