In the realm of Indian cuisine, idli holds a special place as one of the most beloved and versatile dishes. Traditionally made from rice and urad dal, idli is a steamed rice cake that is not only healthy but also incredibly flavorful. However, for those looking to explore healthier and gluten-free alternatives, samai idli comes to the rescue. Samai, also known as little millet, is a nutritious grain that has gained popularity due to its numerous health benefits. In this article, we will walk you through a simple and delightful Samai Idli recipe that you can easily recreate in the comfort of your home.
What is Samai Idli?
Samai idli is a variation of the classic South Indian idli, where the regular rice is replaced with the nutrient-rich and gluten-free little millet. Little millet is packed with essential nutrients, including fiber, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a healthier alternative to traditional rice-based dishes.
Ingredients:
To prepare Samai Idli, you will need the following ingredients:
2 cups Samai (little millet)
1 cup urad dal (split black gram)
1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
1/2 cup poha (flattened rice)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional)
Salt to taste
Water (for soaking and grinding)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Batter
Rinse the Samai, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds separately under running water.
In a large bowl, combine the Samai and poha. Add enough water to cover them and let them soak for at least 4 hours. Soaking helps in better grinding and fermentation.
In another bowl, soak the urad dal and fenugreek seeds together for 4 hours.
After soaking, drain the water from both the Samai-poha mixture and the urad dal-fenugreek mixture.
Step 2: Grinding the Batter
For grinding, you can use a wet grinder or a mixer grinder. Grind the urad dal and fenugreek seeds together to a smooth and fluffy consistency. It usually takes about 20-25 minutes. Add water as required while grinding.
Next, grind the Samai-poha mixture into a fine paste. The consistency should be similar to that of the urad dal batter. This might take around 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Fermentation
In a large bowl, mix both the ground urad dal batter and the Samai batter together.
Add salt to taste and mix well.
Cover the bowl with a lid and let the batter ferment for at least 6-8 hours or overnight. The fermentation process helps in making the idlis soft and fluffy.
Step 4: Making Samai Idli
After fermentation, you will notice that the batter has risen and become airy.
Stir the batter gently and check the consistency. If it appears too thick, you can add a little water to achieve the desired pouring consistency.
Grease the idli plates with some oil or ghee to prevent sticking.
If you wish to make plain idlis, pour the batter into each cavity of the idli plate. Alternatively, you can add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, or grated coconut to the batter to make vegetable Samai idlis.
Steam the idlis in a steamer for about 10-12 minutes on medium heat or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once the idlis are cooked, let them cool down for a minute before removing them from the idli plates.
Use a spoon or a wet spatula to gently scoop out the idlis from the plates.
Step 5: Serving the Samai Idli
Samai idlis are best enjoyed hot and fresh.
Serve them with traditional accompaniments like coconut chutney, sambar, or any chutney of your choice.
You can also pair them with a piping hot cup of filter coffee for an authentic South Indian experience.
Tips:
If you live in colder regions or during winter, you can place the batter in a warm place to aid in the fermentation process.
For a quicker version, you can use store-bought idli batter and replace half of the rice-based batter with Samai batter.
Leftover idlis can be refrigerated and steamed again before serving. They remain soft and delicious for up to 2-3 days.
In Conclusion:
Samai idli is not only a healthy alternative to the traditional rice idli but also a delightful way to incorporate the goodness of little millet into your diet. This gluten-free and nutrient-rich dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even as an evening snack. With this simple Samai Idli recipe, you can effortlessly whip up a batch of these delectable treats in the comfort of your home. So, give it a try and savor the goodness of this delicious and easy-to-make Samai idli!
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