What is Idli ?

Idli, a traditional South Indian delicacy, is a popular breakfast item that’s enjoyed across India and beyond. These soft, fluffy rice cakes are not only delicious but also healthy, making them a perfect choice for a nutritious meal. The Indian Basket brings you a step-by-step guide on how to make idli at home, using ingredients that you can easily find at our store.

Recipe Ingredients

To make idli, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of idli rice
• 1 cup of urad dal (split black gram)
• 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds (methi seeds)
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed
• Oil for greasing the idli mold

Buy these ingredients for idli at the Indian Basket at affordable rates.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Ingredients

1. Rinse the idli rice and urad dal separately under running water until the water runs clear.
2. Soak the idli rice in a bowl with enough water to cover it. In another bowl, soak the urad dal and fenugreek seeds together in enough water. Let them soak for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Grinding the Batter 

1. Drain the soaked urad dal and fenugreek seeds. Reserve the water used for soaking.
2. In a wet grinder or a high-powered blender, grind the urad dal and fenugreek seeds with some of the reserved water until you get a smooth, fluffy batter. Transfer this batter to a large bowl.
3. Next, drain the soaked idli rice and grind it with a little water until you get a slightly coarse batter. Add this to the bowl containing the urad dal batter.
4. Mix both batters well. The consistency should be thick but pourable. Add water as needed to achieve the right consistency.
5. Add salt to taste and mix well.

Step 3: Fermenting the Batter

1. Cover the bowl with a lid or a clean cloth and let the batter ferment in a warm place for 8-12 hours or overnight. The batter should rise and become airy.

Step 4: Steaming the Idlis

1. Once the batter is fermented, gently stir it.
2. Grease the idli molds with a little oil.
3. Pour the batter into the idli molds, filling them about 3/4 full.
4. Heat water in an idli steamer or a large pot with a steaming rack. Once the water starts to boil, place the idli stand in the steamer.
5. Steam the idlis for 10-12 minutes on medium heat. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick or a skewer into one idli; if it comes out clean, the idlis are ready.
6. Allow the idlis to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the molds.

How To Serve 

Idlis are best enjoyed hot with a variety of accompaniments such as coconut chutney, sambar, and tomato chutney. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Coconut Chutney: Blend grated coconut, roasted chana dal, green chilies, ginger, and salt with a little water to make a smooth chutney. Temper with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies.
• Sambar: A flavorful lentil soup made with toor dal, vegetables, tamarind, and a blend of spices. It’s a perfect match for idli.
• Tomato Chutney: Blend ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, and red chilies with salt to make a tangy chutney. Temper with mustard seeds and curry leaves.

Tips for Perfect Idlis

• Ensure the batter has the right consistency; it should be thick but pourable.
• Fermentation is key to making soft and fluffy idlis. Make sure to keep the batter in a warm place.
• Don’t overfill the idli molds, as the batter will expand during steaming.

Making idlis at home is easier than you might think, and with ingredients from the Indian Basket, you can enjoy this traditional South Indian dish anytime you want. Visit our store to get the freshest ingredients and explore a wide range of products to elevate your cooking experience. Happy cooking!