{"id":"209a41c9-512e-4e6e-8413-e7365e728e3e","url":"https://recipestripper.com/recipes/209a41c9-512e-4e6e-8413-e7365e728e3e","source_url":"https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/soft-idli-recipe-using-idli-rava/","title":"Idli Recipe (Idli Batter Recipe with Pro Tips)","description":"Fool proof recipe to make soft & fluffy idlis at home. These steamed cakes are made with fermented lentil & rice batter. This detailed post shares lot of tips & tricks to make the fluffiest idlis. I have shared 2 recipes in this post.","servings":16,"servings_text":"16","prep_time":"PT480M","cook_time":"PT20M","total_time":"PT500M","image_url":"https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/idli-recipe.jpg","ingredients":[{"text":"½ cup urad dal (or skinned black gram)","item":"urad dal","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup","preparation":"or skinned black gram"},{"text":"1 cup idli rice ((or parboiled rice) or (1x- 1 cup + 2 tbsp idli rava))","item":"idli rice ((or parboiled rice) or (1x- 1 cup + 2 tbsp idli rava))","quantity":1,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"2 tablespoon thick poha (Or ½ tsp fenugreek seeds (methi seeds))","item":"thick poha (Or 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds (methi seeds))","quantity":2,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"½ teaspoon Non-iodized salt ((rock salt or pink salt))","item":"Non-iodized salt ((rock salt or pink salt))","quantity":0.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"½ cup chilled water ((2 to 4 tbsps more if required, to grind dal) )","item":"chilled water ((2 to 4 tbsps more if required, to grind dal) )","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"½ cup water ((to grind rice))","item":"water ((to grind rice))","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"½ cup urad dal","item":"urad dal","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"1½ cups idli rice ((or parboiled rice))","item":"idli rice ((or parboiled rice))","quantity":1.5,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"½ teaspoon fenugreek seeds ((methi seeds))","item":"fenugreek seeds ((methi seeds))","quantity":0.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"2 tablespoons thick poha ((flattened rice) (substitute with ¼ tsp methi))","item":"thick poha ((flattened rice) (substitute with 1/4 tsp methi))","quantity":2,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"½ cup chilled water ((2 to 4 tbsps more if required, to grind dal))","item":"chilled water ((2 to 4 tbsps more if required, to grind dal))","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"¾ cup water ((to grind rice))","item":"water ((to grind rice))","quantity":0.75,"unit":"cup"}],"instructions":[{"number":1,"text":"Add urad dal & methi seeds to a bowl.  Add rice or idli rava to another bowl.","section":"Preparation"},{"number":2,"text":"Wash them very well separately until water runs clear. Soak them separately  in lot of water for at least 6 hrs.","section":"Preparation"},{"number":3,"text":"Rinse and soak poha with ¼ cup water for about 30 mins before blending.","section":"Preparation"},{"number":4,"text":"After 6 hours, drain the water from both the bowls.","section":"How to Make Idli Batter"},{"number":5,"text":"Add dal, methi, soaked poha, salt & water to a blender jar or a wet grinder.","section":"How to Make Idli Batter"},{"number":6,"text":"Blend to a thick, smooth, bubbly & frothy batter. The idli batter should not turn hot or even warm as it makes dense idli. If the batter is too thick you may add 2 to 4 tbsps more water while blending.","section":"How to Make Idli Batter"},{"number":7,"text":"If you live in a hot climate then skip adding salt now and add it just before making idli else the batter turns sour. You will have to experiment with salt to know what works well for you.","section":"How to Make Idli Batter"},{"number":8,"text":"Transfer urad dal batter to a large bowl.","section":"How to Make Idli Batter"},{"number":9,"text":"A. If using rice : Add rice to the blender with water (mentioned in the ingredients). Grind to a little coarse batter (semolina texture). Pour this to the dal batter. Mix both of them well with your clean hands. The batter must be thick yet of pouring consistency. B. If using idli rava : Drain off the water thoroughly from the rava. Squeeze excess water from the rava with the help of both your palms. Rava must not look soggy. It must absolutely have no water in it, else the batter will become runny.","section":"How to Make Idli Batter"},{"number":10,"text":"Transfer this to the urad dal batter and mix well.","section":"How to Make Idli Batter"},{"number":11,"text":"Now mix everything well. Use your hand to mix as it helps to ferment faster and better. If needed can add little water, if the batter is too thick.","section":"How to Make Idli Batter"},{"number":12,"text":"Set the batter aside in a warm place for at least 8 to 14 hrs. The batter ferments and rises well to double the quantity. Sometimes it may take up to 18 hours depending on the weather and temperature.","section":"Fermenting Idli Batter"},{"number":13,"text":"If you live in a cold country, keep it in the oven with the light bulb ON. Or preheat the oven to 120 F or 50 C for 10 to 12 mins. Keep the loosely covered batter bowl inside & turn off. If you have a instant pot or microwave (with yogurt function), then you can also turn it ON with the yogurt setting (low) for 6 to 12 hours or until the batter doubles.","section":"Fermenting Idli Batter"},{"number":14,"text":"A well fermented batter will yield good soft idli. The batter must rise and look fluffy but not turn sour. You will need to experiment to know the fermentation time.","section":"Fermenting Idli Batter"},{"number":15,"text":"On a high flame, bring water to a boil in an idly steamer or a pressure cooker. If using instant pot, pour 1½ cups water to your inner pot. Press the saute button and bring the water to a rolling boil.","section":"How to Make Idli"},{"number":16,"text":"Meanwhile grease your idly plates lightly. Mix the idli batter gently 1 to 2 times only. Do not over do as the aerated batter will turn flat. Fill the molds with batter.","section":"How to Make Idli"},{"number":17,"text":"When the water begins to bubble and steam up, place the stand in the steamer. Cover and steam for exactly 10 mins on a high flame. If using Instant pot, when the water begins to boil,   press CANCEL button. Keep the idli stand in the IP. Cover with the lid & position the steam release handle to venting . Then press STEAM button. Use an external timer to monitor & steam for 10 to 12 mins.","section":"How to Make Idli"},{"number":18,"text":"Once done turn off and wait for 2 mins. Remove the idly stand. Set aside to cool down for 2 to 3 mins. When cooled, the idli must not be wet on top.","section":"How to Make Idli"},{"number":19,"text":"With the help of a spoon remove the idlis to a plate. Serve idli with a chutney or sambar.","section":"How to Make Idli"}],"date_published":"2026-10-29T23:55:41.625079+00:00","date_modified":"2026-10-29T23:55:41.625079+00:00"}