9 Idli Recipes that You Must Try in Your Kitchen

Idli is undoubtedly one of the healthiest breakfasts in the world. It has the goodness of whole grains and is rich in proteins and minerals. Combining it with sambar or chutney makes it a complete, satisfying meal. In addition, idlis are steamed, which makes them light and healthy.

Idlis have traditionally been made with rice and Urad Dal lentils. However, they can also be made with various other ingredients, such as millet and semolina.

Equipment Needed to make Idlis:

An Idli Steamer with Idli Plates is a must for making Idlis. It is a container with a lid. You fill it with a few glasses of water and let it boil. Then, you place the idli stand with idli plates (filled with idli batter), cover it, and steam the idlis. It looks like this:

In Germany, you can buy Idli steamers on Amazon.de or from big Indian shops.

Alternatively, just buy an idli stand with plates and place them in your cooking pot. In this case, you use your cooking pot as the steamer. This combination looks like this:

You can also use different moulds to make idli; for example, apart from the regular idlis, you can make mini idlis or Thatte Idlis. The moulds for these look like this:

Now, let me share my 9 tried-and-tested Idli recipes. They are easy to make and are a must-try if you are looking for a healthy vegetarian breakfast recipe.

1. Rice and Urad Dal Idli ( Traditional Recipe):
   
   
   
   In this recipe, rice and urad dal are soaked, ground and fermented overnight. The following day, the batter is steamed in an Idli Steamer. Check out the detailed recipe here.
   
2. Rice Rava and Urad Dal Idli:
   
   
   
   This recipe is easier than the first recipe as the rice is replaced by rice rava (coarsely ground rice). Due to the use of rice rawa, the grinding of the rice grains is completely avoided in this recipe. The idlis are also a bit grainy. Check out the detailed recipe here.
   
3. Rava Idli (made with Semolina):
   
   
   
   This is an instant Idli recipe. It doesn’t require any soaking or fermenting. Also, wheat semolina is used instead of rice. These soft idlis can be made in under 30 minutes. This is my go-to recipe when I haven’t planned anything for breakfast and want to make something quick and delicious. Read the recipe here.
   
4. Oats and Semolina Idli:
   
   
   
   This instant idli recipe combines Oats and semolina to make soft, fluffy idlis. If you like including varieties of grains in your meals, you must try this recipe. Read the detailed recipe here.
   
5. Quinoa, Rice and Urad Dal Idli:
   
   
   
   This recipe combines rice, quinoa, and urad dal. The grains are soaked and fermented overnight, and the batter is steamed the next day. These idlis are slightly sweet and have a unique taste and flavour. Check out the recipe here.
   
6. Foxtail Millet & Urad Dal Idli:
   
   
   
   This high-protein and high-fiber Idli is made with Foxtail Millet and Urad Dal. The grains are soaked, ground, and fermented overnight. Check out the recipe for these wholesome idlis here.
   
7. Rava Soyabean Idli
   
   
   
   This is yet another instant Idli recipe. Soybeans and Semolina are combined to make soft and fluffy idlis. If you are looking for a protein-rich idli recipe, look no further. Read the detailed recipe here.
   
8. Ragi idli:
   
   
   
   These Idlis are made using a fermented batter with Finger Millet and Urad Dal. Finger millet is rich in calcium, and this idli is perfect for growing children and ageing people. Check out the recipe here.
   
9. Fortified Rava Idli:
   
   
   
   This is an instant Idli recipe. Flax seeds and wheat bran added to semolina make these idlis nutrient-dense and fibre-rich. Check out the recipe here.
   

All these idlis can be served with Chutney and/or sambar. Check out these 12 Chutney recipes and the recipes for Bangalore Style Instant Sambar, Radish and Shallots Sambar, and Mixed Veg Sambar.

Check out more recipes from my kitchen here.

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