Discover the traditional delight of Rava Idli, a South Indian savory sensation. Made from seasoned Rava, yogurt, and leavening agents, it's steamed to perfection. Enjoy it for breakfast or dinner, solo or with coconut, tomato, or coriander chutney. South Indian cuisine at its best!
Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, urad dal, cumin seeds, curry leaves, green chili, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
Incorporate onions, cook until soft, then add carrots, turmeric powder, and salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
Roast Rava in the mixture for 5-7 minutes until aromatic.
Transfer the roasted Rava to a glass bowl and let it cool.
Add curd, thoroughly mix to remove lumps, cover, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
After resting, add ½ cup of water and mix to form a thick batter.
Finally, add baking soda and mix thoroughly.
To Steam Rava Idli
Grease the idli mold with oil and pour in the Rava idli batter.
Fill an idli pot with water and place the mold filled with batter inside.
Cover the pot with a lid and steam for 7 to 10 minutes.
Remove the idli mold from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, and then use a spoon to gently remove the Rava idlis. Now, they are ready for you to savor and enjoy!
To Serve
Serve the delightful Instant Rava Idli with a side of tomato chutney, coconut chutney, or simply enjoy it on its own.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Texture:
Optimal Rava Preparation: To prevent your idli from becoming mushy or sticky, consider roasting the Rava. Alternatively, you can expedite the process by using pre-roasted Rava available in Indian grocery stores.
Fermentation Booster: Traditional recipes use Eno or baking soda for fermentation, resulting in moist and fluffy idlis. However, for a healthier option, skip these and let the Rava soak in yogurt for an extra 15 minutes during resting.
Batter Consistency: Ensure the Rava idli batter is thick to help it hold its shape. Use the right amount of water to achieve the desired consistency.
Immediate Steaming: Steam the idli right after adding soda or Eno salt to maintain their soft and fluffy texture. Delaying the steaming process can result in less desirable idlis.
Enhancing Flavor and Variations:
Add Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding vegetables like peas, beans, corn, or beetroots. Not only does this make the dish healthier, but it also adds extra flavor and color.
Alternative Flours: Experiment with alternative flours like oats, quinoa, or finger millet flour in place of Rava to create unique variations of Rava idli.
Vegan-Friendly: If you follow a vegan diet, simply replace regular yogurt with a plant-based yogurt to enjoy a vegan-friendly version of this delightful dish.
Optional Turmeric: Turmeric powder can give your idli a yellow hue, but it's entirely optional. Feel free to skip it if you prefer the traditional white color.