South Indian Idli with Coconut Chutney: Steamed Rice Cakes Made Ahead for School Mornings

South Indian Idli with Coconut Chutney: Steamed Rice Cakes Made Ahead for School Mornings

Rinse the rice and the urad dal with fenugreek separately, then soak each in fresh water for 5 to 6 hours.

Serves 4 (about 16 idlis)

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups idli rice or parboiled rice
  • 1/2 cup whole skinned urad dal
  • 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • Oil for greasing the idli molds
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen grated coconut
  • 2 tbsp roasted chana dal (or unsalted roasted peanuts)
  • 1 green chili
  • 1/2 inch fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp coconut oil, 1/2 tsp mustard seeds and 8 curry leaves for tempering
  • Water as needed

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice and the urad dal with fenugreek separately, then soak each in fresh water for 5 to 6 hours.
  2. Grind the urad dal with a little water to a very light, fluffy batter, then grind the rice to a slightly grainy batter; combine both in a large bowl with the salt.
  3. Cover and leave in a warm spot for 8 to 12 hours (overnight on a weekend works well) until the batter has risen and smells pleasantly sour.
  4. Grease the idli molds, fill each cavity about three-quarters full and steam over simmering water for 10 to 12 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  5. Rest the idlis 2 minutes, then run a wet spoon around the edges to release them.
  6. For the chutney, blend the coconut, chana dal, chili, ginger, a pinch of salt and about 1/2 cup water until smooth.
  7. Heat the coconut oil, pop the mustard seeds and curry leaves, and pour the sizzling tempering over the chutney.
  8. Batter keeps 4 to 5 days in the fridge; steamed idlis freeze well and re-steam or microwave with a damp towel in about 1 minute for weekday mornings.
  9. Idli is one of South India's oldest breakfasts, a naturally fermented, gluten-free cake that families steam fresh every morning. Making one big batch of batter on Sunday turns it into the easiest school-day breakfast of the week.

Nutrition (estimated, per serving)

  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Protein: 9g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 520mg

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