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Idli

Niranjana Sankaranarayanan
Idli is one of the most popular and nutritious South Indian dishes, known for its soft texture, mild taste, and incredible health benefits. Made using a traditional fermentation process, idli is a perfect combination of taste and nutrition.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Soaking + Fermenting time 16 hours
Total Time 16 hours 25 minutes
Course Breakfast, tiffin
Cuisine South Indian

Equipment

  • 1 Idli plate
  • 1 Steamer / Pressure Cooker

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Cups Idli rice
  • 1 Cup Urad dal
  • 1 tsp Fenugreek

Instructions
 

Soaking the Ingredients

  • Wash and soak the rice and urad dal separately for 6–8 hours or overnight.
  • Proper soaking helps in smooth grinding and better fermentation.

Grinding the Urad Dal Batter

  • The next day, drain the water and grind the urad dal, fenugreek seeds, in a grinder until it becomes light and fluffy.
  • Sprinkle a little water occasionally while grinding
  • Grind for about 45 minutes for best texture
  • Transfer the urad dal batter to a container.

Grinding the Rice Batter

  • Add soaked rice and salt to the grinder.
  • Grind until the batter turns slightly coarse yet soft.
  • Sprinkle water as needed while grinding.

Mixing the Batter

  • Now add the ground urad dal batter back into the grinder with the rice batter.
  • Grind together for about 5 minutes.
  • This step ensures both batters blend evenly for soft idlis.

Fermentation Process

  • Transfer the batter to a container and allow it to ferment for around 24 hours.
  • The batter will rise and develop a porous, airy texture.
  • This fermentation is key for soft and fluffy idlis.

Steaming the Idlis

  • Add water to a pressure cooker or idli steamer and bring it to a boil.
  • Pour the batter into greased idli moulds.
  • Place the idli stand inside and steam cook for 15–20 minutes.

Removing the Idlis

  • Dip a spoon in water and gently slide it around the edges to remove the idlis easily without breaking them.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve hot idlis with:
  • Coconut chutney
  • Tomato gothsu
  • Dosai milagai podi with ghee or oil

Notes

Pro Tips for Perfect Idlis

  • Use a wet grinder for best results
  • Do not add too much water while grinding
  • Fermentation time may vary based on climate
  • Always steam on medium heat for soft texture
 
 
Keyword fermented foods, Gluten-free South Indian breakfast, homemade idli, How to make Idli, Idli recipe, soft idli, steamed food recipes