Olivia Carter
If you are a fan of South Indian cuisine, then you must have tried or at least heard of idlis. Idlis are soft and fluffy rice cakes that are typically served with coconut chutney and sambar. They are not only delicious but also very healthy as they are made from fermented rice and lentil batter.
Although traditionally idlis are steamed in special idli steamers, you can also make them in a pressure cooker. Making idlis in a pressure cooker is a quick and hassle-free method, especially if you don’t have an idli steamer. Plus, the results are just as tasty!
To make idlis in a pressure cooker, you will need a special idli stand that fits inside the pressure cooker. This stand has small moulds in which you pour the idli batter. The stand is then placed inside the pressure cooker, and the idlis are steamed by the pressure generated inside.
So, if you are craving some homemade idlis and don’t want to wait for the fermentation process, grab your pressure cooker and let’s get started on making these delicious treats!
Ingredients for Idlis
To make idlis in a pressure cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
1. Rice
– 2 cups of parboiled idli rice or regular rice
– Water for soaking
2. Urad Dal
– 1 cup of urad dal (split black gram)
– Water for soaking
3. Methi Seeds
– 1 teaspoon of methi seeds (fenugreek seeds)
4. Salt
– 1-2 teaspoons of salt (adjust to taste)
5. Water
– Water for grinding the batter
– Water for steaming the idlis
Make sure to gather all these ingredients before starting the process of making idlis in a pressure cooker. With these ingredients, you will be able to prepare delicious and fluffy idlis right at home!
Preparing the Idli Batter
To make soft and fluffy idlis, it is crucial to prepare the batter correctly. Follow these steps to prepare the idli batter:
1. Soaking the Rice and Lentils
In a large bowl, add 2 cups of idli rice and 1/2 cup of urad dal. Rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any impurities. Once rinsed, fill the bowl with enough water to cover the rice and lentils. Allow them to soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Grinding the Batter
After the soaking period, drain the water from the soaked rice and lentils. Transfer them to a blender or a wet grinder. Grind them together, adding water gradually, until you get a smooth and fluffy batter. The consistency of the batter should be similar to a pancake batter.
3. Fermenting the Batter
Transfer the ground batter to a large bowl. Cover it with a clean cloth or lid and let it ferment in a warm place for about 8 to 10 hours. The fermentation process is crucial as it helps in making the idlis fluffy and light. During this time, the batter will rise and increase in volume.
Once the batter has fermented, it will have a slight sour smell, indicating that it is ready to be used.
Note: If you live in a cold region or during winters, you can place the batter in an oven with the light on to provide a warm and cozy environment for fermentation.
Steaming the Idlis
Once the batter is ready, it’s time to steam the idlis. Follow these steps to make perfect idlis in a pressure cooker:
Step 1: Prepare the pressure cooker
Fill the pressure cooker with 2 cups of water and place it on the stove over medium heat. Cover the cooker with its lid but without the whistle.
Step 2: Grease the idli moulds
Grease the idli moulds with a little bit of oil to prevent the idlis from sticking to the moulds. You can also use ghee or cooking spray for greasing.
Step 3: Pour the batter
Stir the fermented idli batter well. Using a ladle, pour the batter into each mould of the idli plate. Fill each mould to about 3/4th of its capacity, leaving some space for the idlis to rise.
Step 4: Steam the idlis
Once the water in the pressure cooker starts boiling, carefully place the idli plate with the batter-filled moulds inside the cooker. Close the lid of the pressure cooker with the whistle on top.
Let the idlis steam for about 10-12 minutes on medium heat. The steam and pressure inside the cooker will cook the idlis and make them soft and fluffy.
Step 5: Check for doneness
To check if the idlis are cooked, insert a toothpick or a knife into one of the idlis. If it comes out clean, then the idlis are ready. If not, steam them for a couple more minutes.
Once the idlis are cooked, turn off the heat and carefully remove the idli plate from the pressure cooker. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before removing the idlis from the moulds.
Your steamed idlis are now ready to be served with chutney or sambar!
Serving and Enjoying Idlis
Idlis are traditionally served with coconut chutney and sambar. These accompaniments enhance the flavors of the idlis and make them even more delicious.
To make coconut chutney, grind together coconut, roasted chana dal, green chili, ginger, and salt. Tempering the chutney with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and urad dal adds a nice aromatic touch.
Sambar, on the other hand, is a lentil-based vegetable stew. It is made by cooking toor dal with a variety of vegetables like onions, tomatoes, carrots, and drumsticks. Adding tamarind pulp and sambar powder gives it a tangy and flavorful taste.
To serve idlis, you can either dip them in the chutney and sambar or pour the sambar over the idlis. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for added freshness.
Another variation is to serve idlis with podi, a spicy powder made with roasted lentils, dried red chilies, and a hint of garlic. Simply dip the idlis in oil and then coat them with the podi for a spicy and flavorful bite.
Idlis also go well with a hot cup of filter coffee. The combination of soft and fluffy idlis with the strong and aromatic filter coffee is a favorite among many.
Whether you prefer the traditional coconut chutney and sambar combo or like to experiment with different accompaniments, serving idlis is a delightful experience that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Tips and Variations for Idlis in Pressure Cooker
Idlis are a popular South Indian breakfast dish that are fluffy and steamed. Here are some tips and variations to help you make delicious idlis using a pressure cooker:
Tips:
1. Soaking the idli rice and urad dal for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, helps in fermenting the batter and gives the idlis a soft texture.
2. When grinding the batter, add water gradually to ensure a smooth and thick consistency.
3. Adding a handful of flattened rice (poha) or cooked rice to the batter while grinding helps make the idlis soft and fluffy.
4. Proper fermentation of the batter is essential for good idlis. Keep the batter in a warm place for 8-10 hours or overnight.
5. Grease the idli plates with oil or ghee before pouring the batter to prevent sticking.
6. Steam the idlis on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow the idlis to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the plates to prevent them from sticking.
8. Serve the idlis hot with sambar and chutney for a delicious and traditional South Indian breakfast.
Variations:
1. Rava idli: Substitute some of the idli rice with semolina (rava) to make a quick and crispy variation of idlis.
2. Vegetable idli: Add grated carrots, chopped beans, and peas to the batter for a nutritious twist.
3. Masala idli: Temper some mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies in oil and mix it with the batter to make spicy masala idlis.
4. Oats idli: Replace a portion of the idli rice with oats to make healthy and fiber-rich idlis.
5. Millet idli: Use millet grains like foxtail millet or barnyard millet along with idli rice for a gluten-free idli option.
6. Spinach idli: Blend fresh spinach leaves with the batter to make vibrant green idlis.
7. Cheese idli: Grate some cheese over the idlis before steaming for a cheesy twist.
Conclusion:
By following these tips and trying out different variations, you can make a variety of delicious idlis using a pressure cooker. With their soft and fluffy texture, idlis make for a perfect breakfast or snack option for the entire family.
FAQ
What is the recipe for making idlis in a pressure cooker?
The recipe for making idlis in a pressure cooker is quite simple. You will need to prepare a batter using rice and urad dal, let it ferment overnight, and then steam it in an idli mould placed in a pressure cooker.
Can I make idlis in a pressure cooker without a steamer?
Yes, you can make idlis in a pressure cooker without a steamer. You will need to place a small stand or a steaming rack at the bottom of the pressure cooker and then place the idli mould on top of it. This will help create a gap between the water and the idli mould, allowing for the steaming process.
How long does it take to steam idlis in a pressure cooker?
The steaming time for idlis in a pressure cooker can vary, but it generally takes about 10-12 minutes. It’s important to make sure that the pressure cooker is not filled with too much water and the flame is kept on medium-low heat.
Can I use a regular pressure cooker to make idlis?
Yes, you can use a regular pressure cooker to make idlis. Just make sure that the idli mould fits inside the pressure cooker and there is enough space for the steam to circulate. It’s also important to follow the instructions for using a pressure cooker properly to ensure safety.
