Breakfast Recipes

Simple recipe to make soft and fluffy idlis, a popular South Indian breakfast dish:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups idli rice (or parboiled rice)

  • 1 cup whole or split urad dal (black gram dal)

  • 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (methi seeds)

  • Salt to taste

  • Water (for soaking and grinding)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Batter:

  1. Rinse the idli rice and urad dal separately. Soak them in enough water separately. Add fenugreek seeds to the urad dal while soaking.

  2. Let them soak for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight.

2. Grind the Batter:

  1. Drain the water from the soaked urad dal and fenugreek seeds. Grind them in a wet grinder or blender with minimal water to a smooth and fluffy consistency. The batter should be thick and airy.

  2. Similarly, drain the water from the soaked rice and grind it to a slightly coarse texture. The rice batter should be smooth, but a slightly grainy texture is fine.

  3. Mix both batters together in a large bowl. Add salt and mix well with your hands. The consistency should be thick yet slightly flowing. Add water if needed.

3. Fermentation:

  1. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or lid and let the batter ferment in a warm place for 8-12 hours or overnight. During fermentation, the batter will rise and increase in volume.

4. Steam the Idlis:

  1. Before making idlis, mix the fermented batter gently. Grease the idli molds or plates with a little oil.

  2. Pour the batter into the molds, filling each cavity about three-fourths full.

  3. Steam the idlis in a steamer for about 10-12 minutes on medium heat or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  4. Once done, remove the idli plates from the steamer and let them cool for a minute.

  5. Use a spoon or a small spatula to gently remove the idlis from the molds.

Serve the soft and fluffy idlis hot with sambar, coconut chutney, or any preferred accompaniment. Enjoy this nutritious and wholesome breakfast! Adjust the fermentation time based on your climate; warmer temperatures ferment the batter faster.