Making idli in a microwave oven is a quick and convenient way to prepare this traditional South Indian dish. Microwave idli is a steamed version, and while it may not have the same texture as the traditional steamed idli, it is still a tasty and easy alternative. Here's a simple microwave idli recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup idli rice or regular rice
- 1/4 cup urad dal (split black gram)
- 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Water for soaking and grinding
Instructions:
Rinse the rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds (if using) separately in water until the water runs clear. Soak them in water in separate bowls for about 4 to 6 hours. The urad dal and fenugreek seeds need to be soaked together, while the rice should be soaked separately.
After soaking, drain the water from both the rice and urad dal.
Grind the soaked urad dal and fenugreek seeds together in a blender or wet grinder. Add water as needed to make a smooth and fluffy batter. The consistency should be similar to a pancake batter.
Next, grind the soaked rice, adding water as needed, to make a slightly coarse batter. The rice batter should have a texture similar to semolina (rava).
Mix the urad dal batter and rice batter together in a large bowl. Add salt and mix well. The combined batter should be well blended.
Cover the bowl with a lid or a plate and let the batter ferment in a warm place for 6 to 8 hours or until it doubles in volume. Fermentation is crucial for the idli to become soft and fluffy. If the weather is cold, you can preheat the microwave for a few minutes, turn it off, and then place the batter inside to aid fermentation.
Once the batter has fermented, give it a gentle stir. Now, you can prepare the idlis in the microwave.
Grease the idli plates or microwave-safe idli molds with a little oil or cooking spray.
Pour the idli batter into each cavity of the idli plates, filling them about three-quarters full. This allows space for the idlis to rise.
Place the idli plates in the microwave. You can microwave them in batches if needed.
Microwave the idlis on high power for 2-3 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the microwave's power and the thickness of the idlis.
After the cooking time, check the idlis by inserting a toothpick or a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, the idlis are done. If not, you can microwave them for another 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Carefully remove the hot idli plates from the microwave using oven mitts or kitchen towels.
Allow the idlis to cool for a minute or two before gently removing them from the molds using a spoon or a silicone spatula.
Your microwave idlis are now ready to be served. Enjoy them hot with coconut chutney, sambar, or any other accompaniment of your choice.