Idli

 

Idli is a delicious South Indian dish that is mainly had as a breakfast or snack. It is typically served with Sambar and Coconut Chutney. While there are many different ways to prepare Idli, this is one of the simplest ways, yet authentic and tasty. Let us have a look at its recipe. 

Ingredients (Makes 24 small/ 12 regular Idlis) :

• Any small grain rice - 3 cups
• Urad dal - 1 cup
• Fenugreek seeds - 2 tsp
• Salt to taste
• Oil/butter - For greasing
• Baking soda - 14th tsp (optional)

Method :

• Wash the rice and urad dal separately and soak both separately for 4-5 hours.
• Drain off the excess water of the rice and keep it aside. DO NOT drain the water of the soaked urad dal as it will be used for grinding.
• Add urad dal in a mixer (without the water initially) and grind it to a smooth paste using very little of the water that was set aside from the urad dal. The consistency of the paste should be thick but just about pourable. Now set aside the urad dal paste in a utensil.
• Now put the soaked rice in a mixer, add 2-3 tbsp of the water that was set aside from the soaked urad dal and grind it to a slightly coarse texture. (Do not grind it into a very smooth paste.)
• Mix the urad dal paste and rice paste together. Keep mixing it thoroughly for 5 minutes. 
• Cover it with a lid and keep it in a warm place overnight/ for minimum 8-10 hours. You can keep it for 20-24 hours for better results.
• Now, add the baking soda and salt just before making the Idlis and mix thoroughly.
• Grease each Idli mould with oil/butter and fill 3/4th of each mould with the batter, leaving space for it to rise. 
• Add upto 1 glass water into the pressure cooker. (Make sure the water level is way below the Idli mould)
• Place all the Idli stands in the cooker and steam them for 10 minutes WITHOUT the whistle, on medium flame.
• Remove the racks from the cooker, let them cool down for approximately 5 minutes and serve them in plates along with Sambar and Coconut Chutney.

Tip - If you are making it in a microwave, make sure you use a microwave safe steamer and Idli racks and steam them only for 3 minutes.

Check out these links too - Sambar recipe , Coconut Chutney recipe