Podi Idli

Podi Idli is a delicious South Indian dish featuring idlis coated with a flavorful spice mix known as podi. The idlis are made from a fermented batter of idli rice and urad dal, providing a light and spongy texture. After steaming, the idlis are topped with a roasted spice blend of chana dal, urad dal, sesame seeds, and red chilies, adding a crunchy, savory kick. This dish is often enjoyed with a side of coconut chutney or sambar for a complete meal.

For a Serving Size of Two:

Ingredients:

For the Idli Batter:

• 60 grams idli rice
• 20 grams urad dal
• 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• Water, as needed

For the Podi (Spice Mix):

• 2 tablespoons chana dal
• 2 tablespoons urad dal
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon dried red chilies
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste

Procedure:

• Soak the idli rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds in water separately for at least 4-6 hours or overnight.
• Drain the soaked rice and dal. Grind them together in a blender or wet grinder with a little water until you get a smooth, thick batter.
• Allow the batter to ferment in a warm place for 8-12 hours or until it doubles in volume and becomes slightly bubbly.
• For the podi mixture, in a dry pan, roast the chana dal, urad dal, sesame seeds, red chilies, cumin seeds, and black pepper until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
• Let the roasted spices cool slightly, then grind them into a coarse powder. Add turmeric powder and salt. Mix well.
• Preheat the idli steamer or rack.
• Grease the idli molds lightly with oil.
• Pour the fermented batter into the idli molds.
• Place the molds in the steamer and steam for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the idlis comes out clean.
• Once steamed, remove the idlis from the molds and place them on a plate.
• Sprinkle the prepared podi (spice mix) over the idlis. You can also mix the podi with a little oil and serve it as a dip or side.

Nutritional Benefits: 

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 600 kcal
• Protein: 29.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 100.5 g
• Fat: 8 g