RAVA IDLI

Idlis are a favorite in our household. But they tend to be hard work what with all the soaking, grinding, cleaning the grinder, mixing, fermenting that is involved. Rava idli is the quicker, easier solution to satisfy a sudden attack of idli craving.


I have to admit that I was not a big fan of rava idli growing up but nevertheless I always keep a few packets of the instant mix in the pantry handy at all times as they make a quick breakfast or snack. I decided to try making rava idlis from scratch and guess what? They were really easy to make and came out just as good (actually some friends claimed better than) the instant rava idli mix. And I have to agree as I actually enjoyed them. Infact they were so good that I decided to make 170 for the VaraLakshmi Haldo kumkum :) For all my friends who wanted the recipe, here is how I made it.

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups rava (coarse sooji)
1 ½ cup yogurt
1 tbsp cashew nuts chopped and toasted
1 tsp udad dal
¾ tsp channa dal
½ tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp of green chillies and ginger paste
Sprig of curry leaves chopped
1 tbsp green beans thinly sliced (optional)
1 tbsp grated carrots
1 tbsp grated coconut
Chopped cilantro
Pinch of asafoetida
¾ tsp Eno fruit salt
Salt
1 tsp oil

Heat oil and add the dals, mustard seeds and hing. When the mustard splutters, add the cashews, curry leaves.

Add the sooji and fry on medium heat for 8- 10 minutes stirring constantly. Turn off the heat when the rava starts to get golden streaks when stirring. Let cool.
Mix the ginger chilli paste, coriander and salt into the yogurt in a large bowl. Add the cooled rava and enough water and mix well to make a smooth batter. Add the Eno fruit salt and mix well. The batter will turn a little frothy as it should.

Heat a large pot (of cooker) with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Grease the idli molds and place tiny amounts of coconut, beans and carrots in each mold. Spoon in the idli batter into the molds and place them in the cooker and steam on medium high for 10 mnts. The yummy healthy rava idlis are ready!