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A plate of six fluffy idli served with a bowl of red sauce on the side, placed on a white napkin with a spoon next to it.

Idli - Soft and Fluffy Steamed Rice Cakes

A woman with shoulder-length wavy hair is smiling, standing indoors with greenery in the background. She is wearing a white V-neck shirt and a necklace.Jasmine Ito
Soft, fluffy steamed rice cakes, perfect for a quick and healthy breakfast.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Meal Type Breakfast
Cuisine Indian, South Indian
Servings 4
Calories 519 kcal
Difficulty Intermediate
Ingredient Cost $3.50
Shopping Cost$5

Equipment

  • Idli steamer or pressure cooker with idli plates
  • Blender
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Ladle

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 cups rice
  • 1 cup urad dal split black gram
  • ½ teaspoon fenugreek seeds
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the idli batter:
    2 cups rice, 1 cup urad dal, 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
  • Rinse and soak the rice and urad dal with fenugreek seeds separately for 6-8 hours or overnight.
  • Grind them separately into a smooth batter using a blender, adding water as needed.
  • Mix both batters together, add salt, and let it ferment overnight.
    Salt to taste
  • Steam the idlis:
  • Grease the idli plates with a little oil.
  • Pour the fermented batter into the idli plates, filling each mold about three-fourths full.
  • Steam in an idli steamer or pressure cooker (without the weight) for 10-12 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow to cool for a minute, then remove the idlis using a spoon.

Notes

Serve idlis hot with coconut chutney and sambar for a traditional South Indian breakfast.

Nutrition

Calories: 519kcalCarbohydrates: 105gProtein: 20gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 8mgPotassium: 116mgFiber: 12gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 5mg
Keyword Healthy Breakfast, Idli, South Indian Breakfast, Steamed Rice Cakes

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

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