Idli is a light, fluffy, and healthy South Indian breakfast made by steaming a fermented batter of urad dal and idli rava. This Andhra-style version uses idli rava instead of whole rice, giving the idlis a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Ingredients
- Urad dal – 1 cup
- Idli rava – 2 cups
- Water – as needed
- Salt – to taste
- Oil – for greasing idli plates
Preparation
- Soak urad dal in water for 4–5 hours.
- Wash idli rava thoroughly, soak for 1 hour, then drain well to remove excess water.
- Grind urad dal into a smooth, fluffy batter, adding little water as required.
- Mix in drained idli rava and salt, stirring well.
- Cover and ferment overnight or 8–10 hours in a warm place.
- Grease idli plates, pour batter, and steam for 10–12 minutes until cooked.
- Serve hot with coconut chutney and sambar.
Tips
- Always drain idli rava completely before mixing; excess water makes batter runny.
- Fermentation is key — batter should be airy and slightly sour.
- Do not over-steam; it makes idlis hard.
- Use wet cloth on idli plates for extra softness.
Variations
- Beetroot Idli – Add ½ cup grated beetroot to batter for a pink, nutrient-rich twist.
- Spinach Idli – Blend 1 cup spinach leaves to a puree and mix into batter for green, iron-rich idlis.
- Rava Vegetable Idli – Add finely chopped carrots, beans, and green chilies to batter.
Health Benefits of Idli
- Light & Easily Digestible – Steaming makes idli gentle on the stomach.
- Rich in Protein – From urad dal in the batter.
- Good Source of Carbohydrates – Provides long-lasting energy.
- Low in Fat – No oil used in steaming.
- Fermentation Benefits – Improves gut health with natural probiotics.
- Gluten-Free – Ideal for those with gluten intolerance.
Best Combination Chutneys for Idli
- Coconut Chutney – Classic white chutney with coconut, green chillies, and ginger.
- Tomato Chutney – Tangy and spicy, made with tomatoes, onions, and red chillies.
- Peanut Chutney – Creamy and nutty, pairs well with hot idlis.
- Coriander Chutney – Fresh and green with herbs and spices.
- Ginger Chutney – Sweet-spicy chutney with jaggery and ginger.
- Karam Podi + Ghee – Andhra-style spicy idli podi mixed with melted ghee.
- Bombay Chutney – Gram flour–based tangy curry-style chutney, perfect for soft idlis.