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South Indian recipes


Last Updated : Dec 13,2024



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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Idli Upma, Upma with Left Over Idlis Recipe
Recipe# 1670
12 Feb 21

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
idli upma recipe | idli upma with leftover idli | healthy idli upma | with 12 amazing images. idli upma is made from leftover idlis. idli upma with leftover idli ....
Red Pumpkin Pachadi
Recipe# 4993
15 Jun 22

 
 by Tarla Dalal
red pumpkin pachadi recipe | Kerala style Mathanga pachadi | Indian pumpkin pachadi | Onam special pachadi | with 21 amazing images. red pumpkin pachadi recipe | ....
South Indian Mixed Vegetable Khichdi, Low Salt Recipe
Recipe# 42025
24 Aug 17

 
 by Tarla Dalal
This South Indian Mixed Vegetable Khichdi is fondly called as ‘kootanchoru’ or ‘kadhamba sadham’ and is often made when there is a family get-together because it is flavoursome and satiating, and makes a convenient one-dish meal. It is loaded with veggies, and the paste gives it a nice mouth-wat ....
Pumpkin and Chawli Errissery, Low Salt Recipe
Recipe# 42026
16 Oct 18

 
 by Tarla Dalal
Errissery is one of the most popular vegetable preparations of Kerala. Flavoured with a dry masala of onion, garlic and red chillies, the vegetables become a perfect accompaniment for hot rice and dal. Here, we have used pumpkin, a low-sodium vegetable, together with nutritious chawli to make an ....
Thattai, Rice Crispies, South Indian Jar Snack
Recipe# 42037
23 Nov 20

 
 by Tarla Dalal
Thattai is one of the most popular jar snacks in South India. So wonderful does it taste with tea that you will find even small tea shops stocking this scrumptious deep-fried snack in their glass jars! Thattai is a flat, round-shaped, ....
Butter Murukku Recipe, Butter Chakli
Recipe# 42068
31 Aug 23

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
butter murukku recipe | butter chakli | South Indian butter murukku | benne chakli | venna murukku | with 17 images. butter murukku rec ....
Vegetable Stew (  Idlis and Dosas)
Recipe# 1667
04 Dec 24

 
 
by Tarla Dalal
vegetable stew recipe | South Indian vegetable stew | vegetable curry for idlis and dosas | with 30 amazing images. vegetable stew is a delicious and aromatic accompaniment that pairs per ....
Tamarind Rice ( South Indian Recipes )
Recipe# 32895
24 May 20

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
tamarind rice | South Indian style tamarind rice | pulihora rice | puliyogare rice | chitrannam rice | with 35 amazing images. tamarind rice< ....
Kolumbu
Recipe# 1664
15 Oct 15

 
 by Tarla Dalal
When you are tired of the daily Sambhar , this delectable Kolumbu will lend a special touch to your breakfast! Packed with the power of spices and dals, this tasty, veggie-loaded accompaniment is also quite satiating. While it goes great with Idli ....
Seedai, South Indian Deep Fried Jar Snack
Recipe# 42036
28 Aug 17

 
 by Tarla Dalal
A scrumptious jar snack made with common everyday ingredients, Seedai is an all-time favourite in South Indian . The dainty ball shape makes this deep-fried jar snack very popular among kids, and ....
Drumstick Leaves Dry Sabji, South Indian Style Subzi
Recipe# 42054
19 Apr 18

 
 by Tarla Dalal
This South Indian style subzi will enable you to appreciate the naturally interesting taste of drumstick leaves, because it does not use heavy masalas. Just a traditional tempering and a mixture of coconut and minimal spices is enough to accentuate the t ....
Coconut Chutney ( Desi Khana)
Recipe# 1467
11 Sep 19

  This recipe has an associated video
 
by Tarla Dalal
coconut chutney recipe | coconut chutney for idli | coconut chutney for dosa | nariyal chutney | with 16 amazing images. This super popular coconut chutney recipe ....
Non Fried Besan Chakli, Besan Murukku
Recipe# 41166
11 Apr 21

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
non fried besan chakli recipe | besan murukku | baked besan chakli | besan chakli - Indian snack for diabetes | with 16 amazing images. non fried besan chakli recipe
Green Peas Uttapam, Hare Matar Ke Uttapam
Recipe# 36416
18 Jun 22

 
 by Tarla Dalal
green peas uttapam recipe | hare matar ke uttapam | green peas and rice flour uttapam | matar and chawal ka atta uttapam | with 32 amazing images. green peas uttapam rec ....
Garlic Rasam,  South Indian Poondu Rasam
Recipe# 32905
15 Dec 24

 
 by Tarla Dalal
garlic rasam, poondu rasam recipe | pepper garlic rasam | South Indian poondu rasam | garlic rasam is a famous delicacy from Chettinad. Learn how to make South Indian po ....
Rasam, South India Rasam, Home Made Rasam
Recipe# 3575
10 Oct 24

 
 by Tarla Dalal
rasam recipe | South Indian rasam | restaurant style rasam | how to make rasam with rasam powder | | with 32 amazing images. South Indian rasam is the basic recip ....
Thattai Recipe, Baked Thattai, Jar Snack
Recipe# 41996
04 Feb 21

 
 by Tarla Dalal
baked thattai recipe | crispy thattai | healthy non fried thattai for weight loss | South Indian snack | with 24 amazing images. baked thattai recipe |
Bulgur Wheat Pongal, Low Salt Recipe
Recipe# 42008
07 Oct 20

 
 by Tarla Dalal
Next only to Idli and Dosa, Pongal is amongst the most popular breakfast recipes in South India. Usually made of rice and moong dal, cooked and spiced up with pepper and cumin seeds, Pongal is quite sumptuous and ensures that you don’t get hungry till lunch time! We have made this popular re ....
Red Garlic Chutney ( South Indian Chutney )
Recipe# 38615
20 Aug 13

 
 by Tarla Dalal
There is just one thing to fear about this chutney recipe – it might end up stealing the thunder out of the main course! serve with relatively bland main course dishes such as idlis, dosas, lemon rice, etc.
Mangalore Banana Puri, Mangalore Buns, Kele ki Puri
Recipe# 41990
19 Apr 18

 
 by Tarla Dalal
A traditional tea-time treat from Mangalore, the Banana Puri is a delightful dish that you must try at least once. The mild fruity sweetness of the Mangalore Banana Puri is just awesome and tastes great with a cup of piping hot tea ....
Akki Roti, Karnataka Rice Flour Roti
Recipe# 41991
12 Sep 24

 
 by Tarla Dalal
akki roti recipe | masala akki roti | Karnataka akki roti | rice flour roti | with 26 amazing images. akki roti is an all-time favourite snack in traditional Kann ....
Sprouted Matki Uttapam
Recipe# 40706
03 Oct 23

 
 by Tarla Dalal
No reviews
sprouted matki uttapam recipe | sprouted matki vegetable pancake | healthy matki vegetable chilla | with 25 amazing images. sprouted matki uttapam is a nutritious and flavorful
Paal Payasam in A Pressure Cooker, Sweet Milk Rice Kheer Recipe for Onam
Recipe# 41914
19 Apr 18

 
 by Tarla Dalal
Paal Payasam is one of the most traditional kheers of South India. It is served in almost every wedding and other special occasions. The traditional method, which involves cooking the rice in milk in a heavy-bottomed vessel, takes a long time. Hence, we present you with a quick and easy alternat ....
Coriander Pachadi, South Indian Chutney
Recipe# 32901
23 Aug 22

 
 by Tarla Dalal
coriander pachadi recipe | South Indian coriander chutney | coriander chutney | cilantro chutney | with 25 amazing images. coriander pachadi recipe |
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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