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Trying to Conceive Recipe

Breakfast

Idli with vegetable sambar

Steamed rice and urad dal cakes served with a tangy, vegetable-rich sambar — a classic Tamil Nadu breakfast that's steamed, not fried.

Prep
15 min
Cook
30 min
Total
45 min
Portions
2
  • Moderate
  • Trying to conceive
  • Preparing for pregnancy
  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Fibre-rich
Steamed idlis on a banana leaf with a bowl of vegetable sambar

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Portions

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Ingredients

For 2 portions. Tick items as you go — nothing is changed for anyone else.

This recipe contains foods that can contribute to a varied and balanced diet during pregnancy.

Method

  1. Step 1. Pressure-cook or simmer the toor dal (about 1/4 cup, 60 g) with turmeric and 300 ml water until soft, then mash lightly.
  2. Step 2. Grease idli moulds, fill with batter and steam for 10–12 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
  3. Step 3. Meanwhile, simmer the drumstick or carrot, brinjal and tomato in a pan with a little water until tender.
  4. Step 4. Add the cooked dal, sambar powder, tamarind pulp and salt, and simmer for 8–10 minutes.
  5. Step 5. In a small pan, heat the oil, splutter the mustard seeds and curry leaves, and pour over the sambar.
  6. Step 6. Turn out the idlis and serve hot with the vegetable sambar.

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Ingredient brands and substitutions can change allergen content. Always check the labels on the products you buy.