Learn how to make soft and fluffy idlis, a South Indian delicacy, at home with this step-by-step guide. Soak rice and urad dal, along with fenugreek seeds, grind them into a smooth batter, mix with salt, and leave to ferment overnight. Grease idli molds, pour the batter into them, and steam them for around 10-12 minutes. Serve hot with chutney, sambar, or any other curry of your choice. With practice, you can master the art of making idlis and experiment with different variations. Follow these tips and impress your family and friends with this healthy breakfast option.

From South India to Your Plate: How to Make Idlis at Home

Introduction

Idlis are a South Indian delicacy and a healthy breakfast option. These steamed rice cakes are soft, fluffy, and easy to digest. They are perfect to pair up with coconut chutney, sambar, or any other curry of your choice. Although you can find readymade idli mix in the market, nothing beats the taste and satisfaction of homemade ones. Here’s a step-by-step guide and recipe to make soft and spongy idlis at home.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of rice
• 1 cup of urad dal
• 1 tsp of fenugreek seeds
• Salt to taste
• Oil for greasing

Equipment

• Grinder or blender
• Idli molds (These are easily available in most Indian stores or online)
• Steamer or pressure cooker

Preparation

1. Rinse the rice and urad dal thoroughly with water to remove any dirt, and soak them in separate bowls for about 4-6 hours.
2. In a third bowl, soak fenugreek seeds with the urad dal.
3. Drain the water, and rinse again. After that, grind it into a smooth batter (use water as needed).
4. Repeat the grinding process with rice but grind it to a slightly coarse texture (use water as needed).
5. Mix both the batters with salt and leave it to ferment overnight or up to 12 hours in a warm area. A good tip is to preheat the oven for a minute and then keep the batter inside. This helps it ferment well.
6. Once the batter has fermented, give it a good mix, if it looks too thick, add a little bit of water, and stir till it becomes pourable.
7. Grease the idli molds with oil and pour the batter into each mold cavity. It should be filled to just below the rim, leaving enough space for the idlis to expand.
8. Heat up the steamer, add 2 cups of water, and place the idli molds in the steamer.
9. Steam the idlis for around 10-12 minutes until they are soft, fluffy, and cooked through.
10. Remove the idli molds from the steamer and let them cool down for a minute or two.
11. Use a spoon or a flat spatula to remove the idlis from the molds.
12. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
13. Serve hot with chutney, sambar, or any other curry you prefer.

Conclusion

Making idlis at home might seem daunting, but with a little bit of patience and practice, you can master the art of making them. The secret lies in the perfect fermentation of the batter, so make sure to keep it in a warm place. Furthermore, don’t forget to grease the idli molds with oil so that the idlis can come out easily. Once you have nailed it, you can experiment with different variations of idlis like Rava idli, Oats idli, etc. So, get ready to impress your family and friends with this authentic South Indian dish.