How to Make Soft and Fluffy Idlis Every Time | Easy Homemade Batter Method
The ultimate South Indian breakfast: soft, fluffy, and light — perfect with sambar or chutney.
This easy how homemade recipe shows you how to prepare idli batter from scratch and steam perfectly soft idlis every time. Lets start
🧾 Ingredients for Batter:
- 2 cups idli rice (or parboiled rice)
- ½ cup whole urad dal (preferably skinned)
- 1 tsp fenugreek seeds (methi)
- Water (for soaking & grinding)
- Salt to taste
⏱ Step 1: Soaking
Rinse the rice 2–3 times and soak in enough water for 4 to 6 hours. Rinse urad dal and fenugreek seeds and soak separately for 4–6 hours.
Tip: Soaking separately gives the best texture for grinding.
🌀 Step 2: Grinding
Grind urad dal + fenugreek until fluffy. Grind rice until slightly grainy. Mix both pastes together in a large bowl. Add salt if desired.
Tip: Use cold water to prevent batter from heating up while grinding.
🌡 Step 3: Fermentation
Cover the bowl and let ferment in a warm place for 8–12 hours. Batter should rise and have a light sour aroma.
Tip: In cold regions, keep batter in an oven with light on or wrap it in a warm cloth.
🥘 Ingredients for Steaming:
- Fermented idli batter
- Water (for steaming)
- Oil or ghee to grease moulds
Step 1: Preheat Steamer
Add water to a steamer or cooker and bring it to a gentle boil.
Step 2: Grease and Pour
Lightly grease idli moulds. Pour batter into each cavity (¾ full).
Step 3: Steam the Idlis
Steam for 10–12 minutes. Avoid placing a whistle on the cooker lid. Test with a toothpick — it should come out clean.
Step 4: Cool & Serve
Let idlis cool for 2–3 minutes before removing with a wet spoon. Serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar.
✅ Pro Tips:
- Use whole urad dal for better fluff.
- Add poha or cooked rice to the batter for softer idlis.
- Let store-bought batter rest at room temperature before steaming.
Tags: #IdliRecipe #HomemadeIdli #SouthIndianFood #IdliBatter #BreakfastRecipe #VegetarianRecipe #HealthyEating #GlutenFree #ComfortFood
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