How to Make Idli

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Idli is a traditional breakfast eaten in South India and neighboring countries like Sri Lanka. Although the savory dish was first fried in ancient times, it is now more commonly steamed. Learn how to steam idli at home for a delicious and inexpensive Indian breakfast!

Ingredients

  • Soaked rice 2 cups (1.2 kg)
  • Urad dal 1/2 cup (300 g)
  • Fenugreek seed 1/2 teaspoon
  • salt as needed

Steps

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    These will be later ground together to make a batter which ferments for 6 hours or more. [1]
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    This is best done with a stone grinder, but a high powered blender can also do the job (although the batter will be somewhat more coarse in texture). [2]
    • Grind the soaked rice.
    • Grind the soaked urad dal.
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    Use a crock pot on the "keep warm" setting or an oven on the "proof" setting if you live in an area where the ambient temperature is below 75 °F (24 °C). [3]
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    [4]
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  • Question
    Do I have to add baking powder?
    Community Answer
    No, you don't. The fermentation process causes the idli to rise.
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    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 23
  • Question
    What can I do if the Idlis are stuck?
    Community Answer
    Grease some oil on the idli plates. This should unstick them.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    What kind of rice should I use for Idli?
    Community Answer
    I generally use raw/basmati rice, but you could also use other types of rice like jasmine.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/soft-idli-recipe-using-idli-rava/
      2. ↑ https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/idli-recipe-how-to-make-soft-idlis/
      3. ↑ http://foodviva.com/south-indian-recipes/idli-recipe/
      4. ↑ https://pipingpotcurry.com/instant-pot-idli/
      5. ↑ https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/what-makes-idli-the-healthiest-snack-we-know-1828798

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To begin preparing idli, soak 2 cups of rice and 1/2 cup of urad dal in separate bowls for 4 hours. Then, grind the rice with a stone grinder or a blender, and repeat with the urad dal. Once they are finely ground, mix the two ingredients together, and set them aside in a warm place to ferment for 8 hours. After 8 ours, add salt for flavor, pour the batter into plates, and steam in an idli steamer for 5-10 minutes, or until fluffy. For getting the most out of your idli steamer, read on!

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