How to Make Idli Batter | 6 Steps To A Perfect Idli Batter | Masterchefmom

 Hi Supermoms,

One of the most frequent questions I get are queries regarding idli batter that I grind regularly.

Though I have shared detailed blogposts earlier... today,  I have tried to break down the entire process into simple steps that every one can understand easily. 

I hope this post will help beginners as well as those who love soft and fluffy idlis and are always in the quest to improve their idli making skills. 

Making Perfect Fluffy and Soft Idli is in fact an 'Art'.

I had shared a detailed Idli Special post many years ago. Do check it out here.

6 Steps To a Perfect Idli Batter 

Making a perfect “batter” at home for pillowy soft idli  involves six important steps :

 

Step 1 - Washing Rice

 

Ensure you wash both Rice and Dal multiple times as mentioned below:

 

Take a vessel  and wash :

 4 cups of Idli Rice 

Step 2– Washing Dal

  

In another vessel, wash together:

- 1 cup urad dal/ husked black gram

- 3/4 tsp fenugreek seeds

 

Step 3– Soaking Right

 

- Soak the washed rice and Urad Dal mixture  

- Important tip: When you soak the rice and dal , you should be able to see the dal and rice clearly through the water.

- Soak them overnight or for minimum of 4 hours.

 

Step 4 –Grinding Urad Dal

 

- Grind both Rice mixture and Urad Dal separately. 

Grind Urad dal by adding little water at a time and till the dal turns light and fluffy. In a stone grinder grinder Urad dal takes around 40-45 minutes.

Step 5–Grinding Rice

Grind Rice by adding little water at a time. Some like to grind rice coarsely and some smoothly. I like to grind it to an almost smooth paste like consistency. You can add 1/2-1 glass of water while transferring the ground rice mixture if it is too thick. 

 

Step 6 – Mixing Right

 

- Transfer the ground urad dal batter and rice batter into a large vessel.

- Add sea salt ( or regular salt) - 1.5 tsp ( you can adjust later if required) and 2 tsp sesame oil. Adding sesame oil is optional. It enhances the taste of the idlis.

- Mix the batter using your hand for at least 3-4 minutes. This is a very important step.

- Once you have mixed well , cover and allow it to rest for 6-8 hours. It will take longer in colder climates and only 3-4 hours during summer.

 Chef tip: I cover the vessel completely with a Stoll or a shawl in colder months.

 

After the resting time, the batter would have risen beautifully. Your perfect idli batter is now ready!!

 

Hope these steps are helpful .

Do check out the detailed video below:

If you find the video useful, do share it with your friends and family . 

Also, do try out the idli batter recipe with all the tips I have shared. You and your family are sure to enjoy softest and tastiest idlies. 

And don't forget to share their feedback with me.

 You can also try out this tasty Tiffin Sambar with your idli

For all the coconut chutney lovers, try these two coconut chutney recipes

Happy Cooking!

With love,

Masterchefmom