55 mins
+ waiting
Idli with Coconut Chutney
Recipe by Mamtha Sunil Kumar
Idli with Coconut Chutney is a rice cake (with an accompanying coconut chutney dip) of south Indian origin and very popular throughout India. Idli are served in quantities of 2, 3 or 4 since this is more easily metabolized - the body's natural fermentation process breaks down the starches in the rice. Minimum use of oil for this dish makes it ideal for health conscious eaters.
Idiyappam 
Indian Style Fish Fry Ingredients for Idli with Coconut Chutney
If you want to know more about Indian ingredients, check our Indian Spices and our Indian Pulses, Rice and Seeds pages.
Currently displaying quantities in US Imperial Measurements
How to Cook Idli with Coconut Chutney
- Idli is made with a 1:4 mixture of black gram (urad dal) and rice. Wash the black gram and soak it overnight in cold water. In a separate bowl soak the rice and the rice flakes together overnight.
- To prepare the batter for the Idlies, drain the water from the black gram and blend them to a smooth paste without adding too much of water. 3-4 fl oz (100 ml) of water can be added - but no more. Check for air bubbles on the surface of the batter. The more the bubbles, the better. Transfer the black gram batter to a large mixing bowl.
- Blend the rice and rice flakes until it is smooth and becomes a fine paste (you shouldn't have to add any water). Add this paste to the mixing bowl with the black gram batter. Stir in the salt and the baking soda and leave the mixture to ferment overnight in a warm place. The batter will expand to about 1½ times its original volume, so make sure you have used a good-sized mixing bowl.
- For the Chutney, if the coconut is frozen, be sure it's fully defrosted before using. Mix all the chutney ingredients together (grated coconut, roasted split chickpeas, red chilies, curry leaves, tamarind, coriander, and a pinch of salt) and place them in a blender. Pulse until it becomes like a stiff dough (don't allow the mix become too fine or runny. It should remain a little 'chunky'). If necessary you can add a little water, but don't overdo it or the chutney becomes too watery which spoils the taste.
- For the seasoning, put a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a small pan and bring up to heat, Add in the mustard seeds, and the curry leaves, cook for two or three minutes abd stir into the chutney.
If you can get hold of the special idly moulds available in good Asian stores, that's fine. If not, use small baking cups (strong ones and not paper). Grease the base with ghee (clarified butter or drawn butter) and spoon the batter into the moulds. Steam cook them over a covered bain marie for around 10-15 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow them to cool for a while, then take a broad spoon and carefully remove the soft idlis from the moulds.- Serve hot with the coconut chutney.
MAMTHA SUNIL KUMAR'S HOT TIP:
Adding extra rice flakes will create softer idlis. Also, if the batter is not fermenting keep it in an enclosed space (like inside a microwave) overnight.
Reviews of Idli with Coconut Chutney
| July 29 2014 A lot of ingredients. A long preparation and not a lot to show for it at the end. Don't think I'll be doing this again. moniqueS (4 reviews) |
What To Eat Tonight
Not everything is right for freezing. Some foods, however, just beg to go into the freezer waiting for that moment when you need them most!
These speedy recipes take just 30 minutes from fridge to table. Ideal when you're in a hurry and you have hungry mouths to feed!
What should I make him for Father's Day? Why not spoil him with one of our specially chosen Father's Day recipes? Go ahead - make his day!
Other Rice Recipes
Lemon Rice is a typical south Indian dish with lots of nuts and colour - one you can easily put together in a hurry, or even make using leftover rice.
Makara Sankranthi (Pongal) is the harvest festival celebrated right across India, though it is more popular in the rice producing states of the south.
Here is a nice simple recipe for making sushi rice. Japanese rice is short grain and becomes slightly sticky when it is cooked.
