Instant Suji Idli and Masala Idli Variations

Serves: 3–4 people

Plain Idli Variation

Ingredients

• Suji (semolina) – 1 cup
• Curd – 1 cup
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Eno fruit salt – 1 tsp
• Water – as required
• Oil – for greasing

Method

1. In a bowl, combine suji, curd, and salt.
2. Mix well to make a batter with a thick pouring consistency.
3. Keep the batter aside for 10 minutes.
4. Add 1 glass water to the idli steamer and heat it.
5. Grease the idli moulds lightly with oil.
6. Add Eno fruit salt to the batter and mix gently for a few seconds.
7. Pour the batter into the idli moulds.
8. Steam for 10–12 minutes or until the idlis are fully cooked.
9. Remove and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with sambar and coconut chutney.
• Best enjoyed fresh and soft.
• Suitable for breakfast or a light dinner.
• Tastes best when served warm.

Tips

• The batter should not be too thick or too thin.
• Gentle mixing after adding Eno helps keep the idlis soft and fluffy.
• Proper steaming gives light and airy idlis.
• Greasing the moulds prevents sticking.
• Fresh curd gives better flavor and texture.

Masala Idli Variation

Ingredients

• Cashew nuts – 1 tbsp (chopped)
• Green peas – 2 tbsp
• Carrot – 2 tbsp (finely chopped)
• Spinach – 2 tbsp (finely chopped)
• Chana dal – 1 tsp (soaked)

Method

1. Add any of the above ingredients to the prepared idli batter.
2. Mix gently.
3. Pour into greased idli moulds and steam as usual until soft and fully cooked.

Plain Idli with Vegetable Masala

Ingredients

• Carrot – 1 (finely sliced lengthwise)
• Onion – 1 (finely sliced lengthwise)
• Capsicum – 1 (finely sliced lengthwise)
• Mustard seeds (rai) – ½ tsp
• Salt – to taste
• Red chilli powder – ¼ tsp
• Oil – 1 tbsp
• Plain idlis – prepared and cut into pieces

Method

1. Heat oil in a pan.
2. Add mustard seeds and allow them to crackle.
3. Add onions and sauté for 2 minutes on high heat.
4. Add carrots and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Add capsicum and sauté for 1 minute.
6. Add salt and red chilli powder. Mix well.
7. Add the idli pieces and toss gently until well coated.
8. Serve hot.

Mixed Masala Idli

Ingredients

• Onion – 2 (cut into medium cubes)
• Tomatoes – 6 (finely chopped)
• Capsicum – 1 (cut into medium pieces)
• Mustard seeds (rai) – ¼ tsp
• Tomato sauce – 1 tbsp
• Salt – to taste
• Deggi mirch – ¼ tsp
• Oil – 1 tsp
• Prepared idlis – cut into pieces

Method

1. Heat oil in a pan.
2. Add mustard seeds and allow them to crackle.
3. Add onions and sauté until light golden brown.
4. Add tomatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes until soft.
5. Add capsicum and cook for 1 minute more.
6. Add salt, deggi mirch, and tomato sauce. Mix well.
7. Add idli pieces and toss gently for 1–2 minutes until coated evenly.
8. Serve hot.