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South Indian recipes


Last Updated : Oct 05,2024



दक्षिण भारतीय व्यंजन | दक्षिण भारतीय रेसिपी | - हिन्दी में पढ़ें (South Indian recipes in Hindi)
દક્ષિણ ભારતીય વ્યંજન | દક્ષિણ ભારતીય વાનગીઓ | - ગુજરાતી માં વાંચો (South Indian recipes in Gujarati)

South Indian recipes | South Indian dishes, food |

South Indian Cuisine – Awesome, Awe-Inspiring Variety. South Indian Recipes, 950 South Indian Dishes, Food Recipes. An acquaintance had this irksome habit of referring to all South Indians as “Madrasis”. And one fine day she stopped saying so. In an attempt to quell my curiosity I asked – and got to know that after a tour of South India she realised there is so much diversity down South that it is just not fair to generalise – the best example being South Indian cuisine. South Indian cuisine and food habits are so varied that it is common for a person to feel lost in the menu of a neighbouring state. Say, when a person from Tamil Nadu attends a wedding in Andhra Pradesh, it is a common trick to keep an eye on the next person’s plate or banana leaf, to figure out what order and in what combinations the food is to be consumed!

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Tiffin - Much more than idlis and dosas

Idli
Idli

When one mentions South Indian food, idli, dosa and vada are the first dishes that come to one’s mind – and it’s fair enough because these dishes are popular in all the South Indian states. It is a daring risk to venture into the question of which state they originated in – so we will not touch upon that, but the fact remains that these are much-loved foods all over South India. Served with the quintessential Sambhar and Chutney, this “tiffin” platter is enjoyed any time of the day – for breakfast, evening snacks or dinner.

Pongal Kootu
Pongal Kootu

A word that the British introduced us to, tiffin refers to snacks that are neither too light nor too heavy, and can be relished at any time of the day! When it comes to tiffin, there is a lot of similarity amongst the South Indian states, and we find many common favourites like idli, dosa, vada, uttapam, upma and pongal. Apart from these, each state has its unique offerings too – like the paniyaram and adai of Tamil Nadu, the aapam, puttu, avial and kadala curry of Kerala, neer dosa, kadubu, benne dosa and rava idli of Karnataka and pesarattu of Andhra. Apart from Sambhar, tiffin is usually served with chutneys like coconut chutney, coriander chutney, tomato chutney, etc., or dry chutney powders like the idli milagai podi or curry leaves powder.
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Lunch – rice is special for South Indians

Curd RiceCurd Rice

Rice holds a special position in the South Indian kitchen. More than a mere ingredient, rice or annam is given a divine connotation and treated with respect. In all South Indian states, rice is the staple grain served during lunch time. Some prefer to use raw rice, while others opt for parboiled or boiled varieties. Rice lovers that they are, South Indians can often tell the difference between rice grown in various regions and different river beds! At lunch time, the rice is freshly steamed and served hot with a spread of dal-based curries and vegetables. There is a lot of difference in the items served during lunch time, and the order in which they are served.
 

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Recipes

PesarattuPesarattu

Lunch is dominated by rice, which is served with dollops of ghee and a range of curries and dals. Depending on whether it’s a normal day or a special occasion, the number of items served may vary. When you see the word ‘pappu’ in a dish’s name, you can understand that it comprises dal. It may be plain or combined with veggies. Usually, a meal begins with rice mixed with pappu and enjoyed with a spicy oorgaya (pickle). Other main course dishes are koora (dry or semi-dry subzi), pulusu (sour and tangy gravy made of tamarind, tomatoes, sour curd or raw mangoes), pachadi (a spicy and saucy accompaniment), charu or rasam (a thin, soupy dish that is mixed with rice), curds, and so on. Pulihore, a peppy rice preparation with tamarind and spices, is much-loved by the Telugu folks and everyone who tastes it!
 

Karnataka Recipes

Tomato GojjuTomato Gojju

A regular meal consists of vegetable preparations, a dal based preparation like sambhar, and saaru or rasam, ending with majjige (buttermilk). Kannadigas also love gojju, a featuring a unique blend of sweet, spicy and tangy notes. There are also one-dish meals like the Bisi Bele Bath, a hot and spicy rice preparation, made of rice, dal and veggies flavoured with a special masala and tamarind pulp. Karnataka within itself has several sub-cuisines like Udupi, Mangalore and Mysore, and a discerning diner can easily tell the difference between these.
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South Indian Recipes, Kerala

Quick IdiyappamQuick Idiyappam

Don’t be fooled by the simple food that the Keralites have on a normal day – visit them on a festive occasion to experience the mind-boggling variety of the state’s cuisine. Kerala food is rich in all things coconuty! From coconut milk to grated coconut and coconut-based spice pastes, it is used in every possible form to make vegetable and curd-based curries. Yellow banana and jackfruit are also used abundantly in the region to make crispies, curries and desserts.
 

South Indian Recipes, Tamil Nadu

More KuzhambuMore Kuzhambu

Different regions of Tamil Nadu have different styles of cooking, the popular strains being Tanjore, Tirunelveli, North Arcot and Chettinad. However, a three-course lunch broadly consists of rice served with sambhar and/ or mor kuzhambu, then rasam and finally curd, accompanied by a range of vegetable dishes. If lunch is had out of a dabba, people often opt for what is colloquially known as ‘mixed rice’ or ‘variety rice’. Tomato Rice, Tamarind Rice, Sambhar Rice, Curd Rice and Peanut Rice are some of the common options. On special days, vada, kheer and pachadi (raita) are also served with lunch.
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Sweets and savouries for South Indians

Ela Ada Recipe
Ela Ada Recipe

Like the rest of the country, South India also loves sweets and snacks! From the Ela Ada and Unni Appam of Kerala to the Kajjikaylu of Andhra Pradesh, the Jangiri and Chakkarai Pongal of Tamil Nadu, and the Obbuttu and Mysore Pak of Karnataka, each sweet delight has a culinary anecdote to tell with distinct flavours, native ingredients and exclusive cooking techniques.

Mysore Bonda
Mysore Bonda

Snacks are also an integral part of the South Indian food scene – they are enjoyed at practically any time of the day but mostly in the evening with a cup of hot coffee or tea. It is amazing how they never tire of having a steaming hot cuppa however sweltering the weather might be! But then, nothing can complement a Masala Vada, Mysore Bonda or Plantain Bajji as well as a cup of South Indian filter coffee or Chukku Kaapi (a tea of dried ginger and spices). Keralites enjoy snacking on steamed yellow bananas and Kattan Chaai (black tea).

Every kitchen in South India is also well-stocked with pickles, dry chutney powders, vadams and papads (that can be roasted or deep-fried), which are served in perfect combos to make a simple meal seem like a special treat!
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The magic of the South Indian tempering

Homemade Rasam PowderHomemade Rasam Powder

If you are going to experiment with South Indian cooking, your kitchen needs to be stocked with rice, tamarind (or kokum), sambhar powder and rasam powder, ghee and cooking oils like groundnut, coconut or sesame oils. More importantly, you need to get your masala box or ‘anjarai petti’ (literally five-compartment box, although the modern ones have seven) equipped with mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, sesame seeds, red chillies, broken urad dal and chana dal, as these are frequently used in South Indian cooking. These ingredients in different combinations are used to make masalas for South Indian curries. Sometimes, they are ground raw, while sometimes they are roasted and ground. The method and proportions give each dish a distinctly different flavour even when the same ingredients are used. That said, the final master stroke in most South Indian dishes is the zesty tempering of mustard seeds, asafoetida and curry leaves, which gives the food a trademark South Indian seal!
 

More food stories to tell from each nook and corner

Each nook and corner of Tamil Nadu has a different food story to tell, and we realise now that it’s a mistake to try and cover it all in one article, so we urge you to read more about each of these cuisines (Andhra and Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka) and recreate the magic in your own kitchen using our authentic recipes. In India there is so much variety in each cuisine that it is difficult for an individual to entirely master their own cuisine. Just when you think you know all your native foods, someone busts the misconception and widens your horizon by sharing yet another treasure! While we focus on our own cuisines, we should also try and set aside at least a day every week to try the culinary gems from other Indian regions, so that we grow to appreciate the unity in diversity.

Enjoy our South Indian Recipes, 950 South Indian Dishes, Food Recipes and other South Indian Recipe articles below.

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30+Karnataka Cuisine
15+Kerala Cuisine
20+Tamil Nadu Cuisine
10+South Indian Appe
125+South Indian Breakfast
45+South Indian Chutney
175+South Indian Curries / Subzis
125+South Indian Dosa
125+South Indian Idlis
10+South Indian Pachadi, Raita
5 South Indian Pickle
10+South Indian Podis
55+South Indian Rasam
50+South Indian Sambar
45+South Indian Snacks
90+South Indian Sweets
15 South Indian Uttapam
35+South Indian Vada


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Cabbage Urad Dal Vada
Recipe# 33096
16 Sep 24

 
 by Tarla Dalal
cabbage urad dal vada recipe | cabbage medu vada | gobi medu vada | with 27 amazing images. cabbage urad dal vada is a crispy, savory ....
4 Flour Dosa, Mixed Flour Dosa
Recipe# 40159
12 Apr 20

  This recipe has an associated video
 
by Tarla Dalal
flour dosa recipe | mixed flour dosa | jowar bajra ragi and whole wheat flour dosa | healthy four flour dosa | with 28 amazing images. Our 4 flour dosa recipe is ....
Rose Cookies, Achappam
Recipe# 36061
10 Nov 20

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
rose cookies recipe | achappam | Kerala style achu murukku | eggless rose cookies - Christmas recipe | rose cookies is a crunchy and crispy snack which can be mad ....
Idli ( How To Make Idli )
Recipe# 32833
18 Apr 22

 
 
by Tarla Dalal
how to make soft idli recipe | perfect idli batter recipe | idli sambar | South Indian breakfast idli | with 30 amazing images. how to make how to make soft idli recip ....
Chutney Podi, Thengai Powder, Chutney Powder
Recipe# 32874
29 Aug 22

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
chutney podi recipe | Thengai powder | chutney podi with coconut | with 30 amazing images. chutney podi recipe is known as Thengai podi. Podi means powder in Mal ....
Lemon Rice ( South Indian Recipes )
Recipe# 32891
30 Sep 24

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
No reviews
lemon rice recipe | South Indian lemon rice | chitranna rice | with 22 amazing images. lemon rice recipe is a popular South Indian rice. lemon rice has a nice s ....
Rava Vada, Sooji Vada
Recipe# 41937
17 Feb 21

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
rava vada recipe | instant sooji vada | Indian style semolina vada | easy suji vada | with 24 amazing images. rava vada recipe | instant sooji ....
Chana Dal Vada, Crispy Chana Dal Vada
Recipe# 4971
05 Jun 23

 
 by Tarla Dalal
chana dal vada recipe | masala vada | masala vadai | chana dal vada Indian snack | with 28 amazing images. chana dal vada recipe | masala vada ....
Quick Vegetable Appe, Instant Appe
Recipe# 39446
23 Aug 21

  This recipe has an associated video
 
by Tarla Dalal
quick vegetable appe recipe | instant vegetable appe | South Indian quick appe | with 19 amazing images. quick vegetable appe recipe | instant vegetable appe | < ....
Palak Paneer Dosa
Recipe# 33407
28 Feb 21

 
 by Tarla Dalal
palak paneer dosa recipe | paneer palak dosa | Mumbai roadside paneer palak dosa | how to make paneer palak dosa | with 58 amazing images. palak paneer dosa recipe
Cabbage Stir Fry, Patta Gobi Stir Fry
Recipe# 38898
10 Feb 22

 
 by Tarla Dalal
cabbage stir fry recipe | Indian patta gobi stir fry | kobi nu shaak | quick cabbage fry | with 20 amazing images. cabbage stir fry recipe | I ....
Ribbon Sev
Recipe# 41058
20 Sep 19

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
ribbon sev | ribbon pakoda | ribbon murukku | ola pakoda | ottu pakoda in south india | with 19 amazing images. ribbon sev, also known ....
Kadubu
Recipe# 42567
29 May 18

 
 by Tarla Dalal
A tasty snack from the kitchens of Karnataka, Kadubu can be enjoyed for breakfast or as an evening snacks. There are numerous types of Kadubu made in Karnataka. ....
Tomato Gojju, Karnataka Spicy Tomato Curry
Recipe# 42563
21 May 18

 
 by Tarla Dalal
A quick and easy accompaniment from the Karnataka repertoire, the Tomato Gojju is a spicy tomato curry with shades of tanginess and sweetness too. The tomato is sautéed and flavoured with a traditional tempering, a little jaggery ....
Kesari Bhaat
Recipe# 42564
12 Jul 18

 
 by Tarla Dalal
Kesari Bhaat, the South Indian counter-part of the sheera, is an ever-popular sweet treat for young and old alike! Perhaps due to this reason, you will find the Kesari Bhaat is a part of most breakfast or lunch combos at South Indian restaurants. It ....
Chow Chow Bhaat
Recipe# 42566
14 Aug 18

 
 by Tarla Dalal
Chow Chow Bhaat is one of the most unique dishes of Karnataka. This timeless treasure can be enjoyed for breakfast, evening snack or dinner, but is mostly had for breakfast. It is basically a combination of two dishes – a savoury rava bhaat and a sweet kesari bhaat, both made with semolina. The ....
Maddur Vada
Recipe# 42570
19 May 18

 
 by Tarla Dalal
Jazz up your tea-time with this awesomely crunchy snack that hails from Karnataka. Very famous in the Mysore region, the Maddur Vada is a classic evening snack made by deep-frying a dough o ....
Mangalorean Drumstick Curry
Recipe# 4362
22 Apr 24

 
 
by Tarla Dalal
drumstick curry recipe | Mangalorean style drumstick curry | drumstick sabzi | with 26 amazing images. drumstick curry recipe is a delicious and aromatic dish that highlights the flavors o ....
Corn Poha Upma
Recipe# 42574
07 Jun 23

 
 by Tarla Dalal
corn poha upma recipe | corn poha vegetable upma | Indian sweet corn upma | easy breakfast | with 29 amazing images. corn poha upma recipe is a unique upma made w ....
Rasam Idli with Rasam, South Indian Rasam Idly
Recipe# 40389
22 Dec 22

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
rasam idli recipe | South Indian rasam idli with rasam recipe | restaurant style rasam idli | rasam idly | with 51 amazing images. rasam idli recipe |
Instant Oats Rava Idli, Oats Idli No Fermentation
Recipe# 39009
06 Dec 21

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
oats rava idli recipe | instant oats rava idli | Indian oats idli no fermentation | with 40 amazing images. oats rava idli recipe | instant oats rava idli |
Capsicum Chutney, Bell Pepper Chutney
Recipe# 42364
13 Jun 22

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
capsicum chutney recipe | Indian bell pepper chutney | South Indian capsicum chutney for idli and dosa | healthy capsicum chutney | with 24 amazing images. capsicum chu ....
Sambar Rice, Sambar Sadam
Recipe# 42181
14 Feb 22

  This recipe has an associated video
 
by Tarla Dalal
sambar rice recipe | sambar sadam | Tamil Nadu sambar sadam | with 35 amazing images. sambar rice recipe is a combination of rice, sambar, vegetables and sambar sadam masala. A traditi ....
Rava Bonda Recipe
Recipe# 42439
11 Sep 19

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
rava bonda | sooji bonda recipe | instant rava bonda | with 18 amazing images rava bonda is made with rava which is soaked in curds, perked up with ingredients like onions, cashew nuts and ....
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South Indian
5
 on 03 Sep 20 09:59 AM


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Tarla Dalal    Ashraf thanks for the feedback !!! keep reviewing recipes, articles you loved.
Reply
03 Sep 20 01:28 PM
South Indian
5
 on 27 Aug 20 12:41 PM


My name is Manik Das. I read your all articles and your food article are so delicious.
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Tarla Dalal    Manik thanks for the feedback !!! keep reviewing recipes, articles you loved.
Reply
27 Aug 20 12:46 PM
South Indian
5
 on 08 Feb 20 06:43 AM


South Indian
5
 on 13 Jun 19 06:26 PM


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Tarla Dalal    Glad you liked the South Indian recipes.
Reply
14 Jun 19 02:41 PM
South Indian
5
 on 03 Mar 19 09:04 AM


South Indian
5
 on 11 Jul 18 04:54 PM


Thanks for your big collection of South Indian recipes. So true about your statement of rice holds a special position in the South Indian kitchen. Have tried your 4 flour dosa which our entire family loves.
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Tarla Dalal    Hi Sheetal, Thank you for your kind words. Happy to know you loved the information we shared. Do try more and more recipes and share with us your feedback.
Reply
12 Jul 18 08:58 AM
South Indian
5
 on 11 Jul 18 11:07 AM


Our office is providing evening snacks for all staff everyday in which 2 days is for South Indian snacks in a week i.e. idli & some day dosa. My colleague has given Tarla Madam idlis & Dosas recipe printouts to our office maid. Now she is referring to different variety of Tarla Dalals idlis & Dosas recipes. She enjoys making it because of simplicity & perfection of each recipe and we all enjoys eating fresh, hygienic and tasty snacks. Their are lots of Tarla dalal''s delicious south Indian dishes that are made at my home. I loved that tadka aroma of curries, chillies and many other spices used while making spicy & savory dishes. Sweets pongal, Paal Payasam, rice pancakes is NO.1, which we make it at home and all liked them very much.
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Tarla Dalal    Hi Krutika, That is amazing! Thank you for your kind words. Happy to know you loved the information we shared.
Reply
12 Jul 18 08:47 AM