Steamed Indian Lentil and Rice Cakes (Idlis) Recipe
Inspired Indian home cooking.

Freshly made Indian Idlis, steamed rice and lentil cakes [Photograph: Prasanna Sankhe]
Read more: Beyond Curry: Steamed Indian Lentil and Rice Cakes (Idlis)
- Yield:Makes 15 Idlis, serving 8
- Active time: 20 minutes
- Total time:About 12 hours
- Rated:
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked rice
- 1/2 cup dry black lentils (husked removed)
- 2 cups water
- Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Directions
-
1.
Soak the rice and lentils in water for at least 4 hours and up to 12. Drain, then combine in a blender with 2 cups water and blend on high speed until smooth, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a large bowl, season with 1 teaspoon salt, loosely cover, and leave at room temperature until doubled in size, about 8 to 12 hours.
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2.
Grease a small, shallow bowl or deep plate that will fit into a bamboo steamer. Stir the batter and ladle it on to the plate, half way to the top. Steam until a toothpick inserted comes out fairly clean and the cake is spongy to the touch, about 15 minutes. Allow to rest outside the steamer for about 2 minutes. Then cut and serve in smaller squares with mint chutney. Repeat with remaining batter. Idli can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Recipe Appears In
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