Idli Varieties – 6 Creative Ways to Make Idli
So, what triggered me write this post on Idli Varieties? One, it is Wold Idli Day and second, I was missing my kids and the remembering the idli varieties they loved. It was a pleasure surprising them at the breakfast table. Tired of cajoling them to have the plain idlis, I decided to give a twist to its preparation.
Edward Anderson: Idli are the most boring things in the world
Shashi Tharoor: …there are some who are truly challenged in this world. Civilisation is hard to acquire
(Quotes from twitter)
Idli, often perceived as bland and tagged as “sick man’s food,” has garnered a substantial fan base among health-conscious young mothers. These mothers, always seeking to provide the most nutritious meals for their children, recognize the value of idli as a wholesome option. Given the chance, they eagerly integrate idli into their daily breakfast menus.
Idli is a fermented by-product of rice and lentils that allows easy absorption of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and calcium makes a nutritious meal. The absence of saturated fats in idlis makes them heart-friendly and easily digestible; one reason why they are recommended for patients. Moms always have a tough time cajoling their kids to have this healthy bland food as breakfast. The various accompaniments like sambhar, different varieties of chutneys never really entice them.
Idli Varieties – Idli Chat
The fundamental recipe for idli batter is refreshingly simple, requiring just two ingredients – parboiled rice and urad dal (black gram dehusked) in a 3:1 ratio. After soaking them for 4 to 5 hours, grind them into a smooth paste and let it rest overnight to ferment. The fermented batter must be thick yet of pouring consistency, which is usually achieved with practice. Pour them into greased moulds and steam for ten to twelve minutes.
6 Creative Ways to Make Idli
Now that you’ve got your batter ready, it’s time to unleash your creativity! In the realm of culinary experimentation, amusing food innovations often steal the show and capture hearts. So go ahead, let your imagination run wild and embark on a flavorful journey of idli innovation! Here are some amusing and appetizing varieties of Idli worth trying. These creative avatars of idli should definitely make them crave for more idlis on this World Idli Day!
Fried idli salad – The process is similar to making homemade tortilla chips. Cut them into pieces, coat them in olive oil and your seasonings, then fry or bake them. Once done add them to your salad bowl of sprouts, freshly cut leaves and vegetables, squeeze in lemon and sprinkle chaat masala.
For a flavorful twist, try slicing the idlis into bite-sized pieces. Then, generously coat them with fiery gunpowder (milagai podi) to add a spicy kick. Next, toss in your favorite leafy salad ingredients to create a healthy-spicy fusion mix. This inventive blend of crispy idlis, zesty gunpowder (milagai podi), and fresh greens promises to tantalize your taste buds with every crunchy bite. It’s a creative and nutritious snack that packs a punch of flavor!
Chocolate chips Idli – Here is the next trick, transform breakfast into a chocolatey delight. Sprinkle a generous handful of chocolate chips into the idli batter before pouring it into the moulds, and steam them up the usual way. To add a creative touch, consider arranging the chocolate chips in a playful pattern on top of the batter before steaming. As they heat up, the chocolate chips will melt, creating pockets of gooey goodness throughout your idlis. It’s a delightful twist that’ll make breakfast an irresistible treat for both kids and adults alike! Your kids will never ever complain again!
Chocolate Idlis
Idli on a stick – Surprise your little munchkins with some breakfast magic: ice cream stick idlis! While regular idlis boast a classic flattened sphere shape, why not add a whimsical twist? Couple of years back this made headlines in Indian breakfast world raising curiosity. Silicon popsicle mould comes handy for making them. Kids are excited with these hands-free version idlis.
Experiment with different mold. Heart-shaped ones might just win over your significant other too! After all, who can resist a dose of love with their morning meal?
Temple Idli – Koil idli, world’s largest and heaviest idli. Anything with a superlative degree catches the attention and curiosity of kids. Kanchipuram Idlis measure 1 foot in length and weigh up to two to two and half kg. Give the honor of slicing up the idli to them which will heighten their interest. Kanchipuram Idlis are moulded in mantharai leaves (Bauhinia acuminata). I purchased this prasad in Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram.
You can use different kinds of leaf moulds like that of Jackfruit leaves, screwpine leaves and prepare miniature versions of them at home.
Slice of Kanchi Idli
Black Idli – Prepare to ignite curiosity with the latest culinary trend: black idlis! While colored foods often spark intrigue, there is something extra intriguing about the mysterious allure of black. Ice-creams, yoghurts, and breads have all had their moment in the spotlight, but now it is time for the rise of the black idli. The recipe remains the same at its core – just add in a pinch of charcoal to give your batter that striking hue. Get ready to serve up breakfast with a side of intrigue. (The idli turns out grey actually like the icecreams and other charcoal based food items.)
Stuffed Idli – Like stuffed buns, stuffed Idlis can throw a surprise and shake up the breakfast routine. As you fill idli molds sneakily tuck in a layer of your favorite filling between two layers of batter. Then steam them up just like you normally would. The possibilities of fillings are endless – from chilli-chicken to cheesy mushroom delights.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed reading the article on Idli Varieties as much as I enjoyed preparing them. Do let me know in comment box if you know any other idli types. A condensed form of this blog was published in Deccan Herald. Read here: Raise the Steam for Idlis!
Read more:
How to Make Shushi the easy Way
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