Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare the Dal

   Add 1 cup of Arhar Dal (Toor Dal) and 3 cups of water to a pressure cooker. Add 4-5 garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Close the lid and cook for 3-4 whistles until the dal is soft and well-cooked.

2. 2.Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)

   Heat 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a separate pan. Once hot, add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and 1/2 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds. Let them splutter. Then add 1/4 teaspoon of asafoetida, 2-3 dried red chilies, and 1 sprig of curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.

3. 3.Sauté Onions and Green Chilies

   Add 1 large sliced onion and 2-3 slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté until the onions turn light brown and translucent, stirring occasionally.

4. 4.Add Tomatoes and Spices

   Add 2 medium chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften. Then add salt to taste, 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, and 2 tablespoons of sambar masala. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant and the oil starts to separate.

5. 5.Cook Vegetables

   Add the diced eggplant, potatoes, and sliced carrots to the pan. Pour in 1-2 cups of water, ensuring the vegetables are partially submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

6. 6.Add Jaggery and Tamarind

   Once the vegetables are cooked, add 1 teaspoon of jaggery (or a small piece) and 2 tablespoons of tamarind pulp. Stir well and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

7. 7.Combine Dal and Vegetables

   Pour the cooked dal from the pressure cooker into the pan with the vegetable mixture. Mix everything thoroughly. Bring the sambar to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.

8. 8.Final Tempering (Optional)

   For an extra layer of flavor, prepare a small tempering by heating a teaspoon of oil and adding a few dried red chilies. Pour this tempering over the simmering sambar.

9. 9.Prepare Idlis

   Take the idli batter and stir it well. Grease the idli molds with a little oil. Pour the idli batter into each mold, filling it about three-quarters full. Steam the idlis for 10-15 minutes until they are cooked through and fluffy.

10. 10.Serve

    Carefully remove the cooked idlis from the molds. Serve the hot idlis with the freshly prepared sambar. Enjoy your delicious homemade Sambar and Idli!