I have given two measurements below. I have tried both several times and my idli/idlys turn out very well with both the measurements.
Idli Batter Recipe (for soft idly)
Recipe- 1
Par Boiled Idli rice – 3 cups (Idli Pulungal Arisi)
Urad dal – 1 cup (Mulu Ulundu or whole urad dal without skin)
Crystal Salt – I use only crystal salt (1 1/2 tbsp or as required)
Recipe – 2
Par Boiled Idli rice -4 cups (Idli Pulungal Arisi)
Whole Urad dal – 1 cup (whole urad dal without skin)
Crystal salt – as required
The quality of the rice and the urad dal is very important. You get par boiled rice specially for making idli known as Idli Pulungal Arisi in tamil.
Just as quality is important, soaking time is also equally important. Wash and soak rice and dal for 5- 6 hours.
I personally, always prefer to use wet grinder for grinding batter for idli and dosa. The secret to soft idli lies in grinding and the consistency of the batter.
First grind the urad dal well until it is light and fluffy. After switching on the grinder, do not forget about it. Check now and then and add water little by little to the batter (you can use ice cold water if needed).
Then add the soaked rice along with little water. You should not add too much water in the beginning itself.You have to add water little by little, while it grinds. Grind rice to a smooth paste.
Remove the batter from the grinder, add salt and mix well with your hands. Fill only up to half in a container leaving room for it to raise while fermenting.
Just as grinding is important, the consistency of the batter is also equally important.If your batter is too thin, the your idli will turn flat.
If your batter is thick, then your idli will be rock hard. So take care when adding water while grinding. That is the reason why you should add water little by little by checking the consistency.
5. Fermenting:
Mix the fermented batter well. Now it is ready for making idli. If you are not going to use immediately, refrigerate the batter.
6.Steaming
You can use an idli pot or a streamer or a kadai or a pressure cooker without weight for steaming.
You can use any heavy bottomed vessel with a lid which can fit your idli moulds perfectly.
The important point to be noted here is to bring the water to boiling point before steaming the idlis.
I place a damp muslin cloth on the idli mould , then scoop out a ladle of batter and fill in the idly moulds, then close it with a lid.You can even grease your idli mould with oil but I usually prefer the first method for the lovely texture.
Steam for 10-12 minutes. Insert a fork in the middle, if it comes out clean, then your idli is done. Invert the mould on a plate and gently remove the mould. Sprinkle water on the cloth and gently separate the cloth from the idlis.
Serve hot with any chutney or sambar or just idli podi and gingerly oil.
Check out Side dish of idli, dosa for more recipes.
You can make idli for the first two days, use the remaining left over batter to make dosa. Check out my Dosa recipe
To summarise, the trick in making soft idlis lies in the above 6 tips. The above factors play a great role in influencing the quality of your idli.
If you do not get perfect idli,then do not loose heart or give up, with trial and error, you can master the art of making soft and spongy idlis.
I feel so happy in sharing with you all my soft idli secrets. Good Luck!!
View Comments (117)
Idlee have been my fav. ever since like forever ! They sometimes are soft and sometimes hard..now I can try to make them sfter always..
Glad to have found you at indiblogger. Your newest follower and a regular visitor now.
cheers,
Kajal
Thank you very much I was struggling struggling for a soft Idly. I will make prepare and come back with my family's comments
Love soft idlis piping hot!i add a lil bit of methi seeds along with the urad dal and soak them ...
Perfect.I have a company in you for exactly the same method.No adding Methi,Poha or Soda.Long live the Soft Idlis!!!!!
WOW! IDLI LOOKS REALLY SOFTO SOFT.I always use the same way as you said in recipe 2.I loveeeeeeeeeeeee Idlies very much.
Perfect !! Superb description and am sure it will help many as nothing can beat idli :)
such a nice and helpful post.
awesome!!thanks for sharing such a detailed and informative post...I make idlis with split urad daal and add normal salt..your idlis look super soft..will try your version now..
Anjana
a very detailed & helpful post, next time im gonna try using a cloth instead of greasing the mould
How to prevent the steam water standing on top of idlies while cooking in pressure cooker?
Softyyyyy