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I have had this idea of mixing chutney with the idli batter for long time now, especially when we pack idlis while going on a tour/picnic. I used to think that doing so, it's easy clean up and no need to carry extra utensils, but never got to do that until recently. When SunshineMom announced that she is hosting this month's Recipes for the rest of us - Starters event, I decided to try the idli idea. I also got the idea of trying it with different color chutneys.
The idea behind the event is getting newbies interested in cooking, so no exact measurements, complicated steps or special equipments should be used. What can be more easy than preparing chutney and steaming idlis? To make it even simple one can even buy idli batter from the store, prepare chutney spicier than usual, mix it and prepare the idlis. As simple as it is. Any chutney should be fine. For different colors you could use tomatoes, coriander/mint, beets, carrots etc. The only thing is you have to make it spicier so that when mixed with the batter and steamed the spice is right. Anyways I'm giving the measurements and recipe for preparing idly and chutneys.
- Idli batter (homemade or store bought) - As Needed
- Any spicy chutney - As Needed
1 If you are using more than one chutney divide the batter in two or three bowls according to the number of chutneys you are using.
2 Mix each chutney with the batter and combine it well. Taste the batter and check for salt and spice. If it's not spicy enough add some chilli powder or ground green chilies. I added a spicy paruppu podi (dal powder which is mixed with rice) to increase the spiciness.
3 Grease idli moulds with oil/ghee. I spray it with a non stick spray. You could choose to use either mini idli moulds or the regular ones. If you have only the regular size idli moulds, pour the batter, steam it as usual (for 10-15 minutes). After sometime remove the idlis from the moulds and cut each idli into 4 pieces. Mini idlis can be served as it is.
4 Use a toothpick to skewer idlis, one of each color or arrange it in a platter.
1 I had little leftover batter and chutneys the next day. So to the batter I added some rice flour, all purpose flour, semolina and all the chutneys and mixed it with enough water to get a pancake/dosa batter consistency. Then prepared dosas and it tasted so good with all the chutneys and spices together.
- Idli Rava - 2 Cups
- Urad Daal - 1 Cup
- Salt - As Needed
- Sesame oil - 1 Tablespoon
1 Soak urad daal in water for 3-4 hours. You can either soak the idli rava or not. My grandmother used to soak it in lukewarm water. I have tried both methods and have not found any difference in the idlis. After at least 3 hours drain the urad daal, reserving some of the water.
2 If using a wet grinder, switch it on, add ½ cup of the water and let the grinder run. Then slowly add the urad daal. Grind it atleast for 25-30 minutes until it's nice and fluffy.
3 Add the idli rava to the urad daal batter while it's still in the grinder and let the grinder run a couple of minutes more so that everything is combined well.
4 Transfer the batter to a bowl, add salt and the oil and mix it well. Use a big size bowl so that there is enough room for the batter to rise while it ferments. Ferment it for at least 12-15 hours and use it the next day.
1If using rice instead of idli rava, the measurement I follow is 2 cups of par boiled rice, 1 cup of raw rice and ¾th-1 cup of urad daal. Soak the rice together. Soak the urad daal separately. First grind the urad daal as mentioned above and transfer it to the bowl. Then grind the rice to a coarse consistency. It should take only 5-8 minutes if grinding it in a wet grinder. Then mix both the batters, salt and oil and combine it well.
2 I also soak for adai whenever I'm going to grind for idlis. First I grind daal and rice for idlis, transfer the batter and in the same grinder grind for adai. So we have adai for dinner and idli/dosa for the next 2 days. So with extra 10 minutes of work 3-4 days' dinner/breakfast is taken care off. Also less clean up, because you have to wash the grinder only once as against twice if you soak for adai and idlis on two separate days.
- Big Onion - 1
- Red chillies (add 1 or 2 more than the usual) - As Needed
- Tomato (optional, to get the red color) - 1
- Tamarind paste (if not using tomato) - ½ Teaspoon
- Salt - As Needed
I had a dried red chili at home which is not at all spicy but gives only the color. I used that in addition to the spicy chillies to get the red color. So I did not use tomato. Grind everything together to a smooth paste. Usually I fry this chutney in little oil to get rid of the raw smell from onions. I didn't do it this time because anyway I was going to steam it with the idlis.
- Coriander - 1 Bunch
- Green Chillies (add 1 or 2 more than the usual) - As Needed
- Tamarind Paste (or Lemon Juice) - ¼ Teaspoon
- Salt - As Needed
Grind everything together adding little water as needed.
- Coconut - ½ Cup
- Green Chillies (add 1 or 2 more than the usual) - As Needed
- Turmeric Powder - As needed to get the color
- Salt - As Needed
Grind everything together adding little water as needed.
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SunshineMom's Recipes for the rest of us - Starters event. The event originally started by Ramki of One Page Cookbooks.
Trupthi's Cooking for Kids - Rice. The event originally started by Sharmi.
Priya Sriram says
Kids would love these colorful idlis! Great idea Madhu! 🙂
Madhu / Ruchii says
Thats a brilliant idea looks very colourful love the idea of using chutney, you are really very creative. Kids sure love this.
chandani says
very colorful and yummy idlis!! you have a beautiful blog dear..loved your kaju katlis, too!!
Shobana says
Very innovative idea Madhu! Just super!
madhu says
yummo!! madhuram, i wish i was ur neighbor so i can get some samples of these ;).. i would definetly be a good taste tester for u.
Jennifer says
Cool Idea! For pure vegetarians you can use these as 'eggless' easter eggs! 😉
Hi Jennifer, I also thought the same. Actually I have another idea too for eggless easter eggs, hope I'll be able to make it.
Ashwini says
Those look awesome and very tempting...Love the idea of mixing chutneys..very creative.Kids will love eating with all different colors.
Ashwini says
very good idea... never tried it...
Anjali Damerla says
Madhu,
Those are such awesome little idlis!! The color is so vibrant and beautiful.
This idea of yours is so simple and fantastic that I started wondering "Why didn't I think of that???" 🙂
You really are very creative. I like such simple, beautiful and creative ideas.
Trupti says
wow Madhu, those idlis looks very delicious & colorful. Thank you very much for sending these to the event.
Deesha says
Those are really really cute .. I would love to make those sometime .. would make a great starter, perfect party material this is
Laavanya says
What a great idea Madhu - looks so cute and am sure the kids will be delighted too.
suparna says
Hi Mahuram,
I am glad u come out with innovations with idlis 😉 these white beauties get glamourised and taste even better 😎 Thanks for another lovely recipe.
Ur roasted idli's at my place are a big hit 😛
Happy weekend!
TC
Laksh says
A treat for the eyes!!! Trust you to come up with innovative ideas Madhu. Looking forward to seeing you Sunday. If you have the idlis leftover, bring them. :p
Thanks Laksh. I'm also eagerly waiting for Sunday.
jayasree says
Great idea to mix chutney. This is sure to attract kids.
Asha says
So cute!!! I bet your son gobbled those in seconds! 😀
I have a non-stick mini idli stand, used it just once. Love the 1 to 2 proportions for idli too, will try next time. Have a fun weekend! 🙂
mangala bhat says
wow! what colorful treat ..lovely its soo creative ..:) awsome presentation 🙂
sia says
they r so pretty Madhu. I am definately trying this one 🙂
Arundathi says
that's truly imaginative. what a wonderful idea - i always have leftover idli batter and chutney! thanks!
Priya says
Wwoow wat an excellent idea of making colourful idlies Madhu...Thats so genius..