Fluffy Rava Idli batter recipe: Easy steps for perfect breakfast idlis

Mumbai: As the days grow colder, one often feels inclined to remain indoors, enjoying the warmth and comfort of home. One of the most cherished activities during winter is savouring warm meals. Fresh, hot food has a comforting quality that can instantly improve one’s mood. Among the many delights of winter, enjoying mouth-watering South Indian cuisine feels particularly heavenly. The freshly made, fluffy idlis are a treat that many crave in the cold weather.

Idlis are a delicacy that few can resist. These soft, light idlis serve as ideal meals during the winter season. There are numerous ways to prepare idlis, with one popular method being the use of Rava Idli batter. This batter combines rava (also known as sooji or semolina), curd, spices, and herbs to create a delicious, satisfying dish. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making rava idlis at home using a simple Rava Idli batter recipe.

Rava Idli Batter Recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
7 to 8 cashews, halved
½ teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon chana dal (husked and split Bengal gram or split and husked chickpeas)
½ teaspoon cumin seeds
10 curry leaves, chopped
1 pinch of asafoetida (optional)
1 teaspoon ginger, finely chopped (or 1-inch peeled ginger)
1 green chilli, finely chopped (or ½ to 1 teaspoon, chopped)
2 tablespoons carrots, finely grated (optional)
2 tablespoons coriander leaves, chopped (cilantro)
½ teaspoon salt (adjust as required)
1 cup rava (175 grams; also called sooji, semolina, or cream of wheat)
½ cup curd (yoghurt)
½ to ¾ cup water (adjust as required)
1 teaspoon eno (fruit salt) or ¼ teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

Preparation Process

Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a pan over low to medium-low heat.
Add the halved cashews, stirring frequently. Fry until golden, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
In the same pan, add mustard seeds and let them splutter over low to medium-low heat.
Once the mustard seeds begin to splutter, add chana dal. Stir frequently and fry until golden and crunchy. Then, add cumin seeds and fry for 4 to 5 seconds.
Add chopped curry leaves, asafoetida, ginger, and green chillies. Mix well and fry for 10 seconds on low heat.
Add the rava (cream of wheat) to the pan. Mix thoroughly and roast, stirring frequently, until it becomes aromatic and slightly changes colour (without browning). The grains should appear separate. This process typically takes 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the pan’s thickness and the heat intensity.
Once roasted, set the rava aside to cool.

Making the Batter

To the roasted rava, add grated carrots, chopped coriander leaves, and ½ teaspoon salt (or adjust to taste).
Add curd and water, adjusting the water quantity based on the rava’s absorption capacity and the curd’s consistency. Use ½ cup water for liquid curd or up to ¾ cup for thick curd.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly to form a medium-consistency batter. Cover and let the batter rest for 20 minutes.
After resting, check the batter’s consistency. If it appears too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water. Rava absorbs water over time, so adjustments may be needed.

Steaming the Rava Idlis

Brush oil or ghee onto the idli moulds and place a fried halved cashew at the centre of each mould.
Heat 2 to 2.5 cups of water in a pot. Place a trivet or rack inside the pot and bring the water to a boil.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of eno (or ¼ teaspoon baking soda) evenly over the batter. Quickly mix the batter well.
Pour the batter into the prepared idli moulds and place them in the pot with the boiling water. Cover with a lid and steam on medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes.
Check for doneness by inserting a bamboo skewer or fork into an idli. If it comes out clean, they are ready.
Carefully remove the idli plates and let them rest for 3 to 4 minutes. Use a spoon to gently remove the idlis from the moulds.

Serve these steaming hot rava idlis with sambar and coconut chutney of your choice for a comforting winter treat!

Discover the secret to making perfectly fluffy rava idlis with this simple recipe! From choosing the right ingredients to preparing the batter, we’ve got you covered. Food & Drink Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips