Idli may be a south Indian staple, but it is incredibly popular across the country. Soft, fluffy, and comforting, the rice cake is often relished with chutney or dunked in steaming hot sambar. Given that idli is steamed, it is a healthy food option and keeps calorie count in check for those watching their weight. What's more, it is gut-friendly, thanks to the fermented batter of rice and urad dal. Every year, since 2015, World Idli Day is celebrated on March 30 after a Chennai-based idli caterer named Eniyavan decided to dedicate a day to these rice cakes.
Also read: Bored Of Eating Plain Idli? Try This Delicious Andhra-Style Guntur Idli Recipe
Here're 7 Idli Recipes That You Must Try:
1) Poha Idli
This could be your go-to instant idli recipe when you are in a rush. Poha idli can be prepared merely within 20 minutes with flattened rice and everyday pantry ingredients. You can prepare it during busy mornings and have a filling breakfast.
Here's another interesting idli recipe that is sure to become your favourite. Indians love aloo (potatoes) and don't mind pairing it with any food item, including idlis. Aloo suji idli will take just 15 minutes to be ready. The yummy preparation will make you want to try it again and again.
Generally, many of us don't like having cucumber in the form of a curry. However, it's loaded with health benefits and is rich in fibres which ultimately aid digestion. Apart from this, cucumber is rich in antioxidants that are good for the body. So, rather than having it the regular way, you can prepare these delicious cucumber idlis and enjoy the goodness of the vegetable.
Give a healthy green twist to your idli with this recipe. Kanchipuram idlis carry the goodness of vegetables like carrots, green peas and French beans. If you have these vegetables in your fridge, drool-worthy Kanchipuram idlis can be made in a jiffy.
5) Chinese Idli
The best thing about idli is that you can get really creative with it. You don't have to rely on the traditional way of making it, but choose ingredients as per your choice. You can also create a fusion recipe like Indo-Chinese idli by mixing flavourful sauces along with chopped vegetables to leftover idli. It tastes amazing.
This is for all the ones who are either trying to lose weight or follow a low-carb diet as a matter of health discipline. Low carb oats idli is healthy and can be paired with a host of chutneys. Since oats go into the making, it lends the idli a high nutritive value as well as good taste.
7) Idli Tikka
You may be aware of tikka being prepared with a protein such as paneer or chicken, but have you ever heard of idli tikka? This one is a marriage of North Indian and South Indian cuisines. For this dish, dip idli pieces in a lip-smacking masala batter. Thread the idli chunks, capsicum and onion squares into skewers, place it on tawa and cook on all sides till slightly charred.
This World Idli Day, do try out these unique idli recipes and thank us later.