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December 10, 2024
Idli, a popular South Indian breakfast dish, is made from fermented rice and lentil batter. Traditionally, idlis are steamed using a special utensil called an idli cooker. This cylindrical-shaped stainless steel or aluminum cooker is designed to steam idlis evenly and quickly. If you’re new to using an idli cooker, don’t worry! It’s easy to use and with a few simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy soft and spongy idlis in no time.
Step 1: Preparing the Batter
Before using the idli cooker, you need to prepare the idli batter. Soak equal proportions of rice and urad dal (lentils) separately for at least 4-5 hours. After soaking, grind the rice and lentils separately to a smooth consistency using a wet grinder or a blender. Mix the ground rice and lentils together, add salt to taste, and let the batter ferment overnight or for a minimum of 6-8 hours.
Step 2: Preparing the Idli Cooker
Fill the idli cooker with 2-3 cups of water, making sure not to exceed the maximum level indicated inside the cooker. Place the idli stand/racks inside the cooker. The idli stand/racks usually come with 4-6 molds to hold the idli batter. Grease the molds with oil or ghee to prevent the idlis from sticking.
Step 3: Steaming the Idlis
Once the idli cooker is prepared, pour the idli batter into the greased molds, filling them up to 3/4th of their capacity. This allows the idlis to rise and expand during steaming. Carefully place the filled idli molds on the idli stand/racks inside the cooker. Close the lid tightly to prevent steam from escaping.
Note: Some idli cookers come with a whistle on the lid. If your cooker has a whistle, make sure to remove it or keep it in the open position while steaming the idlis.
Step 4: Steaming Time
Place the idli cooker on the stove over medium heat. Allow the idlis to steam for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid opening the cooker frequently to check on the idlis, as it may affect the steaming process and result in flat idlis.
Once the idlis are cooked, turn off the heat and let them cool slightly. Use a spoon or a flat spatula to carefully remove the idlis from the molds. Serve hot with coconut chutney, sambar, or any other accompaniment of your choice.
Now that you know how to use an idli cooker, you can easily make delicious and healthy idlis at home. Experiment with different variations like adding vegetables or spices to the batter to create your own unique idli recipes. Enjoy your homemade idlis whenever you crave a taste of South India!
What is an Idli cooker?
An Idli cooker, also known as an Idli pot or Idli steamer, is a traditional Indian cooking utensil used to prepare a popular South Indian dish called Idli. Idli is a type of savory rice cake that is soft, fluffy, and delicious. It is typically served for breakfast or as a snack.
The Idli cooker consists of two parts: a large, cylindrical pot and a separate, smaller pot with perforations or cavities. The larger pot is filled with water, which is then heated to create steam. The smaller pot, known as an Idli plate or mould, is placed inside the larger pot and filled with the Idli batter. The perforations or cavities in the Idli plate allow the steam to penetrate and cook the batter, resulting in perfectly shaped and cooked Idlis.
Traditionally, Idli cookers are made of either aluminum or stainless steel. They usually come with a tight-fitting lid to ensure that the steam does not escape during the cooking process. Some modern versions of Idli cookers also come with non-stick coatings, making it easier to remove the cooked Idlis from the plates without sticking.
The cooking process in an Idli cooker is relatively simple. Once the Idli batter is prepared, it is poured into the greased Idli plate or mould. The Idli plate is then placed inside the larger pot, which is filled with water. The lid is closed, and the pot is heated on a stove or other heat source. It takes about 10-15 minutes for the Idlis to cook and become light and fluffy.
An Idli cooker is an essential kitchen tool for anyone who enjoys South Indian cuisine or wants to try making Idlis at home. It helps in achieving the perfect texture and taste of this traditional dish. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, using an Idli cooker will make the process of cooking Idlis easy and convenient.
The traditional Indian cooking utensil
The idli cooker is a traditional Indian cooking utensil that is specifically designed for making idlis. Idlis are a popular South Indian dish made from fermented rice and lentil batter and served as a breakfast or snack item. The idli cooker consists of a large vessel with multiple compartments or plates for steaming the idlis.
Features of the idli cooker:
The idli cooker is typically made from stainless steel, which ensures its durability and heat retention properties. It usually comes with a tight-fitting lid that traps steam inside, allowing the idlis to cook evenly and quickly. The multiple compartments or plates are stacked on top of each other, maximizing the cooking space and efficiency.
How to use the idli cooker:
To use the idli cooker, you will need to prepare the idli batter first. The batter is made by soaking rice and lentils separately and then grinding them together to form a smooth paste. Once the batter is ready, grease the compartments or plates of the idli cooker with oil or ghee to prevent sticking.
Next, fill the bottom of the cooker with water, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom of the idli plates. Place the idli plates on top of the water-filled vessel, making sure they are properly stacked. Close the lid tightly to trap the steam.
Now, place the cooker on a stove and heat it on medium to high flame. Allow the idlis to steam for about 10-15 minutes or until they are cooked and firm to the touch. You can check the doneness of the idlis by inserting a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean, the idlis are ready.
Tips for using the idli cooker:
Here are some tips to ensure the best results when using the idli cooker:
| 1. | Always use a good quality idli cooker to ensure proper heat distribution and steaming. |
| 2. | Make sure to grease the compartments or plates well to prevent the idlis from sticking. |
| 3. | Do not overfill the compartments or plates with batter, as the idlis need space to rise and expand during steaming. |
| 4. | Adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the idlis. Thicker idlis may require longer cooking time. |
| 5. | Allow the cooked idlis to cool slightly before removing them from the cooker to avoid breaking or sticking. |
By following these steps and tips, you can easily use the idli cooker to make delicious and fluffy idlis at home. Enjoy your homemade idlis with chutney, sambar, or any other accompaniment of your choice!
Benefits of using an idli cooker
An idli cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance that offers several benefits when it comes to cooking idlis. Here are some of the advantages of using an idli cooker:
1. Time-saving:
One of the major benefits of using an idli cooker is that it saves a lot of time. The cooker is specially designed to steam idlis quickly and efficiently, allowing you to prepare a batch of idlis in a matter of minutes. This is particularly useful when you are in a hurry or have limited time to cook.
2. Uniform cooking:
Another advantage of using an idli cooker is that it ensures uniform cooking of the idlis. The design of the cooker distributes heat evenly, resulting in perfectly cooked idlis that are soft, fluffy, and uniformly steamed. This eliminates the risk of undercooking or overcooking, which can happen with other cooking methods.
3. Healthy cooking:
Idli cookers are known for their ability to retain the nutritional value of the ingredients used in making idlis. The steaming process ensures that the idlis are cooked without the need for excess oil or fat, making them a healthier option compared to fried or oily snacks. Steamed idlis are light, easily digestible, and low in calories, making them an ideal choice for those who are conscious about their health.
4. Versatility:
An idli cooker is not just limited to cooking idlis. It can also be used for various other purposes such as steaming vegetables, dhoklas, momos, and other steamed delicacies. The cooker comes with multiple compartments, allowing you to steam different food items at the same time. This makes it a versatile and handy kitchen appliance that can be used for a variety of cooking needs.
In conclusion, using an idli cooker offers several benefits, including time-saving, uniform cooking, healthy cooking, and versatility. Investing in an idli cooker is a great addition to any kitchen, especially for those who enjoy making idlis or other steamed dishes on a regular basis.
Healthy cooking option
Using an idli cooker is not only convenient but also offers a healthy cooking option. Idlis, the steamed lentil and rice cakes, are a popular South Indian dish that is light and easily digestible. They are low in calories, fat, and cholesterol, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
The process of making idlis in an idli cooker involves steaming, which helps retain the nutrients in the ingredients. Unlike frying or sautéing, steaming does not require the use of oil, resulting in a healthier final product. The idli cooker utilizes the steam generated from water to cook the idlis, ensuring that they are soft and fluffy.
Furthermore, idlis are made from a combination of lentils and rice, providing a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Lentils are rich in essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source. Rice is a staple grain that is easily digestible and provides carbohydrates for energy.
Benefits of using an idli cooker:
1. Nutrient retention: The steaming process preserves the natural nutrients present in the lentils and rice, ensuring a healthy and wholesome meal.
2. Low in calories and fat: Idlis are steamed, meaning they are not fried in oil, resulting in a low-calorie and low-fat dish.
Tips for healthier idlis:
While cooking with an idli cooker already provides a healthier option, there are a few additional tips to make your idlis even more nutritious:
1. Use whole grains: Replace white rice with brown or unpolished rice for added fiber and nutrients.
2. Add vegetables: Incorporate grated carrots, chopped spinach, or finely diced bell peppers to increase the nutritional value of the idlis.
3. Fermentation: Fermenting the batter overnight not only enhances the taste but also increases the vitamin and mineral content.
In conclusion, using an idli cooker is a healthy cooking option as it allows you to steam idlis, preserving their natural nutrients and resulting in a low-calorie and low-fat dish. By incorporating whole grains and vegetables into the batter and fermenting it, you can further enhance the nutritional value of your idlis. Enjoy this healthy South Indian delicacy guilt-free!
Q&A
What is an idli cooker?
An idli cooker is a kitchen utensil used to steam idli, a popular South Indian breakfast dish.
How does an idli cooker work?
An idli cooker works by creating steam inside the pot, which is then used to cook the idli batter placed in the moulds.
What are the parts of an idli cooker?
An idli cooker typically consists of a pot with a tight-fitting lid, a stand, and several idli moulds.
How to use an idli cooker?
To use an idli cooker, start by greasing the idli moulds with oil. Then, pour the idli batter into each mould and place them on the stand inside the cooker. Add water to the pot, close the lid, and steam for about 10-15 minutes. Once the idlis are cooked, remove them from the cooker and serve hot.
Can I use an idli cooker for other dishes?
Yes, an idli cooker can be used to steam other dishes like dhokla, momos, and various types of dumplings.
What is an idli cooker?
An idli cooker is a special kind of cooking utensil used to steam idlis, a traditional South Indian dish made of fermented rice and lentil batter.
How does an idli cooker work?
An idli cooker typically consists of two to four stacking stainless steel or aluminium pans with lids and a base with a vent. To cook idlis, water is poured into the base and then the batter is poured into the greased idli moulds in the pans. The pans are stacked on top of the base, covered with lids, and the cooker is placed on a stove. The steam generated from the boiling water cooks the idlis in about 10-12 minutes.