15-Min Idli & Sambar — Steamed Cakes & Lentil Curry
Store-bought idli with a punchy 10-minute sambar simmered from tomato, lentils, and curry leaves. Pair with coconut chutney for the complete South Indian meal that tastes like you cooked all morning.
- Total time
- 15 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 240
- Protein
- 9g
Ingredients
- 4 pieces store-bought steamed idli (rice cakes)
- 1 cup canned diced tomato
- ½ cup yellow lentils (toor dal), rinsed
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 8 leaves curry leaves, fresh
- ½ cup coconut chutney (store-bought or fresh)
Instructions
- 1
Bring 1.5 cups water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat, ~3 minutes.
- 2
Add rinsed lentils, diced onion, and curry leaves. Stir and reduce heat to medium.
- 3
Simmer for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils soften but still hold shape.
- 4
Stir in canned tomato and 0.5 tsp salt. Simmer 2 minutes until tomato breaks down slightly.
- 5
Warm idli in microwave 90 seconds or on a steamer rack over the saucepan.
- 6
Divide idli and sambar between bowls. Serve immediately with coconut chutney on the side.
Tools you’ll need
- medium saucepan
- spoon
- microwave or steamer rack
- 2 bowls
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