Idly-Steamy Yummy RIce Cake

 

When i used to hear my mom saying todays tiffin is Idly..I used to say...Idly aaa..in a low tone...But after staying in hostel for pg and having those idlies,i used to say to my mom pls make and give idly for me.The most interesting thing is whenever we return from home to hostel,that day me and my friend usha used to pack it with podi and will have it the whole day,wont go even near that mess.

I even remember just days after my marriage,i made idly and started crying,my hubby was puzzled and i said i got remembered of mom and my college days..As i had that home sickness.One advantage that i got was,he marinated podi in idly and gave me as mom used to do....

Many have a doubt of the ratio of rice and dhal ..even i had as a beginner,but this ratio is of my mom and i got it correct and will be really fluffy.

Ingredients:

Idly rice/Par boiled rice-4 cups

Urud dhal-1 cup

Methi seeds-few

Salt-to taste

How to make batter:

• Wash the idly rice and urud dhal separately and soak them separately in water for 4 hours,with methi seeds in rice.(If u need next day,soak the day before morning)
  
• Grind rice first in grinder or mixer adding little water,then urud dhal,without adding water.till both forms a smooth paste.
  
• Mix both in a vessel,using a spatula or just put it in blender and give them a twist.
  
• For fermentation:
  
• If u have conventional oven,just keep the vessel inside it till next day,or if climate is hot just keep out side overnight.
  
• If u r staying in a cold place ,u can switch on the light of conventional oven and keep overnight.(Just light,DO NOT SWITCH ON BAKING OPTION OR OVEN)
  

Points to be noted

• Basically,you should give them a warm place to ferment.
  
• Always keep a bit bigger vessel to put batter,once it ferments,they will rise up,this can avoid overflowing of batter from vessel.
  
• Don't put salt while keeping for fermentation,salt has ability to reduce fermentation.
  
• Once it ferments,next day,take it out,give it a stir with spatula,add salt,mix and keep inside refrigerator until u use.
  

How to make idlies:

• Take the batter from refrigerator and keep it out for ten minutes.
  
• Grease the spaces in idly stand with little oil.
  
• Fill the batter with spatula in it.
  
• Set the pressure cooker,check for the water level.
  
• Keep the idly stand in it and close the pressure cooker ,DO NOT put weight .
  
• keep for 20 minutes ,until steam comes out of it.
  
• Switch of the stove and wait for 10 minutes.
  
• Carefully remove the lid without steam spilling in your hands.
  
• Take idly stand outside and let it cool for few more minutes
  
•  Scoop out the idlies with a wet spoon.Your steamy yummy rice cake is ready