As a food lover and an avid cook, I am always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to prepare my favorite dishes. One such dish that holds a special place in my heart is the beloved South Indian delicacy – idli. Known for its fluffy texture and mild flavor, idli is a staple in many Indian households. Traditionally, idli is made by steaming a batter made from fermented rice and lentils. However, there are times when we are in a hurry or simply don’t have access to a steamer. That’s when the microwave comes to the rescue! In this article, I will share with you a quick and easy way to cook idli in the microwave.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients needed to make microwave idli. You will need:
For the idli batter:
– 1 cup of idli rice
– 1/2 cup of urad dal (split black lentils)
– 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
– Water for soaking
– Salt to taste
For seasoning:
– 1 teaspoon oil
– 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
– A few curry leaves (optional)
– A pinch of asafoetida (optional)
To serve:
– Coconut chutney
– Sambar
– Idli podi (optional)
Soak and Grind the Batter
The first step in making microwave idli is to soak the rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds in water for about 4-6 hours. Once soaked, drain the water and grind the mixture to a smooth paste. You can use a blender or a wet grinder for this step. Add water as needed to achieve a thick but pourable consistency. Remember to add salt to the batter and give it a good mix.
Prepare the Idli Molds
While the batter is fermenting, prepare your idli molds for the microwave. Grease the molds with a little oil to prevent sticking. If you don’t have idli molds, you can use microwave-safe bowls or cups.
Microwave the Idli
Once the batter has fermented for about 6-8 hours and has doubled in volume, it’s time to cook the idli. Take a microwave-safe plate and arrange the idli molds on it. Fill each mold with the idli batter, leaving some space at the top for the idlis to rise. Cover the molds with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate.
Place the plate with the idli molds in the microwave and cook on high power for about 3-4 minutes. After the initial cooking time, check if the idlis are cooked by inserting a toothpick or a knife into the center of one idli. If it comes out clean, the idlis are ready. If not, microwave them for another minute or two until fully cooked.
Season and Serve
While the idlis are cooling down, let’s prepare the seasoning. Heat oil in a small pan and add mustard seeds. Once the mustard seeds start spluttering, add curry leaves and asafoetida. Fry for a few seconds and then turn off the heat.
Remove the cooked idlis from the molds using a spoon or a knife. Drizzle the prepared seasoning over the idlis and gently toss them to coat evenly. Your microwave idlis are now ready to be served!
Serving Suggestions:
– Serve the idlis hot with coconut chutney, sambar, and/or idli podi.
– You can also enjoy them plain or with a dollop of ghee for added flavor.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your microwave idlis turn out perfect every time:
1. Fermentation is Key:
Allowing the batter to ferment for the recommended time is crucial for fluffy and soft idlis. Ensure a warm environment by placing the batter in a preheated oven or near a heat source.
2. Adjust Microwave Settings:
Microwave cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly. If the idlis are not fully cooked after the initial cooking time, increase the cooking time in small increments.
3. Experiment with Flavors:
Feel free to experiment with different flavors and add-ins in the idli batter. You can add grated carrots, chopped spinach, or even grated cheese for a unique twist.
In conclusion, cooking idli in the microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious Indian delicacy. With the right ingredients and a few handy tips, you can now prepare soft and fluffy idlis in a fraction of the time. So go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed! Happy cooking!