This category has been viewed 2236766 times

 Cuisine > Indian Veg Recipes > 
498

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!

{ad1}

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.
{ad2}

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.
{ad3}

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.
{ad4}

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!
{ad5}

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.

{ad6}

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


Show only recipe names containing:
  



Mixed Vegetable Uttapa
Recipe# 40914
11 Sep 19

 
 by Tarla Dalal
Uttapa is an all-time favourite snack across the country. These delicious uttapas, made with dosa batter are not only tasty but sumptuous and satiating too. We have made a zero-oil version of this popular snack by adding a variety of veggies to the batter. This makes the uttapas flavourful and ....
Stuffed Wheat Dosa ( Weight Loss During Pregnancy )
Recipe# 32970
20 Aug 09

 
 by Tarla Dalal
This unique wheat dosa is enriched with urad dal, rice flour and chana dal. Tempered with simple spices, the flavourful low-fat paneer and green peas stuffing provides essential protein without the excess calories and fat.
Mexican Dosa
Recipe# 40894
21 Sep 20

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
Mexican dosa recipe | cheese Mexican dosa | Indian style Mexican dosa | Mexican dosa for kitty party | with 20 amazing images. Mexican dosa recipe |
Pumpkin Kootu Curry,  Pumpkin and Kala Vatana Subzi
Recipe# 32830
16 May 11

 
 by Tarla Dalal
Kootu is a popular way of preparing veggies in Tamil Nadu. In fact, on special occasions, a dry subzi and a kootu must be served compulsorily as part of the meal. Kootu is a semi-solid curry of veggies and pulses or beans, enriched with a paste of coconut and spices, and tempered traditionally ....
Crispy Cup Dosa
Recipe# 1697
30 Apr 23

 
 by Tarla Dalal
crispy cup dosa recipe | besan, urad dal and chana dal dosa | healthy besan lentil dosa | 3 ingredient dosa | with 30 amazing images. crispy cup dosa is a healthy ....
Pulse Apple, Mixed Dal Appe
Recipe# 1678
06 Feb 23

 
 
by Tarla Dalal
pulse appe recipe | mixed dal appe | dal vegetable rice appe | with 35 images. pulse appe recipe is made of chana dal, toovar dal, green moong dal, rice and vegetables. Learn how to make
Masala Wheat Dosa (100 Calorie Snacks)
Recipe# 32573
21 Jan 09

 
 by Tarla Dalal
Suggested serving size for 100 calories: 1 dosa fibre, iron and calcium rich green peas and low-fat paneer stuffed in whole wheat dosas make a succulent snack - just make sure to stick to the suggested serving size.
Onion Chutney Recipe
Recipe# 40156
11 Oct 23

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
onion chutney recipe | quick South Indian onion chutney | Vengaya chutney | with 20 amazing images. onion chutney is a popular condiment in Indian, and is ....
Neer Dosa Recipe, Neer Dosai
Recipe# 37910
05 May 23

  This recipe has an associated video
 
by Tarla Dalal
neer dosa recipe | neer dosai | soft rice crepes | Mangalorean rice crepes | with 30 amazing images. neer dosa recipe is a soft rice dosa or also known as water d ....
Moong Dal Payasam, Pasi Paruppu Payasam
Recipe# 40599
19 Apr 18

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
South Indian festival menus are just not complete without Moong Dal Payasam. Considered as one of the most auspicious offerings to God, it is made during most pujas, and is served as the first item on the plantain leaf during a traditional meal. Moong ....
Spring Dosa ( Mumbai Roadside Recipes)
Recipe# 33396
06 Apr 19

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
What does spring mean to you? A bounty of veggies, a splash of colours, fresh flavours? Well, experience all the vibrant joys of spring, wrapped inside this scrumptious Spring Dosa. A tasty stuffing of crunchy veggies, boiled noodles and peppy sauces is the highlight of this delicious butter-cooked ....
Dal and Vegetable Idli
Recipe# 1706
21 Jun 23

 
 by Tarla Dalal
dal and vegetable idli recipe | instant dal vegetable idli | no rice idli | healthy Vitamin B1, Folic Acid rich idli | with 40 amazing images. dal and vegetable idli rec ....
Matki Aur Palak ki Curry
Recipe# 4371
26 Feb 24

  This recipe has an associated video
 
by Tarla Dalal
This reverberating combo of sprouted matki and spinach is sure to put the smile back on your face. The Matki Aur Palak ki Curry derives its intense flavour from tangy tomatoes and a paste of coconut, spices and seeds. A traditional south Indian tempering boosts the aroma and adds to the flavour of t ....
Jowar and Tomato Uttapam, Healthy Snack
Recipe# 22349
18 Apr 24

 
 by Tarla Dalal
jowar and tomato uttapam recipe | healthy jowar uttapam | Indian snack with jowar | with 25 amazing images. jowar and tomato uttapam recipe | healthy jowar uttapam
Mini Bajra and Oats Uttapa ( Baby and Toddler)
Recipe# 40478
18 Apr 23

 
 by Tarla Dalal
mini bajra oats uttapam for toddlers recipe | healthy bajra oats mini uttapam | healthy mini uttapam for kids | mini oats uttapam for toddlers | with 23 amazing images. ....
Uttapam Stuffed with Green Peas, Matar Uttapam
Recipe# 171
21 Jun 22

 
 by Tarla Dalal
uttapam stuffed with green peas recipe | South Indian matar uttapam | green peas uttapam with dosa batter | instant uttapam for breakfast | with 20 amazing images. uttap ....
Nutritious Idlis
Recipe# 4229
11 Feb 19

 
 by Tarla Dalal
A variant of the popular South Indian idli, which is a perfect example of a complete protein combination, with the right proportions of cereal (rice) and pulse (moong dal). While idlis are traditionally prepared with urad, this Nutritious Idli is prepa ....
Moong Dal Uttapam, Chilla
Recipe# 854
13 Jan 24

  This recipe has an associated video
 
by Tarla Dalal
moong dal uttapam recipe | moong dal chilla | healthy moong dal uttapam with green peas and carrots | protein, vitamin B1, folic acid rich moong dal uttapam | with 35 images.
Madras Onion Stew
Recipe# 4368
16 May 13

 
 by Tarla Dalal
A perfect accompaniment for Appam Quick Idiyappam and Set Dosa too, the Madras Onion Stew is a really exciting preparation of shallots with a mind-boggling array of flavours. Ranging from tangy tamarind pulp t ....
Mini Cheese Uttapa
Recipe# 540
16 Jul 24

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
mini cheese uttapa recipe | cheese uttapam | instant cheese uttapa - Indian snack | cheese uttapam with idli dosa batter | with 13 amazing images. mini cheese uttapa re ....
Curd Shorba (  Low Calorie Healthy Cooking)
Recipe# 1345
18 Nov 22

  This recipe has an associated video
 by Tarla Dalal
curd shorba recipe | Indian dahi shorba | yogurt soup | Punjabi dahi ka shorba | with 29 amazing images. yogurt shorba is a North Indian curry recipe. It has a ta ....
Quick Idiyappam
Recipe# 40199
19 Sep 22

 
 by Tarla Dalal
Quick Idiyappam is a safe, easily-digestible, steamed food that south Indians, especially Keralites, love to have for breakfast and dinner. A dough of rice flour is pressed out of a chakli press in the form of thin noodles, and steamed, to get a soft and tasty food, which combines fabulously with Po ....
Potato Stew
Recipe# 40198
05 Nov 15

 
 by Tarla Dalal
Bring Kerala to your table this morning, with this delicious and soothing Potato Stew. An ideal accompaniment for Appam , Quick Idiyappam as well as for a bowl of hot, steaming Cooked Rice , the Pota ....
Subscribe to the free food mailer

Soya

Missed out on our mailers?
Our mailers are now online!

View Mailer Archive

Privacy Policy: We never give away your email

REGISTER NOW If you are a new user.
Or Sign In here, if you are an existing member.

Login Name
Password

Forgot Login / Passowrd?Click here

If your Gmail or Facebook email id is registered with Tarladalal.com, the accounts will be merged. If the respective id is not registered, a new Tarladalal.com account will be created.

Click OK to sign out from tarladalal.
For security reasons (specially on shared computers), proceed to Google and sign out from your Google account.

Are you sure you want to delete this review ?

South Indian
5
 on 03 Sep 20 09:59 AM


| Hide Replies
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.
| Hide Replies
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


| Hide Replies
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.
| Hide Replies
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.
| Hide Replies
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