Recipe for Homemade Soft Idlis

Idli, one of South India’s most beloved breakfast dishes, is known for its light, fluffy texture and gentle flavor. Whether paired with coconut chutney, sambar, or spicy podi, a well-made idli is pure comfort food. Making soft and spongy idlis at home might seem tricky, but with the right technique, you can easily achieve restaurant-style results. Here’s a complete guide to making perfect homemade soft idlis. Ingredients Required For about 20 idlis, you will need: ● Urad dal (split black gram) – 1 cup

● Idli rice (parboiled rice) – 2 cups

● Fenugreek seeds (methi seeds) – ½ teaspoon

● Salt – to taste

● Water – as needed for soaking and grinding

● Oil or ghee – for greasing idli molds

Step-by-Step Preparation 1. Soaking the Ingredients ● Rinse the urad dal and fenugreek seeds together and soak them in water for about 4 to 5 hours.

● In a separate bowl, rinse and soak the idli rice for the same duration.

● Soaking helps soften the grains, making it easier to grind them into a smooth batter later.

2. Grinding the Batter ● Drain the water from the urad dal and transfer it to a wet grinder or high-speed blender.

● Add water little by little (around ¾ cup) and grind until you get a light, fluffy, and smooth batter.

● Transfer this to a large bowl.

● Next, grind the soaked rice with a little water (about 1 cup) until you get a slightly coarse batter.

● Combine both batters and mix them well using your hand — this helps in fermentation.

● The consistency should be thick but pourable.

3. Fermenting the Batter ● Cover the bowl and keep it in a warm place for 8 to 10 hours or overnight.

● The batter should rise and turn slightly airy and frothy.

● If the weather is cold, keep it in an oven with the light on or near a warm stove area.

● After fermentation, add salt and mix gently. Avoid over-mixing as it can release the trapped air.

4. Steaming the Idlis ● Grease the idli molds with a few drops of oil or ghee.

● Pour the batter into the molds, filling them about three-fourths full.

● Heat water in an idli steamer or pressure cooker (without the whistle).

● Place the stand inside and steam the idlis for 10–12 minutes on medium heat.

● Once done, let them rest for a minute, then use a spoon to gently remove the idlis from the molds.

Tips for Super Soft Idlis Use fresh ingredients: Old urad dal or rice can affect fermentation.

Proper fermentation: Batter should double in volume. Under-fermented batter results in hard idlis.

Do not over-steam: Overcooking can make idlis dry.

Add poha (flattened rice): For extra softness, soak 2 tablespoons of poha and grind it with the rice.

Serving Suggestions Serve the hot idlis with: ● Coconut chutney – made with fresh coconut, green chilies, and roasted chana dal.

● Sambar – a lentil-based vegetable stew with tamarind and spices.

● Idli podi – a dry chutney powder mixed with sesame oil or ghee.

Final Thoughts Homemade soft idlis are not just healthy and light but also a symbol of traditional Indian cooking. With just rice, dal, and a bit of patience for fermentation, you can enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. Once you master the fermentation and steaming process, you’ll never go back to store-bought mixes again!