Idli – this white as snow and fluffy delicacy belongs to the southern states of India. Made by, fermenting a ground batter of black lentils and half boiled rice, and steaming them into circular molds, this is one dish that has not only won the popularity award but also the healthy diet award. Each plain idli has approximately 39 calories, 2 grams protein, 2 grams dietary fiber, 8 grams carbohydrates and no fat.
As I child I remember my “Amma” grinding a whole vessel full of the batter, in an old fashioned grinder. The grinder in itself was a one of a kind home appliance, occupying an enormous amount of space at home. The stone that would grind the batter in the grinder would weigh a ton. I remember “amma measuring, soaking and grinding the batter with perfection. She would put just the right amount of water to make sure the batter was of the right consistency. This would render the right texture to the idlis. Her final task would be to clean the enormous grinder! Phew!!!
At least once a week my tiffin to school would be these fluffy idlis topped with a special powder that was made out of roasted lentils and red chillie. I remember my friends going gaga over it. When I moved out on my own, I realized the first thing I missed were my Idlis in the morning.
But like all other things in our present day life, batters are more easily available in the market and the giant sized grinder has metamorphosed into sleeker kitchen appliances. And what more the white fluffy Idlis in hotels too have newer innovations. Heard of Schezwan Idlis? Or how about Idli Manchurian? Hmmm or may be Idli Tikkas?
But despite all these newer versions, for me what always stands in the numero uno position is a breakfast of steaming hot fluffy idlis, with a bowl of sambhar and piping hot filter kaapi!!!!
This is a part of my journey exploring 26 lesser known shades of a country called India, with the #AtoZChallenge 2016!!!
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Categories: Relationships, Travel Footnotes
Tags: Filter Kaapi, Idli, Sambhar
Agree…. And my mouth is watering…i love idli:)
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Ah! Yummy :0
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Although I didn’t grow up eating idlis, they are now a regular fare at our home and filter coffee too. I tell my husband I can eat idlis every day of the year and not get fed up of them!
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Absolutely true! Though I despised this dish in my childhood as it was a weekly feature, as I got more settled into married life with kids, I realized its immense value in terms of being nutritious, filling and time-saving!
@KalaRavi16 from
Relax-N-Rave
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I had made idlis yesterday and almost wrote a post about the same. Nothing, absolutely nothing can beat the hearty feeling and taste after eating idlis.
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As my Maternal grandma is from Hyderabad … we as kids have spent each and every summer vacation there.. watching all idli sambhar stalls.. and cooking at home..with the stone grinder fixed inside a corner of the kitchen..
reading your article.. my mind wandered in my childhood once again.. n now my stomach is growling for hot steaming idlis..
http://serendipityofdreams.blogspot.in/2016/04/into-woods.html
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I love idly sambhar very much ☺☺
Recently I made it alone for a group of 100 people alone I’m a challenge .
Good to know its health benefits .
I never had Kaapi with it will try soon.
@dixita011 from
Cafenined words
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I am hungry now. tempting. Thanks for sharing.
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I love idlis too and in all their varities
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We used to get Tirupati idlis in Mangalore.
They were these small set of 6 idlis already pre-dunked in sambhar and served. Yummy stuff
My Entry for the #AtoZChallenge –
Tv Shows: I – Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia
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Childhood dishes leave such a lasting mark… enjoyed reading
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Last weekend I made Idly for the first time with a home made batter and I made a mess!! My dosas are better though!
Tina from Twinkling Tina Cooks
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ohh My mom used to prepare idlis as sunday special. I absolutely love this fluffy dish😀
A Whimsical Medley
Twinkle Eyed Traveller
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Idli sambhar, dosa, vada, all of them.. I love to the core
Cheers
Geets
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Yum. Love idlis dosas especially along with filter kapi. Lovely post
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