Quinoa Idlis
with Sambhar: A Millet-Inspired South Indian Classic

Name: ~Quinoa Idlis~ with Sambhar: A Millet-Inspired South Indian Classic
Total time: 52 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: South Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup Quinoa; ½ cup Urad dal (split black gram); 2 tbsp Poha (flattened rice); ½ tsp Fenugreek seeds; to taste Salt; as required Water; for greasing Oil; ½ cup Toor dal (pigeon peas); 2 tbsp Tamarind pulp; 1 medium Onion; 1 large Tomato; 6 to 8 Drumstick pieces; 1 small Brinjal; ¼ tsp Turmeric powder; 2 tsp Sambhar powder; ½ tsp Mustard seeds; 8 to 10 Curry leaves; 1 Dried red chilli; a pinch Asafoetida; to taste Salt; 1 tbsp Oil; 2–3 cups Water; 1 tbsp Fresh coriander leaves

52 mins

Cooking Time

Moderate

Difficulty

Ingredients

Vegetarian

Diet

Soft, fluffy idlis are one of South India’s most loved dishes, and this recipe adds a nutritious modern twist by replacing rice with quinoa. The result is light yet filling idlis that are rich in plant-based protein and fibre. Paired with a bowl of aromatic sambhar simmered with vegetables, this meal balances flavour, warmth, and nourishment beautifully. Perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches, it celebrates India’s tradition of healthy eating with a mindful, contemporary touch.

Ingredients

UNITSIngredients

1 cupQuinoa

½ cupUrad dal (split black gram)

2 tbspPoha (flattened rice)

½ tspFenugreek seeds

to tasteSalt

as required Water

for greasingOil

½ cupToor dal (pigeon peas)

2 tbspTamarind pulp

1 mediumOnion

1 largeTomato

6 to 8Drumstick pieces

1 smallBrinjal

¼ tspTurmeric powder

2 tspSambhar powder

½ tspMustard seeds

8 to 10Curry leaves

1Dried red chilli

a pinchAsafoetida

to tasteSalt

1 tbspOil

2–3 cupsWater

1 tbspFresh coriander leaves

Quinoa Idlis

Quinoa Idlis with Sambhar: A Millet-Inspired South Indian Classic

Ingredients

Quinoa Idlis
with Sambhar: A Millet-Inspired South Indian Classic