Growing up in a traditional Indian household, one of the staple breakfast foods that I always looked forward to was idli. These soft and fluffy steamed rice cakes were always a delight to eat, and they were even better when served with some spicy coconut chutney and sambar. But what do you do when you’re craving idli, but don’t have an idli stand? Well, fear not! In this article, I’m going to share with you a quick and easy method of making idli in a microwave without an idli stand.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we dive into the process of making idli in a microwave, let’s first gather all the ingredients we’ll need:
For the Idli Batter:
– 1 cup of idli rice
– 1/4 cup of urad dal (split black gram)
– 1/4 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds
– Water for soaking
– Salt to taste
For the Microwave Idli:
– Idli batter
– A microwave-safe container
– Oil or cooking spray for greasing the container
– Water for steaming
Now that we have everything we need, let’s get started!
Soak and Grind the Idli Batter
The first step in making idli is to soak the rice and dal. Start by rinsing the rice and dal separately under running water to get rid of any impurities. Then, place the rice in one bowl and the dal in another. Add enough water to cover the rice and dal, and add the fenugreek seeds to the dal bowl. Allow them to soak for about 5 to 6 hours.
Once the rice and dal have soaked, drain the water and transfer them to a blender. Grind them together, adding a little water at a time, until you get a smooth batter. The consistency should be thick, but pourable. Add salt to taste and give it a final mix. Your idli batter is now ready!
Prepare the Microwave Idli
Now comes the exciting part – making idli in a microwave without an idli stand! Here’s how you can do it:
1. Grease the microwave-safe container with oil or cooking spray to prevent the idlis from sticking. Make sure you coat the entire surface.
2. Pour a ladleful of idli batter into the greased container, filling it about 3/4th full. Tap the container gently on the countertop to remove any air bubbles.
3. Add a small amount of water to a microwave-safe plate and place it inside the microwave. This will help create a moist environment for steaming.
4. Place the container with the idli batter on the plate and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate.
5. Microwave on high power for about 3 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so keep an eye on the idlis while they cook. You’ll know they’re done when they become fluffy and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Once the idlis are cooked, remove them from the microwave and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Then, gently remove them from the container using a spoon or butter knife.
Congratulations! You have successfully made idli in a microwave without an idli stand. Repeat the process with the remaining batter until you have made as many idlis as desired.
Final Thoughts
Making idli in a microwave without an idli stand is not only quick and easy, but it also allows you to satisfy your idli cravings whenever they strike. By following this simple method, you can enjoy delicious and fluffy idlis right in the comfort of your own home. Serve them hot with some chutney and sambar, and you’ll have a breakfast that’s sure to impress.
So, the next time you find yourself without an idli stand, don’t fret. Just grab your microwave and get cooking!