Homemade Soft Idli Recipe - Steamed Rice and Lentil Cake

Step 1: To begin making soft homemade idli, we will first make the idli batter

Step 2: Soak the rice in water, such that the all the rice is completely immersed in water

Step 3: Let it soak for about 6 hours

Step 4: Soak the urad dal and fenugreek in water such that all of the dal is completely immersed in water

Step 5: Let it soak for about 6 hours

Step 6: First grind the urad dal into a fine smooth batter

Step 7: While grinding add just enough water to make it into a very very smooth batter

Step 8: The batter will look fluffy

Step 9: Pour this batter into a large container

Step 10: Grind the rice into a smooth paste, adding just the required amount of water to grind into a almost smooth batter

Step 11: Adding too much water will make the dosa batter too watery

Step 12: If required grind a little at a time to get a almost smooth batter

Step 13: The rice batter is a little coarser, but the urad dal batter is super smooth

Step 14: Combine the urad and rice batter, add salt to taste and set aside for at least 12 hours or overnight until the batter ferments

Step 15: You will notice the batter would have risen in volume

Step 16: Hence you should place the batter in a large container so it has enough room to increase in its volume

Step 17: To make the idlisGrease the idli molds with a little sesame oil

Step 18: This process is purely optional

Step 19: I like to do this as it adds to the flavor of the idli’s

Step 20: Pour spoonfuls of the batter into these moulds

Step 21: Do make sure you fill the idli batter only half way through as they will rise up to the top when steamed

Step 22: Once all the plates are filled, place the filled idli racks one above the other making sure the holes are facing the filled portion

Step 23: Prepare the idli steamer with a little water in the bottom

Step 24: Place the filled idli racks in the steamer

Step 25: Place the steamer on high heat and steam the idli’s for 10 minutes

Step 26: After 10 minutes of steaming, turn off the heat

Step 27: Open the steamer and insert a knife or a pick to test whether the idli's are cooked

Step 28: If nothing sticks then the idlis are perfectly steamed

Step 29: Now you can remove the idli’s from the steamer

Step 30: Have a small bowl filled with water

Step 31: Dip a spoon in the water and then scoop the idli's out starting from the edges

Step 32: Dipping the spoon in water helps in the easy removal of idli from the plates

Step 33: The wholesome homemade soft idli are now ready to be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner

Step 34: Serve Classic Homemade Soft Idli with Coconut Chutney, Thakkali Vengayam Sambar, Idli Milagai Podi & Filter Coffee for a delicious breakfast at home