It was a lazy Sunday morning, and as I walked into the kitchen, the aromatic smell of steaming idlis filled the air. My mother stood near the stove, tending to the steaming pot of idlis. With a mischievous smile, she handed me a plate filled with fluffy, spongy idlis. “I made these in the microwave!” she exclaimed. I was taken aback. Idlis in the microwave? That seemed too good to be true. Intrigued, I decided to unravel the mystery of this quick and easy microwave idli recipe.
Gathering the Ingredients
Creating the Perfect Batter
Before diving into making idlis in the microwave, it’s essential to create a smooth and fermenting idli batter. Here’s what you need:
First, rinse the rice, dal, and fenugreek seeds thoroughly. Then, soak them in enough water for about 4 to 6 hours. Soaking helps soften the rice and dal, making it easier to grind into a fine batter.
After the soaking process, drain the water and grind the soaked ingredients together. Add water little by little to achieve a smooth and slightly thick consistency. Do not make it too watery; the batter should coat the back of a spoon.
Once the batter is ready, transfer it to a bowl and add salt. Mix well using your hands to ensure that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the batter. Set the batter aside in a warm place, covered with a lid, for fermentation. Depending on the climate, fermentation might take anywhere between 8 to 12 hours.
The Magic of the Microwave
After hours of anticipation, my mother finally unveiled the secret to microwave idlis. Here’s what you need:
Idli Plates and the Microwave
To make idlis in the microwave, you will need a special idli plate designed to fit inside the microwave. These plates have multiple divisions or molds to hold the idli batter. If you don’t have an idli plate, don’t worry! You can use a microwave-safe dish and create small molds using small cups or bowls.
Greasing the Plates
Just like traditional idlis, microwave idlis require greasing the plates to prevent sticking. Use a few drops of oil or ghee and grease the plates thoroughly. This step is crucial; otherwise, you’ll be left with a messy batch of idlis.
Steaming the Idlis
Now comes the exciting part – steaming the idlis in the microwave. Fill a microwave-safe container with some water, about 1/4th of its capacity. Place the idli plate carefully inside the container, ensuring that the water does not overflow or touch the plate’s base.
Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, make sure to pierce a few holes to allow steam to escape. This step is crucial as it prevents the idlis from becoming soggy. Microwave the idlis on high power for about 3 to 4 minutes or until they are cooked and fluffy.
To check idli doneness, insert a toothpick or a fork into the center of an idli. If it comes out clean, the idlis are cooked. If not, steam them for another minute or two. Remember, microwaves vary in power, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Once the idlis are cooked, remove the plates from the microwave and let them cool for a minute or two. Use a spoon or a silicone spatula to gently remove the idlis from the plates. The idlis will easily come out because of the greasing you did earlier.
Repeat the process with the remaining batter until you have steamed all the idlis you desire.
Serving and Enjoying the Idlis
Finally, the wait is over, and it’s time to enjoy the fruit of your labor. Serve the idlis hot with an array of accompaniments, such as sambar, coconut chutney, or tomato chutney. The spongy and flavorful idlis will undoubtedly be a hit at breakfast, brunch, or even as an evening snack.
The beauty of making idlis in the microwave is that it saves time and effort without compromising the taste and texture. It’s a quick fix for those moments when you crave this beloved South Indian delicacy but are short on time. Now, you too can surprise your family and friends with the magic of microwave idlis. Happy cooking!