Steaming Idlis Made Easy with the Microwave Idli Maker
Picture this: It’s a lazy Sunday morning, and you’re craving a plate of soft and fluffy idlis, a popular South Indian breakfast dish. But the thought of going through the tedious process of soaking, grinding, fermenting, and steaming the batter dampens your enthusiasm. What if I told you there’s a way to make idlis effortlessly with the help of a microwave idli maker? Yes, you read that right! Today, I’ll share with you some quick and easy steps on how to use the microwave idli maker to achieve perfectly steamed idlis every time. So, let’s get started!
Step 1: Prepare the Idli Batter
First things first, you need to prepare the idli batter. You can either use store-bought batter or make it from scratch. If you’re making it from scratch, soak a combination of rice and urad dal in water for about 4-6 hours. Once soaked, grind the mixture into a smooth paste, and let it ferment overnight. The next morning, your idli batter will be ready to use.
Step 2: Grease the Idli Moulds
Next, it’s time to grease the idli moulds. Take a small amount of oil or ghee and apply it evenly on each of the moulds. This will prevent the idlis from sticking to the moulds and make it easier to remove them once they’re cooked.
Step 3: Fill the Idli Moulds
Now, take the idli batter and pour it into each of the moulds, filling them about 3/4th of the way. Leave a little room for the idlis to rise while steaming. Smooth out the surface of the batter using the back of a spoon, ensuring it’s spread evenly in each mould.
Step 4: Add Water to the Idli Maker
Once you’ve filled the moulds, it’s time to add water to the idli maker. Remove the top lid of the idli maker and pour water into the base. The water level should be just below the idli moulds. Be careful not to pour too much water, as it may overflow during the steaming process.
Step 5: Microwave the Idli Maker
After adding water, place the idli maker in the microwave. Make sure to put the lid back on before microwaving to create a closed steaming environment. The cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s power, but a general guideline is to cook the idlis for about 3-4 minutes on high power.
Step 6: Let Them Rest
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the idli maker from the microwave using oven mitts or a kitchen towel, as it will be hot. Let it sit for a minute or two to allow the idlis to set and cool slightly.
Step 7: Unmould the Idlis
Now comes the exciting part – unmoulding the idlis! Take a spoon or a small fork and gently scoop out the idlis from the moulds. Since you greased the moulds earlier, the idlis should come out easily without sticking.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Your perfectly steamed idlis are ready to be devoured! Serve them with sambar, coconut chutney, or any other accompaniment of your choice. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these idlis are bound to be a hit among your family and friends.
To make the idli-making process even more convenient, some microwave idli makers come with a lid that doubles as a plate rack. This allows you to steam idlis on one side and heat up your accompaniments on the other, all in one go.
In conclusion, making idlis at home using the microwave idli maker is a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality idlis in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, why not give it a try and elevate your breakfast game? Happy idli making!