Olivia Carter
Idli, a popular South Indian breakfast dish, is a steamed rice cake that is served with various types of chutneys and sambar. Traditionally, idli is made using a special idli steamer or cooker, which may not be available in every kitchen. However, you can still enjoy this delicious and healthy dish by making it in a microwave oven. Making idli in a microwave is quick, easy, and hassle-free. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of making soft and fluffy idlis using a microwave oven.
To make idli in a microwave oven, you will need a microwave-safe idli mould or a microwave-safe bowl. The key to making perfect idlis in a microwave is the right proportions of rice and urad dal, as well as the fermentation process. Fermentation is crucial for the softness and fluffiness of idlis. Soak the rice and dal separately for a few hours, grind them into a smooth batter, and let the batter ferment overnight. Once the batter is ready, you can pour it into the microwave-safe mould and microwave it on high power for a few minutes. Voila! Your homemade microwave idlis are ready to be served.
One of the advantages of making idli in a microwave oven is the time-saving factor. Unlike traditional methods of steaming idlis, which can take up to 20-25 minutes, microwave idlis can be cooked in just a few minutes. This makes it a perfect option for busy mornings or when you are craving a quick and healthy snack. Additionally, making idli in a microwave eliminates the need for greasing the mould or using ghee, making it a healthier alternative.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, making idli in a microwave oven is an easy and convenient option. With a few basic ingredients and a microwave-safe mould, you can enjoy a plate of hot and fluffy idlis whenever you want. So why wait? Try making idli in a microwave oven and enjoy this traditional South Indian delicacy in a hassle-free way!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Idli in Microwave Oven
Idli is a popular South Indian dish that is enjoyed as breakfast, lunch, or as a snack. Traditionally, idli is made by steaming a fermented batter of ground rice and lentils. However, you can also make idli in a microwave oven, which is a quick and convenient method. Follow these steps to make soft and fluffy idlis in a microwave oven.
Step 1: Soak 1 cup of rice and 1/2 cup of urad dal (split black lentils) in water separately for about 4-5 hours. After soaking, drain the water.
Step 2: Grind the soaked rice and urad dal separately. Start by adding the drained urad dal to a blender or a food processor along with some water. Blend it until it becomes a smooth and fluffy batter. Transfer the batter to a large bowl.
Note: Traditional idli batter has a 4:1 proportion of rice and lentils respectively. You can adjust the ratio according to your preference.
Step 3: Next, grind the soaked rice with some water until it becomes a slightly coarse batter. Combine the rice batter with the urad dal batter in the large bowl, and mix them well using your hands. Add some salt to taste and mix again.
Step 4: Cover the bowl containing the idli batter with a clean cloth and let it ferment for at least 6-8 hours or overnight. Fermentation is an important step as it gives the idlis their distinct flavor and texture.
Step 5: Once the batter has fermented, grease the idli molds with a little oil or ghee. Fill the molds with the idli batter, leaving some space for the idlis to expand while cooking.
Step 6: Place the idli molds in the microwave oven and cook on high power for about 3-4 minutes. Check the idlis by inserting a toothpick or a fork in the center. If it comes out clean, the idlis are ready. If not, you can microwave them for another minute or so.
Step 7: Remove the idlis from the microwave oven and let them cool for a minute. Using a spoon or a knife, gently remove the idlis from the molds. Serve hot with coconut chutney, sambar, or any other side dish of your choice.
Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the power of your microwave oven, so keep an eye on the idlis to avoid overcooking.
With this simple method, you can enjoy homemade idlis without the need for a traditional steamer. The microwave oven delivers the same soft and delicious idlis in a fraction of the time. So why not give it a try and enjoy this South Indian delicacy in the comfort of your own home!
Gather Ingredients and Equipment
Before you start making idlis in the microwave oven, you need to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of idli rice
- 1/2 cup of urad dal
- 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds
- Water for soaking and grinding
- Salt to taste
Equipment:
- Microwave-safe idli mold or microwave-safe container
- Microwave-safe lid or plate to cover the mold/container
- Microwave oven
- Blender or wet grinder
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander or strainer
- Spatula or spoon for mixing
- Knife or toothpick for checking if idlis are done
Make sure you have everything ready before you start the process to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Prepare the Idli Batter
To make idli in a microwave oven, first, you need to prepare the idli batter. Here is a simple step-by-step process:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of idli rice
- 1 cup of split urad dal
- 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds
- Water
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Wash the idli rice, split urad dal, and fenugreek seeds thoroughly under running water.
- Soak the idli rice, split urad dal, and fenugreek seeds in water for at least 4-6 hours. You can also soak them overnight.
- Drain the soaked water from the rice, dal, and fenugreek seeds.
- In a blender, grind the soaked rice, dal, and fenugreek seeds together to make a smooth batter. Add water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Transfer the batter to a large bowl.
- Add salt to taste and mix well.
- Cover the bowl with a lid and let the batter ferment for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Once the idli batter is prepared and fermented, you can proceed to cook the idlis in the microwave oven.
Grease the Idli Plates
Before you start making idli in the microwave oven, it is important to grease the idli plates to prevent the idlis from sticking.
To grease the idli plates:
- Take a small amount of oil or ghee on a paper towel or brush.
- Gently apply the oil or ghee to each of the idli molds, ensuring that the entire surface is coated.
- This greasing step is crucial to ensure that the idlis come out easily without sticking to the plates.
You can also use cooking spray to grease the idli plates if you prefer.
Once the idli plates are properly greased, you are ready to pour the batter and steam the idlis in the microwave oven.
Cooking Idli in the Microwave Oven
Microwave ovens are a convenient and quick way to cook a variety of dishes, and idli is no exception. While traditionally idli is made using a steaming process, using a microwave oven can save you time and effort. Here’s a simple recipe to cook idli in the microwave oven.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup idli batter
- Water, as needed
- Oil or ghee, for greasing
Instructions:
- Grease the idli plates with oil or ghee to prevent sticking.
- Fill the microwave-safe idli plates with the batter, filling each mould about halfway.
- Add some water to a microwave-safe bowl and place it in the microwave. This will help create steam to cook the idli.
- Place the idli plates in the microwave and cover them with a microwave-safe lid or plate.
- Set the microwave to high power and cook the idli for 2-3 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the idli. If it comes out clean, the idli is cooked.
- If the idli is not cooked, continue microwaving in 30-second increments until done.
- Once cooked, remove the idli plates from the microwave and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Gently remove the idlis from the plates using a spoon or knife.
- Serve the idlis hot with chutney or sambar.
You can also experiment with adding different ingredients to the batter, such as chopped vegetables or spices, to give your idlis a unique flavor. Enjoy your homemade microwave idli!
Serve and Enjoy Your Homemade Idli!
Once the idlis are cooked and ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy your homemade idli! Here’s how:
1. Carefully remove the idli plates from the microwave oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
2. Using a butter knife or a small spatula, gently loosen the edges of the idlis from the moulds in the idli plates.
3. Place a serving plate upside-down on top of the idli plate and flip it over in one swift motion. The idlis should easily come out onto the serving plate.
4. Repeat this process for each idli plate until all the idlis are transferred to the serving plates.
5. Serve the idlis hot with your choice of accompaniments. Traditionally, idlis are served with coconut chutney, sambar, and a dollop of ghee. However, you can also enjoy them with other chutneys or even with a side of your favourite curry.
6. To eat the idlis, simply use your hands to tear off small pieces and dip them into the chutney or sambar.
7. Savor the soft and fluffy texture of the idlis along with the flavorful accompaniments. Enjoy the combination of flavors and textures that make idlis a beloved South Indian breakfast dish.
8. If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day or two. When ready to eat, steam the idlis again in the microwave for a minute or two to reheat them.
So go ahead, serve and enjoy your homemade idli. Experiment with different accompaniments and find your perfect combination of flavors. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, idlis are sure to satisfy your craving for a delicious and healthy meal.
FAQ
What is idli?
Idli is a traditional South Indian breakfast dish. It is a savoury cake made by steaming a fermented batter consisting of rice and urad dal (split black gram).
What is the traditional way to make idli?
The traditional way to make idli is by soaking rice and urad dal separately for a few hours, grinding them into a smooth batter, fermenting the batter overnight, and then steaming it in idli moulds.
Can idli be made in a microwave oven?
Yes, idli can be made in a microwave oven. It is a quicker and easier method compared to the traditional way of making idli.
How do you make idli in a microwave oven?
To make idli in a microwave oven, prepare the batter by grinding soaked rice and urad dal, add salt, and let the batter ferment for a few hours. Grease the idli moulds with oil, pour the batter into the moulds, and microwave them on high power for 2-3 minutes. Let the idlis rest for a minute before removing them from the moulds.
