Perfect Idlis in the Microwave with Variations
Visit any South Indian eatery and idli offerings are ubiquitous on the menu. Although South Indian, these popular steamed cakes are relished with sambar and fresh coconut chutney across the country today as breakfast or even a snack. Their popularity stems from the fact that they make for a pocket-friendly, wholesome meal.
For those who wish to try their hand at making idlis at home, it is fairly easy. Simply take rice and urad dal in a 4:1 ratio. Soak separately for a few hours and then grind independently to a paste like consistency in your Morphy Richards Food Processor. Mix the two ground mixtures and leave to ferment overnight. The batter is ready next morning to be steamed and converted into spongy idlis.(And did you know that leavening the batter in your microwave overnight will give you better fermentation?)
Faced with a paucity of time? There are many ready mixes and ready-to-cook batter mixes now available in stores. One merely has to pour the contents in an idli mould and steam for idlis to be ready in minutes. And the Microwave can further reduce the duration of preparation Microwaves are best suited for steamed dishes. The Morphy Richards Microwave Oven even comes with an auto-cook setting for idli preparation lessening one’s worry of selecting the right power level and duration for preparing idlis in the microwave oven. So there is very little stopping you from a hot fresh meal of idlis!
Also, there are no boundaries to getting creative with idli recipes in the kitchen. Here are 10 simple ways of getting inventive with idli preparation in the kitchen to stir up an amazing idli treat for oneself or loved ones.
1. Rainbow Idlis
Take the idli batter and divide it into 3-4 equal portions. Add a table spoon of pureed vegetables (spinach, carrot, beetroot) to each bowl to arrive at different coloured idli batters. Now spoon small amounts of each batter in a single idli mould and steam. Rainbow idlis are ready to be devoured.
2. Cheese Idlis
If one is an ardent fan of cheese, why not use it in idlis? Just place idli batter in the moulds and spoon some grated, processed cheese in the centre of the batter before steaming to arrive at delectable gooey centred idlis.
3. Veg. Suji Idlis
If one is pressed for time and cannot resort to making idli batter from scratch, then suji or semolina can be of help. Mix suji with curd and add in grated vegetables like carrots, cabbage or whole green peas to make the batter. Idlis made this way too are healthy and prove to be a filling breakfast or tiffin treat.
4. Chutney Idli in a Mug
Simply place about 1 tablespoon idli batter in a 250 ml mug, then layer it with fresh coconut chutney and then add a final layer of same amount of idli batter. Place this mug in the Morphy Richards Microwave oven and idli in a mug is ready to eat in around 3 minutes.
5. Beetroot Idli muffin
Another variation of idli that can be achieved effortlessly in the Microwave oven is the idli muffin. In a greased 250ml mug spoon in 3-4 tablespoons of idli batter mixed with beetroot puree and cook for about 3 minutes. Let cool and invert the mug to free up the beetroot idli muffin from the mug. Top with fresh coconut chutney and serve.
6. Idli Tadka
Mix oil, mustard seeds, dry red chillies, curry leaves and salt in a microwave safe bowl. Heat this for about 30-40seconds in the Morphy Richards Microwave oven and add chunks of prepared idli to it. An absolutely toothsome idli tadka is ready.
7. Dahi Idli
A perfect summer treat is eating idlis dunked in sweetened dahi or curd
8. Idli Schezwan Fry
For a saucier idli dish, stir fry pieces of idli with in Schezwan sauce capsicum & spring onions greens.
9. Warm Idli Chaat
Break idlis into small pieces and mix them with finely chopped raw onions, tomatoes, fresh green coriander, fried chana dal, chaat masala and tamarind chutney.
10. Ragi Idli
In order to further enhance the nutritional quotient of idlis, add ragi or millet flour that is a good source of protein, high in fibre content and is gluten-free to the idli batter.
Now isn't it easy to make a variety of flavourful idlis at home?