Make Rava Idli, a savory treat from South India. It's made with seasoned Rava, yogurt, and leavening agents, then steamed to perfection. Enjoy it for breakfast or dinner, alone or with coconut, tomato, or coriander chutney.
Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, urad dal, cumin seeds, curry leaves, green chili, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
Incorporate onions, cook until soft, then add carrots, turmeric powder, and salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
Roast Rava in the mixture for 5-7 minutes until aromatic.
Transfer the roasted Rava to a glass bowl and let it cool.
Add curd, thoroughly mix to remove lumps, cover, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
After resting, add ½ cup of water and mix to form a thick batter.
Finally, add baking soda and mix thoroughly.
To Steam Rava Idli
Grease the idli mold with oil and pour in the Rava idli batter.
Fill an idli pot with water and place the mold filled with batter inside.
Cover the pot with a lid and steam for 7 to 10 minutes.
Remove the idli mold from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, and then use a spoon to gently remove the Rava idlis. Now, they are ready for you to savor and enjoy!
To Serve
Serve the delightful Instant Rava Idli with a side of tomato chutney, coconut chutney, or simply enjoy it on its own.
Notes
Here are some simple tips for perfecting the texture and flavor of your Rava Idli:
Tips for Perfect Texture:
Perfect Rava Prep: To keep your idlis from becoming mushy, roast the Rava until it's golden. This not only improves the texture but also the taste. If you’re in a hurry, pre-roasted Rava from Indian stores is a great shortcut.
Go Natural with Fermentation: Skip the Eno or baking soda. Instead, let your Rava and yogurt mixture sit a little longer—about 15 extra minutes. This helps it naturally rise and become fluffier.
Get the Batter Just Right: Aim for a batter that’s thick enough to hold its shape but still moist. Adjust the water gradually to reach the perfect consistency.
Steam Immediately: Steam your idlis as soon as you mix in the leavening agent to keep them light and fluffy. Waiting too long can lead to denser idlis.
Enhancing Flavor and Variations:
Add Some Veggies: Elevate the nutritional value and flavor by adding finely chopped veggies like carrots, peas, or bell peppers. This not only boosts health but also adds a pop of color.
Explore with Flours: Mix things up by using different flours like oats, quinoa, or finger millet. These flours introduce new flavors and health benefits.
Vegan Options Available: For a vegan version, simply replace the dairy yogurt with a plant-based one like coconut or almond yogurt. This keeps your idlis vegan-friendly without compromising on the moist texture.
Optional Turmeric for Color: Sprinkle in some turmeric for a lovely yellow hue and added antioxidants. If you love the traditional look, feel free to skip it to keep your idlis white.