Dosa and idli are everyday tiffin favorites in many South Indian homes and are commonly served for breakfast or dinner. This Chettinad-style gravy is a little different from the usual chutneys and sambars served with them.

Onion, tomato, coconut, roasted chana dal, coriander leaves, and green chilies are sautéed and ground into a smooth gravy, then finished with cinnamon and curry leaves for a simple but flavorful side dish.

Dosa Kulambu / Idli Kulambu

Recipe Details

Recipe Type:
Gravy / Tiffin Side Dish
Cuisine:
Chettinad / Tamil Nadu
Author:
Sashi
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Serves:
2

Ingredients

  • Onion – 1, chopped
  • Green chilies – 6, chopped or slit
  • Tomatoes – 2, chopped
  • Roasted chana dal / Pottukadalai – 1 tbsp
  • Grated coconut – 1/4 cup
  • Coriander leaves – 1/4 cup
  • Salt – to taste
  • Oil – 3 tbsp, divided
  • Cinnamon stick – 1
  • Curry leaves – 1 sprig
  • Water – as needed, to adjust the gravy consistency

Preparation

  1. Chop the onion, green chilies, and tomatoes.
  2. Keep the coconut, roasted chana dal, coriander leaves, cinnamon, and curry leaves ready.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat most of the measured oil in a pan over medium heat, reserving a little for the final tempering.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and lightly golden.
  3. Add the green chilies, grated coconut, and chopped tomatoes.
  4. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and pulpy.
  5. Add the roasted chana dal and coriander leaves.
  6. Fry for about 30 seconds, then remove from the heat.
  7. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
  8. Add salt and grind into a smooth paste, adding a little water only as needed.
  9. Heat the reserved oil in another pan.
  10. Add the cinnamon stick and curry leaves and fry for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
  11. Add the ground mixture.
  12. Add enough water to bring it to your preferred gravy consistency.
  13. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  14. Taste and adjust the salt if needed, then remove from the heat.

Tips

Spice Level: The original recipe uses 6 green chilies, so this gravy can be quite spicy. Reduce the quantity according to your preference.

Roasted Chana Dal: Pottukadalai helps thicken the gravy and gives it a smooth, creamy texture without requiring a large amount of coconut.

Consistency: Keep the gravy slightly thick for serving with idli and dosa, adding water gradually after grinding.

Garam Masala Variation: A little garam masala can be added for a stronger aromatic flavor. Since the original recipe does not specify a quantity, add it sparingly to taste.

Serving Suggestion

Serve Dosa Kulambu hot with idli, dosa, paniyaram, or other South Indian tiffin dishes.

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