Bongu Idli

📝INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups idli rice
• 1 cup urad dal
• 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds
• Water
• Salt to taste
• Bamboo sticks or bamboo baskets
• Ghee
• Optional: 1/4 tsp hing
• Optional: 1/2 tsp grated ginger
• Optional: 1-2 green chilies finely chopped
• Optional: A few curry leaves

👩‍🍳Recipe

Step 1:

- Begin by rinsing the idli rice and urad dal separately.

- Soak them in water for about 4-6 hours. Don't forget to add fenugreek seeds to the urad dal while soaking.

- as this helps in fermentation and provides additional flavor.

Step 2:

- After soaking, drain the water and grind the rice and dal separately.

- Use a wet grinder or a high-power blender for the best results.

- Grind the rice until it is slightly coarse, while the dal should be smooth and creamy.

Step 3:

- Combine the ground rice and dal in a large bowl, adding salt.

- and optional ingredients like hing, grated ginger, chopped green chilies, and curry leaves for an extra flavor punch. Mix well.

Step 4:

- Allow the batter to ferment overnight, or for about 8-12 hours, in a warm place.

- you're in a cold area, you can place the batter in the oven with the light on or near a heater for faster fermentation.

Step 5:

- Once the batter has fermented and risen, give it a good stir. It should be thick but pourable.

- Now, grease the bamboo baskets or bamboo sticks generously with ghee to prevent the idlis from sticking.

Step 6:

- Pour the idli batter into the greased bamboo baskets, filling them about halfway.

- sure to leave some space for the idlis to rise during steaming. Do not overfill.

Step 7:

- Prepare a steamer or a large pot with a steaming rack.

- water to a boil and carefully place the bamboo baskets in the steamer.

- the idlis for about 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or a fork – it should come out clean.

Step 8:

- Once steamed, carefully remove the bamboo baskets from the pot and let them cool for a minute or two.

- Then, gently remove the idlis from the baskets. Be careful as they will be hot!

Step 9:

- Serve the Bongu Idlis warm with coconut chutney, sambar, or your favorite chutney.

- You can also drizzle some ghee over the idlis for extra flavor.

Step 10:

- Enjoy the soft, fluffy, and aromatic Bongu Idlis made in the traditional bamboo steaming style!