Rava Idly

Everyday food ~ Rava Idly

Vegetables for rava idly

The idli or idly, is a savory dish popular throughout southern India. They are round in shape and are made by steaming a batter consisting of fermented lentils and rice. The variation of rava idly comes from using semolina and it is a much healthier version because it is made from wheat and/or vegetables. Most often rava idly’s are eaten at breakfast or evening tiffin, served with chutney or other accompaniments. Steamed and made with rava and vegetables – what could be more tastier and healthier? I doubt it. They are so easy to make than regular plain idly’s because plain one’s need soaking, fermenting and grinding before cooking them. But these humble rava one’s make use of basic pantry ingredients and takes very less time before it is ready to be served on the table.

Recipe: (Makes about 12 idly’s)
2 cups of rava
2 small aloo finely chopped
1 carrot finely chopped
peas (optional)
1 tsp finely minced or grated ginger
1/2 cup dahi
2 tsp rye (mustard seeds)
2 tsp urad dal
2 tsp channa dal
some dhania finely chopped
1 green chili finely chopped
salt to taste
Oil

Use a couple of tbsp of oil to the rava and mix well. When you take a handful of the mixture in your hand and squeeze them, you should be able to hold the shape of the rava some what. If not, add a little bit more oil. This makes the idly’s come out soft. Keep it aside for about 10 -15 minutes. Add some water to the dahi and make it a butter milk. Heat 1 tbsp oil and add rye, let it splutter. Then add the urad dal, channa dal and until the color turns golden brown. Add this to the rava mixture. Add all the vegetables, ginger, chili and dahi as well and mix it well to get a little thicker than a pouring consistency.

Batter for rava idly

Pour into idli plates and steam it for about 15 – 20 minutes until cooked. Serve hot with coconut chutney or savor as is.

Rava Idly

NOTE: Off late, I dry roast the sooji a little and then follow the exact same recipe. This gives the idli’s a nice color and more grainy texture.