Steamed Rice and Bean Dumplings in Spicy Lentil and Radish Sauce
Idlee sambaar is one of the great classic dishes of Indian vegetarian cooking. The dish consists of split peas in a spicy vegetable sauce that is a slightly milder version of the lentil and vegetable stew called sambaar. Radish and onion are the primary vegetables used to make this sauce, because their distinct fragrance provides a marvelous contrast to the dumplings. Idlee sambaar traditionally are served in a generous amount of sauce in individual soup plates. Other spicy accompaniments, such as coconut chutney, Red Gun Powder, and hot-spicy pickles are also traditional. In India, idlee sambaar are always served at tiffin or brunch.
Idlee sambaar is one of the great classic dishes of Indian vegetarian cooking. The dish consists of split peas in a spicy vegetable sauce that is a slightly milder version of the lentil and vegetable stew called sambaar. Radish and onion are the primary vegetables used to make this sauce, because their distinct fragrance provides a marvelous contrast to the dumplings. Idlee sambaar traditionally are served in a generous amount of sauce in individual soup plates. Other spicy accompaniments, such as coconut chutney, Red Gun Powder, and hot-spicy pickles are also traditional. In India, idlee sambaar are always served at tiffin or brunch.
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 4 1/2 cups water
- 1 recipe foamy white steamed rice and bean dumplings
- 1 recipe spicy lentil and radish sauce (follows)
- 1 1/2 cups yellow split peas (supermarket variety)
- 1 tablespoon sambaar powder (see tips, below)
- 2 medium-size onions, cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices
- 2 cups thinly sliced icicle or daikon radish
- 2 medium-size tomatoes (fresh or canned), pureed with skin or finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon dry fenugreek leaves, powdered, or 1/3 teaspoon ground fenugreek seeds
- 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons light sesame oil or light vegetable oil
- 4 dry red chili pods
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or more, to taste
- Carbohydrate 18 g(6%)
- Fat 2 g(3%)
- Fiber 6 g(23%)
- Protein 5 g(11%)
- Saturated Fat 0 g(1%)
- Sodium 188 mg(8%)
- Calories 111
Step-by-step
- Pick through, clean, and wash the split peas. Put in a large saucepan. Add the turmeric and water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and cook, partially covered, for 40 minutes at a low boil. Stir occasionally to make sure the peas don't burn; when the peas are very soft, turn off the heat. Beat with a whisk for a minute to puree the peas. In a separate bowl, measure the puree and add enough water to make 6 cups of brothy puree. Return the puree to the pan.
- Measure out the spices and place them right next to the stove in separate piles. Turn on the burner and bring the puree to a boil. Add the sambaar powder, the coriander, and the garlic and continue to boil the puree, partially covered, over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes. Add the onions, radishes, tomatoes, fenugreek leaves (if you are using ground fenugreek seeds, do not add them now), and salt, and continue cooking at a low boil for an additional 10 minutes. Turn off the heat.
- Heat the oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. When it is hot, add the chili pods and fry until they turn dark (about 15-20 seconds). Lift the pan off the heat, add the mustard powder and fenugreek powder if you are using it, and immediately pour the contents of the pan over the sambaar (the split pea mixture). Stir to mix. Cover and let the dish rest a few minutes so all the flavors will have time to blend.
- To serve, bring the sambaar to a vigorous boil, stir in the lemon juice, and pour it into a soup tureen or serve individually in katoori (small bowls). Serve the dumplings, idlee, 2 per person, in soup plates. Spoon sambaar over the dumplings as desired.
A Housewife's Culinary Journey: Steamed Rice and Bean Dumplings in Spicy Lentil and Radish Sauce
The aroma of simmering spices and fluffy dumplings fills my kitchen, a familiar comfort on a chilly afternoon. Today, I'm sharing a recipe that's been a staple in my family for years – Steamed Rice and Bean Dumplings in a Spicy Lentil and Radish Sauce, or as it's known in some circles, Idlee Sambaar. It's a dish that speaks to the heart of Indian vegetarian cuisine, a vibrant tapestry woven with the simplest of ingredients.
My grandmother taught me this recipe, and over the years, it's become more than just a meal; it's a story passed down through generations. Each ingredient holds a memory, a connection to my roots and the women who came before me. The gentle steam rising from the dumplings, the vibrant colors of the sauce, the symphony of flavors – it's a sensory experience that transports me back to my childhood.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The dumplings, light and airy, offer a delightful contrast to the hearty, spicy lentil sauce. The radishes add a refreshing crunch, while the onions and tomatoes provide a sweet and savory counterpoint. It's a dish that is both nourishing and satisfying, perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a more elaborate weekend brunch. The subtle sweetness of the dumplings balances perfectly with the spicy kick of the sauce. It’s a culinary dance of textures and tastes that leaves you wanting more.
I often serve this dish with a side of coconut chutney and a sprinkle of red gun powder for an extra layer of flavor. This adds a nice bit of heat and complexity to the otherwise gentle flavors. It’s the perfect combination of contrasting elements that elevates the dish to new heights.
Preparing this dish feels like a ritual, a moment of mindfulness where I connect with my heritage and the women who have shaped me. The rhythmic chopping of vegetables, the careful layering of spices, the gentle stirring of the sauce – each action is a meditative practice, a way of honoring the traditions passed down to me. And every time I serve this dish, it's an opportunity to share this heritage and the love it embodies with those I care about.
More than just a recipe, Idlee Sambaar is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and the art of mindful cooking. It’s a reminder that the most profound flavors often come from the most humble beginnings. It is a comforting dish, a nourishing meal, and a story shared.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Let me know if you have any questions!
