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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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Rice Rava Dosa
Recipe# 1687
18 Apr 22

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
rice rava dosa recipe | instant rice rava dosa | no fermentation semolina rava dosa | with 20 amazing images. rice rava dosa is a South Indian rice rava dosa, a ....
Dal and Rice Dosa, Mixed Dal Dosa
Recipe# 1695
29 Apr 23

 
 
by Tarla Dalal
dal and rice dosa recipe | mixed dal dosa | South Indian mixed dal dosa | lentil dosa | with 30 amazing images. dal and rice dosa recipe is made from mixed dals a ....
Quick Rice Dosa
Recipe# 1684
16 Aug 23

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
quick rice dosa recipe | instant rice dosa | no fermentation quick rice dosa | with 15 amazing images. quick rice dosa recipe is an ideal So ....
Homemade Rasam Powder
Recipe# 42479
21 Nov 19

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
homemade rasam powder recipe | South Indian rasam powder | how to make rasam powder | quick rasam powder | with 25 amazing images. Rasam powder is a key ingredien ....
Horsegram Chutney, Kollu Thogiyal, Kollu Chutney
Recipe# 40757
21 Sep 19

 
 by Tarla Dalal
Horsegram is a special pulse, which imbibes a mind-blowing aroma and flavour when roasted. Here, horsegram is combined with other delicious ingredients like coconut, red chillies, onions and coriander to make a mouth-watering chutney, which is perfect to serve with
Colocassia Leaf Usli
Recipe# 5703
04 Sep 19

 
 by Tarla Dalal
Colocasia leaf is frequently used in Maharashtrian and Gujarati cuisine in preparations like paatra and wadi. Now, it is time to think beyond these and find many more flavourful ways to include this iron-rich ingredient in your diet. A variant of the popular South Indian dry subzi made of vegetables ....
Quick Rava Idli
Recipe# 1707
22 Aug 23

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
quick rava idli recipe | instant idli using sooji | easy no fermentation semolina idli | with 40 amazing images. quick rava idli recipe is a quick South Indian breakfast dish. Learn how to ....
Pumpkin Kootu, Pumpkin and Yellow Moong Dal Sabzi, Curry
Recipe# 32913
20 Aug 13

 
 by Tarla Dalal
This is a gravy-like dish made using pumpkins and dal. Other vegetables like chow-chow, snake-gourd, cabbage, carrots etc can also be cooked this way. Normally, a traditional South Indian meal will definitely include one dry curry and one kootu. A good ac ....
Tomato Rasam ( Eat Well Stay Well )
Recipe# 33475
27 Jun 19

 
 by Tarla Dalal
Tomato rasam, a perfect, low-calorie recipe to enjoy the true flavours of home-made south indian cooking. Serve this protein- and vitamin-packed rasam as an accompaniment to plain steamed rice. Tomatoes are bountiful of vitamin a, folic acid that helps boost immunity. This recipe is low in calories, ....
Pongal Kootu, South Indian Mixed Vegetable Curry
Recipe# 42312
16 Aug 23

 
 by Tarla Dalal
Pongal Kootu is a tongue-tickling mixed vegetable curry made during Makar Sankaranthi or Pongal in South India. It is made with local vegetables that are in season at the cusp of winter and spring. This curry brings togethe ....
Kadala Curry, Kerala Curry for Appam, Puttu and Dosa
Recipe# 32912
01 Jan 21

 
 by Tarla Dalal
kadala curry recipe | Kerala special puttu kadala curry | kadala kari | easy kadala curry for puttu appam and dosa | healthy black chick peas curry |
Tangy Kachi Keri Rice, Raw Mango Rice
Recipe# 40835
30 Mar 21

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
raw mango rice recipe | tangy kachi keri rice | mangai sadam | raw mango rice Indian style | mavinakayi chitranna | with 23 amazing images. ra ....
Brinjal Rice
Recipe# 38447
09 Oct 23

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
brinjal rice recipe | South Indian style brinjal rice | vangi bhaat with homemade spice powder | with 34 amazing images. brinjal rice is a wholesome South Indian style rice made using brin ....
Low Calorie Dahi Vada, Dahi Bhalle
Recipe# 33325
09 Nov 22

 
 
by Tarla Dalal
low calorie dahi vada | non fried dahi vada | healthy no fry dahi bhalle | with 41 amazing images. These yummy looking dahi vadas are not fried, they are cooked dumplings dunked in thick yo ....
Mini Rava Uttappa ( Microwave Recipe)
Recipe# 34563
24 Apr 19

 
 by Tarla Dalal
You can make quick, non-greasy uttappams in the microwave. Since this curd and semolina-based variety does not require fermentation, you can choose it to quench an unexpected hunger pang. Using sour curds ensures soft and spotted uttappams, just like the original.
Adai , Diabetic Adai Recipe
Recipe# 22270
27 Oct 22

 
 
by Tarla Dalal
healthy adai recipe | diabetic adai | Indian style dalia adai without rice | Indian snack for diabetes | With 27 amazing images. healthy adai is a nourishing Sout ....
Tomato Pachadi, How To Make Tomato Pachadi
Recipe# 32868
05 Mar 19

 
 by Tarla Dalal
The tanginess of tomato and the blandness of fresh curds combine well to cast a soothing spell on the diner. Take care to use fresh, thick curds for this recipe as the pachadi is likely to become watery otherwise, as the juice of the tomatoes also mixes in with it. Also do try other pachadi r ....
Baked Palak Jowar Murukku,  Jowar Murukku with Spinach
Recipe# 42722
23 Sep 21

 
 by Tarla Dalal
baked palak jowar murukku recipe | Indian baked jowar chakli | jowar murukku with spinach | healthy palak chakli | with 21 amazing images. baked palak jowar murukku rec ....
Stuffed Rava Idli Vegetable Sandwich
Recipe# 36281
11 Mar 19

 
 by Tarla Dalal
An off-beat dish, which gives you the satisfaction of eating a homely idli as well as a scrumptious sandwich. Yes, the Stuffed Rava Idli Vegetable Sandwich is an innovative recipe in which the rava idli batter is layered with grated veggies and green chutney and then steamed. Each mouthful of ....
Bisi Bele Bhaat, Karnataka Bise Bele Bhat
Recipe# 33336
06 Sep 20

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
bisi bele bhat recipe | Karnataka style bisibele bhat | how to make bisi bele bhat at home | with step by step photos. bisi bele bhat is a traditional spicy rice dish from Karnataka which ....
Lachha Paratha, Punjabi Soft Flaky Lachha Paratha
Recipe# 3450
27 Jul 22

 
 by Tarla Dalal
A multi-layered, crisp paratha that is truly irresistible! The Laccha Paratha is generally considered tricky to make, and if you can prepare it well, you are considered an expert cook! Not to worry, the seemingly difficult plain flour paratha will be completely under your control after you try this ....
Yam Fritters, Suran Pakoda
Recipe# 40832
03 Aug 21

  This recipe has an associated video
 
by Tarla Dalal
yam fritters recipe | suran pakoda | Indian yam and onion fritters | tea time snack | with 24 amazing images. yam fritters recipe | suran pako ....
Masala Karela
Recipe# 7462
24 Nov 23

 
 by Tarla Dalal
masala karela recipe | karela masala | karela masala sabzi | dry bitter gourd sabzi | masala karela is a quick fix healthy Indian accompaniment to wheat flour cha ....
Mini Bajra Urad Dal Uttapam
Recipe# 39894
04 Aug 21

 
 
by Tarla Dalal
bajra urad dal uttapam recipe | rice bajra urad dal uttapam | mini bajra uttapam breakfast recipe | easy bajra mini uttapam | with 43 amazing images. bajra urad dal utta ....
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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