How to make delicious idli at home
An important part of the South Indian cuisine, idli has gained popularity all around the world in the recent past. Not only are idlis delightful in taste, they are also lightweight, filling, and just great for health. That is why they have become such a beloved breakfast option. Here's a simple recipe to prepare idli right at home.
Soaking the ingredients
To make the perfect idli, you will need urad dal, rice, fenugreek seeds, and baking soda. Start by taking one cupful of urad dal and two cups of rice. Separately, wash them thoroughly. Then, in two different containers, soak both the ingredients with water. Add 1/3 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds to urad dal and let them sit for 4-5 hours.
Preparing a fine paste
Next, you need to grind the soaked ingredients into a fine paste. Take the rice and grind it into a fine paste by adding some water. After that, take the soaked urad dal and grind it similarly into a paste using some water. To bring a little more flavor, you may add 1/2 cupful of flattened rice while grinding.
Fermentation of the mixture
The next step requires you to mix both these pastes together and whisk using hands. This will improve the process of fermentation. You will notice a thick consistency, after a while. Then, cover the container with a piece of cloth and leave it for 12 hours in summers and 18 hours in winters for best results.
Steaming the idli
Lastly, after the fermentation of dal and rice, add salt to taste, two pinches of baking soda, some water, and mix in one direction with a repetitive motion. Grease the idli stand and pour the mixture into all the moulds. Place it in the cooker and let it steam for 15-20 minutes. Serve the idlis with sambar and coconut chutney.
