How To Steam Idli In Steamer

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Introduction

Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to steam idlis in a steamer. Idlis are a popular South Indian dish made from fermented rice and lentil batter. They are not only delicious but also healthy and versatile, making them a perfect meal or snack option for anyone.

Steaming idlis in a steamer is a traditional and foolproof method to achieve soft and fluffy idlis. It allows the idlis to cook evenly without losing their shape or texture. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of steaming idlis perfectly every time.

Before we dive into the details, let’s take a look at the essential equipment and ingredients you will need:

Equipment and Ingredients

• Steamer: You will need a steamer to cook the idlis. It can be a stainless steel steamer or an electric steamer specifically designed for idli making.
• Idli molds: These are special molds used to shape the idlis. They are usually made of stainless steel or silicone and come in various sizes and shapes.
• Idli batter: You can either make your own idli batter using rice and lentils or purchase pre-made idli batter from the store. The fermented batter is key to achieving soft and fluffy idlis.
• Water: Sufficient water is needed to generate steam in the steamer and cook the idlis.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is added to the idli batter for flavor.

Now that you have gathered all the necessary equipment and ingredients, let’s move on to the next step: preparing the steamer.

Equipment and Ingredients

To steam idlis, you will need a few essential equipment and ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at each one:

Steamer

The steamer is the primary cooking vessel used to steam the idlis. You can choose between a traditional stovetop steamer or an electric steamer specifically designed for idli making. The steamer should have enough space to accommodate the idli molds comfortably.

Idli Molds

Idli molds are specially designed containers used to shape the idlis. They come in various sizes and shapes, but the most common ones are round and rectangular. Idli molds are typically made of stainless steel or silicone, which helps in easy removal of the idlis once cooked.

Idli Batter

The key ingredient for making idlis is the idli batter. The batter is typically made from a combination of soaked and ground rice and lentils. Fermentation is a crucial step in the idli batter preparation process as it adds a tangy flavor to the idlis and makes them light and fluffy. You can make the idli batter at home using a traditional recipe, or you can purchase pre-made idli batter from the store for convenience.

Water

Water is essential in the steaming process as it generates steam that cooks the idlis. You will need enough water to fill the steamer and create a steam environment to cook the idlis thoroughly.

Salt

A pinch of salt is added to the idli batter for flavor. Salt also aids in fermentation and enhances the overall taste of the idlis.

Now that you have a clear understanding of the equipment and ingredients needed, you are ready to proceed with the process of steaming idlis. But before that, it’s important to prepare the steamer for cooking. Let’s move on to the next step: preparing the steamer.

Preparing the Steamer

Before you start steaming your idlis, you need to prepare the steamer. Follow these simple steps:

Filling the steamer with water

The first step is to fill the steamer with water. The amount of water you need will depend on the capacity of your steamer and the number of idlis you are planning to steam. It’s important to add enough water to create steam that will cook the idlis thoroughly. However, make sure not to overfill the steamer, as it may overflow during the steaming process.

Placing the steamer on the stove

Next, place the filled steamer on the stove. Make sure to choose a burner that matches the size of the steamer. If you are using a traditional stovetop steamer, ensure that the burner is at a medium heat setting. If you are using an electric steamer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preheating.

Bringing the water to a boil

Once the steamer is on the stove, turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil. It may take a few minutes for the water to come to a rolling boil, depending on the quantity of water and the power of your stove. You can cover the steamer with its lid while waiting for the water to boil. Bringing the water to a boil ensures that there is enough steam inside the steamer to cook the idlis evenly.

Now that your steamer is prepared and the water is boiling, you are ready to move on to the next step: preparing the idli molds.

Preparing the Idli Molds

Now that your steamer is ready, it’s time to prepare the idli molds. Follow these steps to ensure your idlis come out perfectly:

Greasing the idli molds

Start by greasing the idli molds lightly with cooking oil or ghee. This step is crucial to prevent the idlis from sticking to the molds during the steaming process. You can use a pastry brush or your fingertips to evenly spread a thin layer of oil or ghee on the inner surfaces of each mold. Make sure to coat the bottom and sides of the molds thoroughly.

Pouring the idli batter into the molds

Once the molds are greased, it’s time to pour the idli batter into each mold. Using a ladle or a spoon, fill each mold with the idli batter, leaving a little room at the top for the idlis to expand during the steaming process. Make sure to fill each mold evenly to ensure consistent cooking of the idlis.

Now that your idli molds are prepared and filled with the batter, it’s time to steam your idlis. Place the idli molds into the steamer and cover it with a lid. The steam will cook the idlis to perfection. Let’s move on to the next step: steaming the idlis.

Steaming the Idlis

Now that your idli molds are filled with the batter, it’s time to steam the idlis. Follow these steps to ensure perfectly steamed idlis:

Placing the idli molds in the steamer

Gently place the filled idli molds into the steamer. Make sure to leave a little space in between each mold so that the steam can circulate freely and cook the idlis evenly. You can stack multiple molds on top of each other if your steamer allows it. However, ensure that you have enough space between the top of the molds and the steamer lid to accommodate the expansion of the idlis.

Covering the steamer with a lid

Once the idli molds are placed in the steamer, cover the steamer with its lid. This is crucial to trap the steam inside and create an ideal cooking environment for the idlis. The lid should fit tightly to prevent the steam from escaping during the steaming process.

Allowing the idlis to steam for a specific time

The steaming time for idlis can vary depending on factors such as the size of the idli molds, the thickness of the batter, and the type of steamer used. As a general guideline, allow the idlis to steam for about 10 to 15 minutes. However, it’s best to refer to the instructions provided with your specific idli recipe or steamer for the recommended steaming time.

While the idlis are steaming, avoid opening the steamer unnecessarily. Opening the steamer can cause a significant drop in temperature and disrupt the cooking process. Only check for doneness when the recommended steaming time is near completion.

Now that your idlis are steaming away, it’s time to move on to the next step: checking for doneness to ensure the idlis are perfectly cooked.

Checking for Doneness

Once the recommended steaming time is nearing completion, it’s important to check if the idlis are cooked to perfection. Here are two simple methods to check for doneness:

Inserting a toothpick or knife into the idlis

To check if the idlis are cooked, gently insert a toothpick or a knife into the center of one idli. If it comes out clean, without any batter sticking to it, it means the idlis are cooked. However, if you notice any wet batter sticking to the toothpick or knife, steam the idlis for a few more minutes before checking again. Repeat this process until the toothpick or knife comes out clean.

Observing the texture and color of the idlis

Another way to determine if the idlis are done is by observing their texture and color. Cooked idlis will be light, fluffy, and uniformly cooked throughout. They should have a spongy texture and a slightly pale color. If the idlis appear dense, undercooked, or have a raw batter-like texture, they need additional steaming time. In this case, cover the steamer and steam the idlis for a few more minutes until they reach the desired texture.

Remember, the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the idlis, as well as the type of batter and steamer used. It’s always best to follow the specific recipe instructions or guidelines mentioned for your idli preparation.

Once you are satisfied with the texture and doneness of the idlis, it’s time to remove them from the steamer. Let’s move on to the next step: removing the idlis from the molds.

Removing the Idlis

Now that your idlis are perfectly cooked, it’s time to remove them from the molds. Follow these simple steps:

Turning off the stove

First, turn off the stove or heat source that was used to steam the idlis. This will ensure that the steamer cools down and is safe to handle.

Letting the idlis cool down slightly

After turning off the stove, let the idlis cool down inside the steamer for a few minutes. This will make them easier to handle and reduce the risk of burning yourself while removing them from the molds.

Removing the idlis from the molds using a spoon or knife

Once the idlis have cooled down slightly, it’s time to remove them from the molds. You can use a spoon or a knife to gently loosen the edges of the idlis from the mold. Then, carefully lift each idli from the mold and transfer it to a serving plate or tray.

Depending on the type of idli mold you are using, the idlis may come out easily without any sticking. However, if you encounter any difficulty in removing the idlis, you can lightly grease the spoon or knife with oil or ghee to make the process smoother. Be gentle while removing the idlis to maintain their shape and texture.

Now that your idlis are beautifully removed from the molds, it’s time to serve and enjoy them. Let’s move on to the final step: serving and enjoying your steamed idlis.

Serving and Enjoying

Now that your idlis are steamed to perfection and removed from the molds, it’s time to serve and enjoy them. Here’s how:

Transferring the steamed idlis to a serving plate

Gently transfer the steamed idlis from the molds to a serving plate using a spatula or your hands. Arrange them neatly on the plate, ensuring they remain intact and keep their fluffy texture.

Serving with chutney, sambar, or other accompaniments

Idlis are delicious on their own, but they are traditionally served with various accompaniments that enhance their flavor. Popular choices include coconut chutney, sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew), tomato chutney, or mint chutney. You can also serve idlis with other side dishes like peanut chutney, coriander chutney, or spicy tomato-onion chutney.

To enjoy your idlis, simply dip each idli in the chutney or sambar, or use a spoon to pour the accompaniments over the idlis. The soft and spongy texture of the idlis perfectly complements the tangy, spicy, and flavorful chutneys and sambars.

Alternatively, you can explore creative ways to serve idlis. For example, you can temper them with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and spices to create a tasty tadka idli. You can also experiment with stuffing the idlis with a spicy filling or adding grated carrots, peas, or other vegetables to the idli batter for added nutrition and flavor.

Remember to serve your idlis fresh and hot for the best taste and texture. They are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a snack any time of the day.

Now that you know how to steam idlis in a steamer and serve them with delicious accompaniments, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge into practice. Enjoy the delightful and wholesome flavors of homemade steamed idlis!

Happy cooking and happy eating!

Conclusion

Steaming idlis in a steamer is a traditional and foolproof method to achieve soft, fluffy, and delicious idlis. With the right equipment, ingredients, and techniques, you can easily master the art of making steamed idlis at home.

In this comprehensive guide, we covered everything you need to know to steam idlis perfectly. From preparing the steamer and idli molds to steaming the idlis and checking for doneness, each step was explained in detail. We also explored the importance of greasing the molds, removing the idlis, and serving them with delectable chutneys and sambars.

Remember to pay attention to the details, such as the quality of the idli batter, the consistency of the steam, and the cooking time. These factors can greatly impact the final outcome of your idlis.

Making steamed idlis at home allows you to enjoy the authentic flavors and textures of this popular South Indian dish. Whether you serve them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a snack, idlis are versatile and can be paired with a variety of delicious accompaniments to suit your taste.

Now that you have all the knowledge and guidance you need, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and start steaming those idlis. Experiment with different flavors, fillings, and accompaniments to create your perfect idli experience.

Enjoy the process of making idlis from scratch and savor the satisfaction of creating a wholesome and nourishing dish for yourself and your loved ones. Happy cooking and happy eating!