Okra Idli

Hi all,

Hope everyone is enjoying a great week and looking forward to the weekend. I am enjoying misty mornings and chilly evenings in Burgh. Oh.. Winter, please take your own time and come to meet me later. Today’s post is  about a simple yet comforting food – Idlis but with a twist.

I couldn’t imagine as if anyone hates Idli and especially if you are South Indian, by default, you breakfast option will be Idlis. There are varieties of idli like mini idli, sambar idli, vegetable idli, Rava idli etc.  Idli is a comforting food suitable for people of all ages. Idli with sambar is not just the gastronomical delight but it is the most nutritious and healthiest breakfast. Such a healthy breakfast meal followed by a filter Coffee is a true bliss. How about providing an innovative twist to Idli?  Okra Idli is such an innovative version prepared using tender okras. Okras are known as diabetic super food because of their soluble fiber. It keeps your tummy full for a long time and helps to reduce cholesterol. Enjoy healthy version of idli for your breakfast over a cup of coffee

Ingredients

• 3 cup Idli rice
• 1 cup Urad Dhal
• 1 tablespoon Fenugreek seeds
• 15-16 Okras
• 4 Green Chilies
• 1 tablespoon Cumin Seeds
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• Oil/Ghee to grease the molds
• Water, as required for batter

Method:

• Wash idli rice and urad dhal thoroughly with water. Soak rice and urad dhal in water for about 4-5 hours. Soak fenugreek seeds in hot water for about an hour
• After the soaking time, grind idli rice and fenugreek seeds together without adding water.
• Grind urad dhal separately into a fine paste without adding water.
• Combine rice and dhal together. Set aside
• Clean okras and cut them into medium sized pieces
• In a mixer, add chopped okras, cumin seeds, and green chilies. Grind them into a fine paste. Add water if required. Ensure that the batter should not have any pieces of okra.
• Combine okra paste and idli batter together and mix them well
• Ensure they should be blended well together.
• Add salt and leave the batter to ferment for about 8 hours or overnight. If you are living in cold place, place the batter in oven for fermentation
• One could see that the batter has doubled in quantity and raised up after fermentation.
• In the idli pot, add water and bring it to boil over medium heat.
• Meanwhile, grease the idli molds with oil/ghee. Mix the batter well and pour the batter into the idli molds.
• Place the idli plates inside the pot and cook with lid covered for about 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the idli comes out clean.
• Allow the idlis to cool down for a while and then, scrape them out using a spoon from the molds.
• Serve Okra idlis with sambar and tomato chutney. Don’t forget to have filter coffee after your scrumptious breakfast.

If you are looking for such innovative and healthy recipes, then do check out Ragi Idiyappam, Bajra Matar Ki Khichidi

If you try the recipe, do let me know how they tasted in comments. If you like space, do like and follow my profile at here –
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Yours Truly

Karthi