Idli Recipe- A soft and fluffy steamed cake made from fermented rice and lentil batter, also usually served with chutneys and sambar.
Idli is a traditional South Indian breakfast dish that has become popular all over the world for its unique taste, healthy ingredients, and simplicity. Made from fermented rice and lentil batter, idlis are soft and fluffy steamed cakes that are usually served with a variety of chutneys and sambar. In this article, we will discuss the recipe for making idlis at home and explore the nutritional benefits of this delicious dish.
Ingredients for Idli Batter:
1. Idli rice - 2 cups
2. Whole urad dal - 1 cup
3. Fenugreek seeds - 1 tsp
4. Water - as required
5. Salt - to taste
Ingredients for Idli Accompaniments:
1. Coconut chutney - 1 cup
2. Tomato chutney - 1 cup
3. Sambar - 1 cup
Instructions for Making Idli Batter:
i) Wash the idli rice and urad dal separately in running water.
ii) Soak the idli rice and urad dal in separate bowls for at least 6 hours.
iii) In a separate bowl, soak fenugreek seeds along with urad dal.
iv) After 6 hours, drain the water from the soaked rice and urad dal.
v) Grind the urad dal and fenugreek seeds in a mixer grinder until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.
vi) Add water as required during the grinding process.
vii) Transfer the urad dal mixture to a bowl.
viii) Grind the soaked rice in the mixer grinder until the mixture becomes a fine paste.
ix) Add water as required during the grinding process.
x) Mix the ground rice and urad dal mixture well.
xi) Add salt to taste and mix well.
xii) Cover the bowl and let the batter ferment for 8-10 hours or overnight.
xiii) Once the batter is fermented, mix it well.
xiv) Idli batter is ready to make idlis.
Instructions for Making Idlis:
1. Grease the idli plates with oil.
2. Pour the idli batter into each mold until it is filled up to ¾.
3. Place the idli plates in a steamer and steam for 10-12 minutes.
4. Once the idlis are cooked, remove the plates from the steamer.
5. Let the idlis cool down for a few minutes.
6. Using a spoon or knife, gently remove the idlis from the molds.
7. Soft and fluffy idlis are ready to be served.
Instructions for Making Coconut Chutney:
1. Grate the coconut and keep it aside.
2. In a mixer grinder, add grated coconut, roasted chana dal, green chilies, ginger, and salt.
3. Grind the mixture until it becomes smooth.
4. Transfer the chutney to a bowl.
5. In a separate pan, heat the oil.
6. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
7. Add curry leaves and red chilies.
8. Pour the tempering over the chutney and mix well.
9. Coconut chutney is ready to be served.
Instructions for Making Tomato Chutney:
1. Heat oil in a pan.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
3. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft.
4. Add grated coconut, roasted chana dal, red chilies, and salt.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Let the mixture cool down.
7. In a mixer grinder, grind the mixture until it becomes smooth
Instructions for Making Sambar:
1. Heat oil in a pressure cooker.
2. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add curry leaves, and chopped onions, and sauté until they become translucent.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft.
5. Add sambar powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
6. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
7. Add the mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, potatoes, drumsticks, etc.) and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
8. Add water and mix well.
9. Close the pressure cooker and cook for 2-3 whistles.
10. Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and check the consistency of the sambar.
11. If the sambar is too thick, add more water.
12. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
13. Sambar is ready to be served.
Nutritional Benefits of Idlis:
Idlis are a healthy breakfast option as they are made from fermented rice and lentil batter, which is easily digestible and provides essential nutrients to the body. Here are some nutritional benefits of idlis:
1. Low in calories:
Idlis are low in calories and high in protein, making them a great breakfast option for those looking to lose weight.
2. Rich in carbohydrates:
Idlis are rich in carbohydrates, which provide energy to the body and help in maintaining blood sugar levels.
3. High in protein:
Idlis are high in protein, which helps in building and repairing muscles and tissues.
4. Rich in vitamins and minerals:
Idlis are a rich source of vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamin B, which are essential for the proper functioning of the body.
Variations of Idli:
While the traditional idli recipe calls for rice and urad dal, there are several variations of idlis that you can try at home. Here are some popular variations of idlis:
1. Rava Idli:
Rava idlis are made from semolina (rava) instead of rice and urad dal. The batter is made by mixing rava, curd, and water and is allowed to ferment for a few hours. Rava idlis are soft and fluffy and can be served with coconut chutney or sambar.
2. Oats Idli:
Oats idlis are a healthy alternative to traditional idlis as they are low in calories and high in fiber. The batter for oats idlis is made by mixing oats, urad dal, and water and is allowed to ferment for a few hours. Oats idlis are soft and fluffy and can be served with tomato chutney or sambar.
3. Quinoa Idli:
Quinoa idlis are another healthy alternative to traditional idlis as they are rich in protein and fiber. The batter for quinoa idlis is made by mixing quinoa, urad dal, and water and is allowed to ferment for a few hours. Quinoa idlis are soft and fluffy and can be served with mint chutney or sambar.
4. Kanchipuram Idli:
Kanchipuram idlis are a popular variation of idlis that are served as prasad in the Kanchi Kamakshi Temple in Tamil Nadu. The batter for Kanchipuram idlis is made by mixing rice, urad dal, and spices such as cumin, peppercorns, and ginger. Kanchipuram idlis are dense and have a spicy flavor and can be served with coconut chutney or sambar.
Tips for Making Perfect Idlis:
1. Use good quality rice and urad dal:
Using good quality rice and urad dal is essential for making soft and fluffy idlis.
2. Soak the rice and urad dal for the right amount of time:
Soaking the rice and urad dal for the right amount of time is important for the fermentation process.
3. Use a good quality grinder:
Using a good quality grinder is important for grinding the rice and urad dal to a fine consistency.
4. Maintain the right temperature for fermentation:
The right temperature for fermentation is between 25-30 degrees Celsius. Keep the batter in a warm place to aid fermentation.
5. Use the right amount of water:
The right amount of water is essential for making a smooth batter.
6. Steam the idlis for the right amount of time:
Steaming the idlis for the right amount of time is important for making soft and fluffy idlis.
Conclusion:
Idlis are a popular and healthy breakfast option that can be easily made at home. The recipe for making idlis is simple and requires just a few ingredients. Idlis can be served with a variety of chutneys and sambar, making them a complete and nutritious breakfast. The nutritional benefits of idlis make them a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. So, try making idlis at home and enjoy a healthy and delicious breakfast.
In conclusion, idlis are a delicious and healthy breakfast option that can be easily made at home. With a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can make soft and fluffy idlis that can be served with a variety of chutneys and sambar. So, try making idlis at home and enjoy a nutritious and delicious breakfast.
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