Low Sodium Sambhar Idli

Delight in the comforting flavors of South Indian cuisine with this wholesome *Low Sodium Sambhar Idli* recipe—perfect for those seeking a heart-healthy twist on a traditional favorite. Soft, fluffy idlis are paired with a vibrant, spiced sambhar stew made with tender toor dal, fresh vegetables like drumstick and carrot, and aromatic tamarind pulp. This dish uses a low sodium sambhar powder to keep the salt content in check without compromising on taste. Fragrant tempering with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a hint of asafoetida elevates the sambhar, while the idlis provide the perfect sponge to soak up the savory stew. Ready in just about an hour, this nutrient-packed meal is ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Pair it with a dollop of coconut chutney for an authentic, guilt-free indulgence!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 cups Idli batter
• 0.5 cup Toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 1 medium Tomato
• 2 tablespoons Tamarind pulp
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1.5 tablespoons Sambhar powder (low sodium if available)
• 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 0.25 teaspoon Asafoetida (hing)
• 8 leaves Curry leaves
• 1 sliced Drumstick
• 1 medium Carrot
• 2 slit Green chili
• 2 tablespoons Coriander leaves
• 4 cups Water

Directions

Step 1

Soak the toor dal in water for at least 30 minutes. Drain and rinse.

Step 2

In a pressure cooker, add the soaked toor dal, turmeric powder, and 2 cups of water. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles till the dal is soft. Set aside.

Step 3

Heat oil in a large pot. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they crackle, add asafoetida and curry leaves.

Step 4

Add the chopped tomato, carrot slices, green chili, and drumstick pieces. Sauté for 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Add the remaining 2 cups of water, tamarind pulp, and sambhar powder. Mix well and bring to a boil.

Step 6

Add the cooked dal to the pot and simmer for 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Step 7

Stir in fresh coriander leaves and check for salt; adjust as per preference but keep it low.

Step 8

For the idlis, steam the idli batter in an idli maker for about 10-12 minutes until cooked.

Step 9

Serve hot idlis with a generous serving of the sambhar.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2118.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1990.7

Total Fat 31.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.4g
Cholesterol 89.4mg	0%
Sodium 1591.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 367.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 38.0g	0%
Total Sugars 30.8g
Protein 86.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 322.0mg	0%
Iron 20.3mg	0%
Potassium 3104.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 13.4%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 70.1%