Rava idli - Semolina Idli

Rava idli is a flavourful idli which can be done instantly and does not require fermentation. Unlike the traditional idlis, this idli is tempered with few spices and cooking soda is added to provide softness to the idlis. Earlier I used to make rava idli with the ready made instant mix available in the market. But once I tried making the dish at home from scratch, I found it more flavourful and easy to make. Even beginners can try this dish with ease.

Rava Idli Recipe

Makes  -  18 idlis

Ingredients

• Rava/Semolina  -  2 cups
• Curd  -  2 cups
• Coriander leaves  -  few, finely chopped
• Cooking soda  -  1 tsp
• Salt  -  as required

To temper

• Mustard  -  1 tsp
• Urad dal  -  1 tsp
• Channa dal  -  1 tsp
• Cashew nuts  -  1 tbsp
• Curry leaves  -  1 sprig
• Asafoetida  -  2 generous pinches
• Ginger  -  small piece, grated
• Oil  -  1.5 tbsp

Method

1. In a pan, add oil and add mustard, urad dal, channa dal, cashew nuts, asafoetida, grated ginger, curry leaves  and saute till the dals change in colour.
2. Add the rava and roast it for few seconds. Do not let the rava change in colour.
3. Allow this mixture to cool down and add curd, salt to make a thick idli batter. Sprinkle few drops of water to ensure the batter consistency is right.
4. Add finely chopped coriander leaves and cooking soda. Immediately after adding soda, you can see tiny bubbles appearing in the batter. This shows that the cooking soda is active.
5. Pour this batter in idli plates and steam them for 5 - 7 minutes. Check with a fork and if it comes clean, the idlis are cooked.
6. Serve with any chutney or sambar of your choice. We had with onion tomato chutney.

Notes

• You can use both fine and coarse variety of rava for preparing this dish.
• Use thick curd for best results. Do not add more water. Curd by itself is sufficient to make the batter. Also this batter should be thicker than our idli batter.
• Grated carrot and finely chopped green chillies can also be added to the dish. If adding, add them before adding rava in the roasting part.
• Do not allow the batter to rest for a long time after cooking soda is added. Also do not store the batter after adding cooking soda.