Mini Idli with Sambar

I made these cute mini idlis and served them with sambar as sambar idli.This is a nice change to the regular idli with chutney or sambar combination.For the sambar preparation,I have added a combination of Toor dhal and yellow moong dhal but you can make with Toor dhal alone too.

Ingredients:

For the sambar:

Tamarind	Lime sized
Toor dhal	½ cup
Yellow moong dhal	½ cup
Small onion	20
Tomato	1
Oil	as needed
Salt	as needed
Mustard seeds	1 tsp
Curry leaves	as needed
For the Masala
Channa dhal	2 tsp
Coriander seeds	1 tblsp
Red chilli	2-3(add according to your spice level)
Methi seeds	¼ tsp
Small onion	4
Fresh coconut grated	2-3  tblsp

For the sambar idli:

Mini idlis,Sambar,chopped coriander leaves ,onion,Ghee for garnishing.

Method:

• Prepare Mini idlis using the Mini idli mould.keep aside.
• Pressure cook both the dhals with a pinch of turmeric powder,mash well and keep aside.
• Extraxt 2 cups of tamarind juice .
• For the sambar,lets first prepare the masala.Heat little oil in a pan and add channa dhal,coriander seeds,red chilli,methi seeds,pinch of hing and fry till they turn golden brown.Allow to cool and grind this along with fresh grated coconut and small onions(raw) to a fine paste.
• Heat oil in a kadai,add mustard seeds,slit green chilli,curry leaves followed by small onions.Fry till they turn golden in colour.Now add the chopped tomatoes and saute till they shrink in volume.
• Add the tamarind juice,salt and let it boil till the raw smell of tamarind goes off.
• Now add the ground paste,mashed dhal and add little water to get the desired consistency.
• Boil for 3-4 mins till everything blends together and nice aroma comes.
• Take a serving plate/bowl,arrange the mini idlis and pour the prepared sambar on top of it.Garnish with finely chopped onions and coriander leaves,drizzle little ghee on top and serve hot.