Olivia Carter
Idli is a traditional South Indian dish that is loved by people all over the world. It is a soft and fluffy rice cake that is typically eaten with sambar and chutney. While it may seem intimidating to make idli at home, it is actually quite simple and requires only a few ingredients.
To make idli in a pressure cooker with an idli stand, you will need a pressure cooker, an idli stand, and the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of idli rice
- 1 cup of urad dal (split black gram)
- 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds
- Salt to taste
Start by soaking the idli rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds in water for about 4-6 hours. Once the ingredients are soaked, drain the water and transfer them to a blender. Blend the mixture into a smooth batter, adding water as needed.
Next, transfer the batter to a large bowl and add salt. Mix well and cover the bowl with a lid. Allow the batter to ferment overnight or for at least 8 hours. Fermentation is an important step in making idli, as it gives the batter a light and fluffy texture.
After the batter has fermented, prepare the pressure cooker by adding 2-3 cups of water to the bottom. Place the idli stand in the cooker, making sure it is elevated from the water. Grease the idli moulds with oil or ghee to prevent sticking.
Pour the fermented batter into the greased idli moulds, filling them about 3/4 of the way. Place the idli stand in the pressure cooker and close the lid. Cook on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the idli comes out clean.
Once the idli is cooked, remove the stand from the pressure cooker and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Use a spoon to gently remove the idli from the moulds. Serve hot with sambar and chutney for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Making idli in a pressure cooker with an idli stand is a great way to enjoy this classic dish at home. With this simple recipe, you can satisfy your craving for authentic South Indian cuisine anytime!
Soaking The Rice And Lentils
Before starting the process of making idli in a pressure cooker with an idli stand, it is important to soak the rice and lentils. This step helps in softening the ingredients, making them easier to grind into a smooth batter.
Ingredients:
| 1 cup | Idli rice |
| 1/4 cup | Split black gram lentils (urad dal) |
| Water | As needed |
Instructions:
1. Take 1 cup of idli rice and 1/4 cup of split black gram lentils (urad dal).
2. Rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any impurities.
3. Soak the rice and lentils in enough water to cover them completely.
4. Allow them to soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps in softening the rice and lentils.
5. After soaking, drain the water from the rice and lentils using a colander.
Now that the rice and lentils are soaked and ready, you can proceed to the next step of grinding them into a batter for making idli in a pressure cooker with an idli stand.
Grinding The Batter
Before making idlis, you need to first grind the batter. Start by rinsing and soaking 2 cups of idli rice and 1/2 cup of urad dal in water for at least 4 hours. This will help soften the rice and dal, making it easier to grind into a smooth batter.
After the soaking time is up, drain the water from the rice and dal. Then, transfer them to a wet grinder or a high-speed blender. Add a little water to the grinder and start grinding the rice and dal mixture until it becomes smooth and fluffy. This process may take about 10-15 minutes, depending on the power and quality of your grinder or blender.
While grinding, it’s important to add water gradually to achieve the right consistency. The batter should be thick, but still pourable. Adding too much water can make the idlis dense and less fluffy.
Once the batter is ground to a smooth consistency, transfer it to a clean container and cover it with a lid. Let the batter ferment for at least 8 hours or overnight. Fermentation is crucial for idlis to turn out soft, fluffy, and airy.
Note: If you live in a cold region, you can place the batter in a warm place or an oven with the light on to facilitate the fermentation process.
After fermentation, the batter will rise and become light. It may also have a slightly sour smell, which is normal. Mix the batter gently to distribute the air bubbles evenly.
Tip: Remember to reserve a spoonful of the batter to make idlis for the next batch. This helps to aid the fermentation process for the next time.
Fermenting The Batter
After grinding the rice and lentils together, it is important to ferment the batter. Fermentation is crucial in making soft and fluffy idlis. To ferment the batter:
- Transfer the batter to a large bowl and cover it with a lid or a cloth.
- Place the bowl in a warm place, like an oven or a cupboard, for about 8-10 hours. This will allow the batter to ferment properly.
- Make sure the temperature is around 25-30 degrees Celsius for better fermentation.
- After the fermentation process, you will notice that the batter has risen and become slightly fluffy. It will also have a sour smell, indicating that it is ready to be used.
Note: The fermentation time may vary depending on the climate and temperature of your surroundings. If you live in a colder region, you may need to leave the batter for a longer time.
Preparing The Idli Stand
Before you start making the idlis, you need to prepare the idli stand. Follow these steps to get it ready:
- Take out the idli stand from its packaging.
- Ensure that the idli stand is clean and dry.
- Grease each compartment of the idli stand with a few drops of oil or cooking spray to prevent the idlis from sticking to the surface.
- Once the compartments are greased, fill each one with the idli batter. Make sure to only fill each compartment about 3/4th full to allow room for the idlis to expand.
- Once all the compartments are filled, place the idli stand on a trivet or a heatproof plate inside the pressure cooker. Make sure that the idli stand is stable and will not tip over during the cooking process.
With the idli stand properly prepared, you are now ready to cook the idlis in the pressure cooker. Follow the instructions for cooking idlis in a pressure cooker to enjoy delicious and fluffy idlis.
Cooking The Idlis
Once the batter is fermented, it is time to cook the idlis. Follow the steps below to make perfect idlis in a pressure cooker with an idli stand:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fill the pressure cooker with 1-2 cups of water and place it on the stove over medium heat. Allow the water to come to a boil. |
| 2 | Grease the idli moulds or section of the idli stand with oil or ghee to prevent the idlis from sticking. |
| 3 | Pour the idli batter into each mould, filling them up to 3/4th of their capacity. |
| 4 | Place the filled idli stand inside the pressure cooker, ensuring that the water does not touch the bottom of the stand or the idlis. |
| 5 | Close the pressure cooker with its lid and remove the whistle if present. Allow the idlis to steam for about 10-12 minutes on medium heat. |
| 6 | After the steaming time is done, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally before opening the cooker. |
| 7 | Take out the idli stand from the cooker and allow it to cool for a minute or two. |
| 8 | Use a spoon or a blunt knife to gently remove the idlis from the moulds. |
| 9 | Transfer the cooked idlis to a serving plate and repeat the process with the remaining batter. |
| 10 | Serve the hot and fluffy idlis with chutney, sambar, or any other accompaniment of your choice. |
Now you know how to cook idlis using a pressure cooker and idli stand. Enjoy this traditional Indian breakfast or snack with your family and friends!
Serving The Idlis
Once the idlis are cooked and ready, it’s time to serve them. Here are some tips on how to best serve your idlis:
1. Serve hot: Idlis are best enjoyed when they are served hot. Make sure to serve them immediately after they come out of the pressure cooker to preserve their soft and fluffy texture.
2. Accompaniments: Idlis are traditionally served with coconut chutney and sambar. You can also serve them with tomato chutney or any other chutney of your choice. Some people also enjoy idlis with a dollop of ghee.
3. Plating: To serve idlis, you can use a plate or a banana leaf for an authentic touch. Arrange the idlis on the plate and place a small bowl of chutney and sambar alongside for dipping.
4. Garnish: You can garnish your idlis with some fresh coriander leaves or grated coconut for added flavor and presentation.
5. Leftovers: If you have any leftover idlis, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated by steaming or microwaving before serving.
Enjoy your homemade idlis with your favorite accompaniments and savor the authentic South Indian flavors!
FAQ
What is idli?
Idli is a traditional South Indian dish made from fermented rice and lentil batter. It is a steamed cake that is soft and spongy in texture.
What is a pressure cooker?
A pressure cooker is a kitchen appliance that cooks food quickly by trapping steam inside a sealed pot. It uses high pressure to raise the boiling point of water, allowing food to cook faster.
Where can I buy an idli stand?
An idli stand is easily available at most Indian grocery stores. You can also find them online on e-commerce platforms like Amazon or eBay.
How long does it take to cook idli in a pressure cooker?
It usually takes about 10-12 minutes to cook idli in a pressure cooker. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the idli.
Can I make idli without a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can make idli without a pressure cooker. If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can use a regular pot with a tight-fitting lid and steam the idli for 15-20 minutes.
