Idli
Idli was one of my pappu’s (my daughter) favorite when she was 6 months old; she does try them once a while nowadays…she is 2 years now. Idli is one of the healthiest and filling food in the world; it is the one food which is a favorite from infants to elders.
Measurements
- Par boiled rice – 4 cups
- Urad dhal – 1 cup
- Fenugreek seeds – 1 Tblsp
- Salt – as required
Procedure
- Soaking – soak the washed rice in a separate bowl; and soak dhal with fenugreek seeds in a separate bowl as well; soak overnight or a minimum of 5-6 hrs
- Grinding
- First grind the soaked urad dhal along with fenugreek seeds until the batter gets light and fluffy
- Second grind the soaked rice into two batches in order to attain the right consistency
- Once the grinding process is done, add the salt as required (rock salt is preferable)
- Mix well with your hand (this is more important), and the batter should be in right consistency – neither too thick nor too thin; it should be perfect
- Fermenting
- Another important process in this idli batter is FERMENTATION. A minimum of 5-6 hrs is required for fermenting the mixed batter. Note that the time duration might vary due to weather conditions.
- Steaming
- You can use idli pot or a pressure cooker for steaming the idli
- When you pressure cook the idli batter, make sure you do it without the weight, and steam it for around 8-12 minutes. If you are using idli pot, steam it for 10 -15 minutes
- Use a toothpick / spoon edge / knife to check if the idli is done or not; a simple prick into the idli and if the toothpick comes out clean then your idli is ready
- You can use gingelly oil/ghee to grease your idli mould plates
- If you are using an old fashioned idli pot (i.e. using cloth for the moulds), then invert the mould on a plate and gently remove from the mould; sprinkle some water while taking out the idlis from the moulds
Serving
- For elders, you can serve the idlis with your favourite chutneys / sambar / idli podi
- For infants, you can feed idli along with milk or carrot paasiparuppu dhal (without spice)
- Note: steamed idli with a spoonful of fresh curd really soothes your tummy and can help when you are suffering from a stomach upset (diarrhea)
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