Idli (Set)
Idli is a popular South Indian dish made from fermented rice and lentil batter. It is typically served as a breakfast or snack item and is enjoyed with various accompaniments such as sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew) and coconut chutney.
To make idli, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of idli rice (parboiled rice)
- 1 cup of urad dal (split black gram)
- 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Water for soaking and grinding
Here's a step-by-step guide to making idli:
1. Wash the rice and urad dal separately and soak them in water for at least 4-6 hours. If using fenugreek seeds, soak them along with the urad dal.
2. After soaking, drain the water from the rice and urad dal. Keep the water aside for later use.
3. Grind the urad dal and fenugreek seeds together in a wet grinder or blender, adding small amounts of water as needed. Grind until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
4. Transfer the urad dal batter to a large bowl.
5. Grind the rice in the same wet grinder or blender, adding small amounts of water as needed. Grind until the rice becomes a smooth paste.
6. Mix the rice batter with the urad dal batter in the bowl. Add salt to taste and mix well.
7. Cover the bowl with a lid or cloth and let the batter ferment overnight or for at least 8 hours. The fermentation process helps in making the idlis soft and fluffy.
8. After fermentation, the batter will rise and become airy. Mix the batter gently to incorporate the air.
9. Grease the idli plates or molds with oil or ghee. Pour the batter into each mold, filling it about 3/4th full.
10. Steam the idlis in a steamer for about 10-12 minutes or until they are cooked through. You can check the doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the idlis - if it comes out clean, they are done.
11. Once cooked, remove the idlis from the steamer and let them cool for a minute or two.
12. Use a spoon or knife to gently remove the idlis from the molds.
13. Serve the idlis hot with sambar and coconut chutney.
Enjoy your homemade idlis!
