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Traditional Idli Recipe

2022-11-05

By Chef Anu

South Indian Cuisine

Breakfast

3 Foolproof Ways to Make Fluffy Idlis: Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, and Induction Cooker Methods

Instant Pot Idlis: Perfectly Steamed, Soft, and Fluffy in Just 10 Minutes

Use the Instant Pot’s "Steam" function to create the perfect environment for your idlis to rise. Place a trivet inside, fill the pot with water, and set your batter-filled idli molds on top. Steam for about 10-12 minutes for soft, fluffy idlis every time!

Slow Cooker Idli Batter: Achieve Airy, Fluffy Idlis with Minimal Effort

Ferment your idli batter in the slow cooker on the "Keep Warm" setting overnight. The consistent warmth encourages the batter to ferment at a steady pace, resulting in perfectly airy and fluffy idlis.

Induction Cooker Steamed Idlis: Precise Heat for the Perfectly Cooked Delicacy

Use an induction cooker to maintain a precise and even heat while steaming your idlis. Place a steaming rack or a traditional idli stand on top of a pot of water on the induction cooktop. The heat is evenly distributed for perfectly steamed idlis without the worry of overheating.

Tips and Suggestions on Idli

Getting the consistency of the batter right

The Idli batter should be smooth, thick, and fluffy. To achieve this, you need to grind the lentils and rice separately, then mix them with water until the batter has a thick yet pourable consistency, review our content Frying Wonders of India.

Fermenting the batter properly

Fermenting the batter is essential to achieve the characteristic spongy texture of Idlis. Let the batter ferment in a warm and humid place for at least 8-10 hours. If you live in a cool climate, you may need to ferment it for a little longer.

Choosing the right type of rice

Traditionally, Idli is made with parboiled rice or idli rice, which is more readily available in South Asian markets. But you can also use regular short-grain rice or even brown rice if that's what you have.

Steaming the Idlis correctly

Idlis are steamed in a special Idli steamer or a regular steamer that can accommodate Idli plates. Make sure the steamer is well-greased and steam the Idlis for 10-12 minutes, or until they're soft and fluffy.

Avoiding hard and dense Idlis

If the Idlis turn out hard or dense, it could be due to various reasons such as inadequate fermentation, overcooking, or too much water in the batter. Adjust the batter consistency and cooking time accordingly.

Classic Idli Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup urad dal
  • 3 cups idli rice
  • 1 tbsp fenugreek seeds
  • Water as required
  • Salt as required
  • Oil or ghee for greasing
  • Sambar and coconut chutney for serving

Instructions

  1. Wash and soak the urad dal and fenugreek seeds in water for at least 4 hours.
  2. Wash and soak the idli rice in water for at least 4 hours.
  3. Drain the water from the urad dal and grind it to a smooth batter using a wet grinder or blender. Add water as required.
  4. Drain the water from the idli rice and grind it to a slightly grainy batter using a wet grinder or blender. Add water as required.
  5. Mix the urad dal batter and idli rice batter together. Add salt as required and mix well.
  6. Ferment the batter by keeping it in a warm place for 6-8 hours or until the batter has doubled in size and has a slightly sour aroma.
  7. Grease the idli mould with oil or ghee. Fill the moulds with the fermented batter. Steam the idlis for 10-12 minutes.
  8. Serve the hot and fluffy idlis with sambar and coconut chutney.

Cooking Time

Preparation Time 8 hours

Cook Time 15 min

Total time 8 hours 15 min

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 70
  • Fat: 0.4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g

Variations for Idli

Masala Idli

This version is made by infusing traditional idli with aromatic spices and herbs, creating a savory and flavorful breakfast delight.

Masala Idli

Idli Pizza

This version is made by topping soft idlis with sauce, veggies, and cheese, then cooking them on a tawa for a fun twist.

Idli Pizza , Idli Pizza Made In Tawa

Tawa Idli

This version is made by pan-frying idlis on a tawa until crispy, giving them a delightful texture and flavor with spicy seasoning.

Tawa Idli, A Delicious Idli Makeover

Palak Paneer Idli

This version is made by stuffing fluffy idlis with a nutritious mixture of spinach and paneer, creating a wholesome and tasty dish.

Palak Paneer Stuffed Idli, Steamed Spinach & Cottage Cheese Cakes

Carrot & Cheese Idli

This version is made by incorporating grated carrots and cheese into the idli batter, resulting in a colorful and cheesy treat that's nutritious.

Carrot & Cheese Filled Idli Recipe

Cheese Idli

This version is made by filling soft idlis with gooey melted cheese, offering a delightful surprise in every bite for cheese lovers.

Stuffed Cheese Idli

Jalapeno Cheese Idli

This version is made by adding zesty jalapeños and cheese to idlis, served delightfully with sambar for a spicy and comforting meal.

Jalapeno Cheese Idli with Sambar

Crispy Chilli Idli

This version is made by stir-frying leftover idlis with spicy chilies and seasonings, creating a crispy and flavorful snack that's hard to resist.

Crispy Chilli Idli

Idli Recipe Review

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