Idli (Fermented Rice Cake)
Fluffy, tender and slightly tangy, idli is a South Indian breakfast staple. The wild fermentation of idli rice, along with urad dal and fenugreek seeds, makes for nutrient-rich and protein-packed steamed rice cakes. The addition of poha (flattened rice flakes) ensures that the idlis turn out soft and fluffy. Use an Indian wet grinder or a blender to grind the ingredients, along with their yeast-rich soaking water, into a thick paste. For the right texture and requisite tangy flavor, the batter needs up to 24 hours to ferment. (In colder climates, you might need to soak the ingredients longer; in the hotter ones, you might need less time to ferment.) The fermented batter will keep, covered, in the fridge for up to 5 days, so you can whip up idlis as you like. To steam the rice cakes, you’ll need an idli stand. (They’re available at Indian markets and online, as are the ingredients.) Serve idlis with coconut chutney and sambar, or any chutneys you like, such as mango-tamarind, cranberry
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