Go Back
Soft homemade idlis garnished with herbs and spices served on a steel plate

Soft & Fluffy Idli Recipe – Classic South Indian Vegetarian Dish

Chef Enzo, an Italian-American cuisine expert from Eat Every Slice, smiling while enjoying a plate of homemade pasta garnished with fresh basil.Enzo R.
Idli is a cherished South Indian delicacy, fluffy rice cakes enjoyed with chutneys and sambar, perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 45 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine South Indian
Servings 16 servings
Calories 39 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the batter

  • 2 cups parboiled rice Use regular rice as a substitute for a different texture.
  • 1 cup split urad dal (black gram)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Soak the parboiled rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds in water for 6-8 hours.
  • Drain the soaked ingredients and blend them together, adding water as needed to form a smooth batter.
  • Ferment the batter overnight or for about 8-12 hours until it doubles in size.
  • Once fermented, add salt to the batter.
  • Grease the idli molds and pour the batter into them.
  • Steam the idlis for about 10-15 minutes until they are cooked through.
  • Serve hot with chutney and sambar.

Notes

Store idlis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Steam leftover idlis for 5 minutes to restore softness.
Keyword breakfast recipe, fluffy rice cakes, Idli, traditional dish, vegetarian