Idli Recipe: A Steamed Delicacy from South India

Idli Recipe, a soft and fluffy steamed rice cake, is a traditional South Indian delicacy loved by many across the globe.

Made from simple ingredients like regular rice, urad dal, and rava (semolina), and flavored with methi seeds.

this article will guide you through the steps of preparing this delectable dish right in your kitchen.

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Idli Recipe: A Steamed Delicacy from South India

payal debnath

Idli recipe a soft and fluffy steamed rice cake, is a traditional South Indian delicacy loved by many across the globe.

Made from simple ingredients like regular rice, urad dal, rava (semolina), and flavored with methi seeds

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Prep Time 1 day d 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 day d 25 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, dinner, lunch

Cuisine south indian

Servings 5 people

Calories 39 kcal

Ingredients

  

Gathering Ingredients for Idli Preparation

Before we dive into the cooking process, let's gather the essential ingredients needed to make idlis:

• 2 cups regular rice
• 1 cup urad dal
• 1 cup rava
• 1 teaspoon methi seeds
• 1 teaspoon oil
• Salt to taste

Making Complementary Green Chutney

For a delicious accompaniment:

• A handful of dhania leaves
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/4 inch ginger
• 3 green chilies
• A few mint leaves
• Salt to taste

Instructions

 

Preparing the Idli Batter

• Wash 2 cups of regular rice, 1 teaspoon of methi seeds, and 1 cup of urad dal in separate bowls.
• Soak them for 4 to 5 hours.
• After soaking, wash the rice and dal again.
• Grind the rice and dal separately, ensuring a not-too-runny, not-too-thick consistency.
• Wash 1 cup of rava and add it to the rice and dal paste, adjusting the consistency as needed.

Fermenting the Idli Batter

• Let the batter ferment for at least 8 to 10 hours (13 hours in winter, 8 hours in summer) to double its volume.
• After fermentation, add salt to taste and mix well.

Setting Up the Idli Maker

• Grease the idli molds with a little oil.
• Boil 3 cups of water in the idli maker.
• With a large tablespoon, carefully add the idli batter to the idli molds.

Cooking Perfect Idlis

• Once the water is boiling, place the idli molds in the idli maker.
• Cover and cook for 15 minutes on high heat.
• After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Making Complementary Green Chutney

For a delicious accompaniment:

• A handful of dhania leaves
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/4 inch ginger
• 3 green chilies
• A few mint leaves
• Salt to taste
• Grind all the ingredients together to make a fine paste.

Notes

NOTE: 39 calories per 1 idli.

Keyword idli

Idlis are often enjoyed with various accompaniments. The most popular pairings include:

Sambhar, a flavorful lentil-based stew with vegetables, complements the mild taste of idlis beautifully.

Coconut chutney, made with grated coconut, green chilies, and spices, adds a burst of flavor that enhances the overall idli experience.

Explore variations with ingredients like vegetables, cheese, or spices to suit your taste.

Idlis are a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a wholesome meal.

Idlis can be served as breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and they pair well with various sides.

Apart from chutneys, idlis also go well with sambar, podi, dal, and even sweet accompaniments.

Despite their South Indian origin, idlis have gained popularity worldwide due to their taste and health benefits.

The Nutrition Value of 1 cook idli:

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific recipe and ingredients used to make the idli.

 Gathering Ingredients for Idli Recipe Preparation

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather the essential ingredients needed to make idlis:

• 2 cups regular rice
• 1 cup urad dal
• 1 cup rava
• 1 teaspoon methi seeds
• 1 teaspoon oil
• Salt to taste

Idli batter recipe ratio.

How to Prepare Idli Recipe Batter?

• Wash 2 cups of regular rice, 1 teaspoon of methi seeds, and 1 cup of urad dal in separate bowls.
• Soak them for 4 to 5 hours.

• After soaking, wash the rice and dal again.
• Grind the rice and dal separately, ensuring a not-too-runny, not-too-thick consistency.
• Wash 1 cup of rava and add it to the rice and dal paste, adjusting the consistency as needed.

 Fermenting the Idli Recipe Batter

• Let the batter ferment for at least 8 to 10 hours (13 hours in winter, 8 hours in summer) to double its volume.
• After fermentation, add salt to taste and mix well.

 Setting Up the Idli Maker( How to steam idli)

• Grease the idli molds with a little oil.

• Boil 3 cups of water in the idli maker.

• With a large tablespoon, carefully add the idli batter to the idli molds.

Cooking Perfect Idlis ( Idli Recipe)

• Once the water is boiling, place the idli molds in the idli maker.
• Cover and cook for 15 minutes on high heat.

• After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.

 Making Complementary Green Chutney for Idli Recipe

For a delicious accompaniment:

• A handful of Dhania leaves
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/4 inch ginger
• 3 green chilies
• A few mint leaves
• Salt to taste

Grind all the ingredients together to make a fine paste.

Serving and Enjoying the Idlis (Idli Recipe)

Serve the hot idlis with the freshly made green chutney and savor the burst of flavors.

Here are some pro tips to achieve the perfect idlis:( Idli Recipe)

Quality of Ingredients: Start with high-quality ingredients, especially fresh urad dal and rice.

The better the quality, the better the idlis.

Ratio Matters: Maintain the right ratio of rice to urad dal.

Typically, a 2:1 ratio of rice to urad dal works well for idlis.

Fermentation is Key: Allow the batter to ferment sufficiently.

Fermentation not only aids in digestion but also imparts a unique flavor and makes the idlis light and fluffy.

Consistency of Batter: Achieve the right consistency of the batter – not too thick, not too runny.

The batter should coat the back of a spoon but still flow smoothly.

Mix with Care: Mix the batter gently after fermentation to maintain the airiness.

Avoid over-mixing, as it can make the idlis dense.

Salt at the Right Time: Add salt to the batter after fermentation to prevent hindering the fermentation process.

Grease the Idli Molds: Grease the Idli molds with a little oil or ghee to ensure the idlis come out easily.

Steam Effectively: Maintain the right steaming conditions.

Ensure the water in the steamer is boiling before placing the idli molds. Also, don’t overcrowd the molds.

Cooking Time: Steam the idlis on medium to high heat for about 10-15 minutes.

Overcooking can make them dry, so keep an eye on the cooking time.

Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick or knife into an idli to check if it comes out clean, indicating they’re done.

Resting Period: Allow the idlis to rest for a few minutes after steaming before removing them from the molds.

This helps in easy removal.

Serve Fresh: Serve idlis hot and fresh. They taste best when just out of the steamer.

Use Soft Water: Use soft water for soaking and grinding the ingredients.

Hard water can affect the texture of the idlis.

Experiment with Fermentation Time: Depending on the weather and temperature, adjust the fermentation time to achieve the desired rise and taste.

Maintain Hygiene: Always maintain a clean and hygienic environment while preparing the idlis to ensure their safety and taste.

Following these pro tips will help you consistently make perfect idlis that are soft, fluffy, and delicious. Enjoy your idli-making adventure!

Idli recipe, a simple yet delightful steamed rice cake, holds a special place in the hearts of many.

The ease of preparation and the ability to customize make Idlis a favorite not only in South India but across the globe.

Also Read:

Petha ki sabji | Delicious petha ki sabji kaise banti

Curry | Delicious Egg Curry recipe | Egg recipes| egg gravy| egg

 ka bharta| How to make baingan ka bharta

Dum Aloo Recipe | Dum Aloo Recipe in Hindi

Dal Fry| How To Make Dal Fry Instantly|Masoor Dal

Frequently Asked Questions( Idli Recipe)

 Can I use other types of rice for making an idli recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of rice to suit your taste and preferences.

Some use parboiled rice or idli rice for a distinct texture.

 How can I make idlis without a traditional idli maker?

You can use alternative steamers like a pressure cooker or a large pot with a steaming rack to prepare idlis.

Can I make the batter in bulk and store it?

Yes, you can store the batter in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

 Are idlis gluten-free?

Yes, idlis are naturally gluten-free as they are made from rice and urad dal.

 Can I freeze the idli batter?

It’s not recommended to freeze the batter as it can alter the fermentation process and affect the texture of the idlis.

Idli batter fermentation time

The fermentation time for idli batter typically ranges from 8 to 12 hours.

However, this can vary depending on factors such as room temperature, the quality of the ingredients, and the consistency of the batter.

It’s essential to allow enough time for the batter to ferment properly to achieve soft and fluffy idlis.