Olivia Carter
Idli is a popular South Indian breakfast dish made from fermented rice and lentil batter. Traditionally, idlis are steamed in a special idli stand, which has small compartments to hold the batter. However, if you don’t have an idli stand, you can still make delicious idlis using a pressure cooker.
To make idli in a pressure cooker without an idli stand, you will need a few simple household items. First, you will need a pressure cooker with a tight-fitting lid. You will also need small steel or aluminum cups to hold the idli batter. These cups should be small enough to fit inside the pressure cooker without touching the sides or each other.
Here’s how you can make idli in a pressure cooker without an idli stand:
- Prepare the idli batter as usual by soaking rice and lentils, grinding them into a smooth paste, and fermenting the batter overnight.
- Grease the small steel or aluminum cups with oil or cooking spray. This will prevent the idli batter from sticking to the cups.
- Pour the idli batter into the greased cups, filling them about two-thirds full. This will allow the idlis to rise during the cooking process.
- Pour water into the pressure cooker, filling it about one-third full. You don’t want to add too much water as it may seep into the idli cups and make the idlis soggy.
- Place a trivet or a small, heatproof plate at the bottom of the pressure cooker. This will create a barrier between the water and the idli cups.
- Arrange the greased idli cups on top of the trivet or plate, making sure that they are not touching the sides of the pressure cooker or each other.
- Cover the pressure cooker with the lid and cook on high heat until steam starts escaping from the vent. Then, reduce the heat to low and let the idlis steam for about 10-15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the pressure cooker cool down for a few minutes before opening the lid.
- Carefully remove the idli cups from the pressure cooker and let them cool for a few minutes. Use a knife or spoon to gently remove the idlis from the cups.
- Your homemade idlis are now ready to serve! Enjoy them with chutney, sambar, or any other accompaniment of your choice.
So, even if you don’t have an idli stand, you can still enjoy delicious homemade idlis using a pressure cooker. Give this method a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Idli in Pressure Cooker Without Idli Stand
Idli is a popular South Indian breakfast dish that is healthy and easy to make. Traditionally, idlis are made using a special idli stand, but if you don’t have one, you can still make delicious idlis using a pressure cooker. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making idli in a pressure cooker without an idli stand:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup idli rice
- 1/4 cup urad dal (split black gram)
- 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- Water, as needed
- Salt, to taste
- Oil, for greasing
Step 1: Rinse the idli rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds separately under running water. Then, soak them in enough water for at least 4 hours.
Step 2: Drain the soaked rice and dal. Transfer them to a blender and grind them together to make a smooth batter. Add water little by little as needed to achieve the right consistency. The batter should be thick, yet pourable. The grinding process may take around 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Transfer the batter to a large bowl. Add salt to taste and mix well. Cover the bowl and let the batter ferment for about 8-10 hours or overnight. The fermentation process is important as it adds flavor and gives the idlis a soft texture.
Step 4: Once the batter is fermented, prepare your pressure cooker. Pour water into the pressure cooker, filling it about 1/4 of the way. Place a small, inverted heatproof plate or a stainless steel bowl at the bottom of the pressure cooker to create a base for the idlis.
Step 5: Grease the idli plates with oil. If you don’t have idli plates, you can use small steel bowls or katoris instead. Pour the batter into each plate, filling them about 3/4 of the way.
Step 6: Once all the plates are filled, carefully place them inside the pressure cooker, stacking them one on top of another. Make sure there is enough space between the plates for the idlis to expand.
Step 7: Close the pressure cooker with its lid and remove the weight/whistle. Steam the idlis on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes. Avoid high heat as it may overcook the idlis.
Step 8: After steaming, turn off the heat and wait for the pressure to release naturally. Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and remove the plates using tongs or a kitchen glove. Let the idlis cool for a few minutes.
Step 9: Use a spoon or a butter knife to gently remove the idlis from the plates. Serve hot with coconut chutney, sambar, or any other accompaniment of your choice.
Enjoy your homemade idlis, made without an idli stand, using a pressure cooker. They are fluffy, soft, and perfect for a delicious breakfast or snack!
Prepare the Idli Batter
To make idli in a pressure cooker without an idli stand, you will first need to prepare the idli batter. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of idli rice
- 1 cup of urad dal
- 1/2 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Wash the idli rice and urad dal separately under running water until the water runs clear.
- In a bowl, combine the rinsed idli rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds. Add enough water to cover the mixture and let it soak for at least 4-5 hours.
- Drain the water from the soaked ingredients and grind them separately to a smooth paste using a wet grinder or a mixer grinder.
- Mix the ground idli rice and urad dal batter together in a large bowl. Add salt to taste and mix well.
- Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the idli batter ferment overnight or for at least 8 hours in a warm place. The fermented batter should rise and become fluffy.
Your idli batter is now ready to be steamed in a pressure cooker without an idli stand. Follow the next steps to continue with the process.
Grease the Pressure Cooker
Before you begin making idlis in a pressure cooker without an idli stand, it is important to grease the pressure cooker to prevent the idlis from sticking to the bottom. Follow these steps to properly grease your pressure cooker:
- Start by adding a small amount of cooking oil or ghee to a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Gently rub the oil or ghee all over the inner surface of the pressure cooker.
- Make sure to coat the bottom and the sides of the pressure cooker evenly.
- Be generous with the greasing, as this will make it easier to remove the idlis once they are cooked.
Once you have greased the pressure cooker, you are ready to proceed with making the idlis without an idli stand. Remember to check the water level in the pressure cooker and ensure it is sufficient for steaming the idlis.
Pour the Batter into the Cooker
Once the idli batter is well fermented and has a fluffy texture, it’s time to pour it into the cooker. Make sure the pressure cooker is clean and dry before starting.
1. Remove the weight valve or whistle and gasket from the lid of the pressure cooker.
2. Fill the pressure cooker with 2 cups of water and place it on the stove over medium heat. Allow the water to come to a boil.
3. Take a small bowl or container and grease it with oil to prevent the idlis from sticking. This will serve as the idli mold.
4. Gently mix the fermented idli batter with a spoon to ensure an even consistency.
5. Carefully pour the batter into the greased bowl or container, filling it about 3/4 full. Leave some space for the idlis to rise.
6. Tap the bowl or container on a flat surface to remove any air bubbles or excess batter.
7. Place the greased bowl or container inside the pressure cooker. Ensure that it sits above the water level.
8. Close the pressure cooker with its lid, but do not use the weight valve or whistle. This will allow steam to accumulate and cook the idlis.
9. Cook the idlis for about 10-12 minutes on medium heat. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick or knife into the center of an idli. If it comes out clean, the idlis are ready.
10. Turn off the heat and carefully remove the bowl or container from the pressure cooker. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
11. Use a spoon or knife to gently loosen the edges of the idlis, and then flip the container over onto a plate to remove them.
12. Serve the idlis hot with chutney, sambar, or any other accompaniment of your choice.
If you have more batter left, repeat the process with another greased bowl or container until all the batter is used.
Tips:
– Make sure the pressure cooker is clean and dry before use.
– Grease the bowl or container well to prevent the idlis from sticking.
– Use quality idli batter for best results.
– Do not overfill the container, as the idlis will expand while steaming.
Summary:
Pouring the batter into the cooker is the next step after the idli batter is well fermented. Grease a bowl or container, fill it with the batter, and place it inside the pressure cooker above the water level. Cook the idlis for about 10-12 minutes, and then carefully remove the container from the cooker. Loosen the edges and flip the container over onto a plate to serve the idlis hot.
Steam the Idlis
Once the water in the pressure cooker starts boiling, it’s time to steam the idlis. Follow these steps:
- Grease the idli plates with oil or ghee to prevent the idlis from sticking.
- Pour the batter into the greased idli moulds, filling each mould about 3/4 of the way to allow room for the idlis to rise.
- Place the idli plates carefully inside the pressure cooker, keeping them over a small stand or a steel bowl placed at the bottom of the pressure cooker.
- Close the pressure cooker with the lid, making sure the vent is set to the “sealing” position.
- Steam the idlis on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once the idlis are cooked, turn off the heat and carefully remove the idli plates from the pressure cooker using a tong or a kitchen towel.
- Let the idlis cool for a few minutes before removing them from the moulds.
- Using a spoon or a butter knife, gently loosen the edges of the idlis and remove them from the moulds.
Your soft and fluffy idlis are now ready to be served with chutney or sambar. Enjoy!
Serve and Enjoy!
Once your idlis are cooked and ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious South Indian dish!
Here are a few suggestions on how to serve your idlis:
1. Classic Idli with Chutney and Sambar
Traditionally, idlis are served with coconut chutney and sambar. Coconut chutney is made by blending fresh coconut, green chili, ginger, and tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves. Sambar is a lentil-based vegetable stew with tamarind as a souring agent and flavored with a mix of spices. Serve your idlis with a generous helping of chutney and sambar for a classic and wholesome meal.
2. Idli with Tomato Chutney
If you’re looking for a spicier alternative, you can serve idlis with tomato chutney. Tomato chutney is made by sautéing tomatoes, onion, garlic, and red chili and blending them together with a tadka of mustard seeds and curry leaves. This tangy and fiery chutney pairs well with soft idlis.
Feel free to experiment with other chutney variations like mint chutney, coriander chutney, or peanut chutney to add more flavors to your idlis.
3. Idli Upma or Podi Idli
If you have leftover idlis or want to try something different, you can transform them into Idli Upma or Podi Idli. For Idli Upma, crumble the idlis into small pieces and temper them with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and onions. You can add vegetables like carrots and peas for added nutrition. Podi Idli is made by tossing the idlis in a spicy powder made from roasted lentils and spices. These variations give an interesting twist to the traditional idlis.
Whatever way you choose to serve your idlis, make sure to enjoy them while they’re still warm. The soft and fluffy texture of idlis along with the flavorful chutneys and sambar make it a perfect breakfast or snack option.
Now that you know how to make idlis in a pressure cooker without an idli stand, you can easily recreate this South Indian delicacy at home. So go ahead, try out this recipe, and treat yourself to a delicious plate of idlis!
FAQ
Can I make idli without using an idli stand?
Yes, you can make idli without using an idli stand. You can use a pressure cooker or any other utensil that is safe to use for steaming.
What can I use instead of an idli stand to make idlis?
If you don’t have an idli stand, you can use a steel or aluminum colander, a steamer basket, or even small steel or aluminum bowls placed inside a large pan or pot with a lid.
How do I make idli in a pressure cooker without an idli stand?
To make idli in a pressure cooker without an idli stand, you can use small steel or aluminum bowls. Grease the bowls with oil, pour the idli batter into the bowls, and place them inside the pressure cooker with some water. Close the cooker and steam the idlis for about 10-12 minutes.
What is the benefit of using a pressure cooker to make idlis?
Using a pressure cooker to make idlis is beneficial because it allows for faster cooking and steaming of the idlis. The pressure cooker creates a high-pressure environment, which helps in cooking the idlis evenly and quickly.
Can I make idlis in a microwave if I don’t have a pressure cooker or an idli stand?
Yes, you can make idlis in a microwave if you don’t have a pressure cooker or an idli stand. You can use microwave-safe bowls or containers to steam the idlis. Grease the bowls, pour the idli batter into them, and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes or until the idlis are cooked.
