Mention South Indian cuisine and there's no way you can stop raving about idli. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular foods from the southern region of India and the fact that it can be paired with anything makes it a great versatile food. Its versatility lies in its simplicity. With minimalistic flavours and soft texture, idli tastes just as good with tomato sauce as it does with sambhar. However, many people fashion the basic idli into different variations by adding vegetables or other ingredients. You also might have tried some of these interesting idli recipes. But have even seen and tried black idli?
Well, actor Ashish Vidyarthi just did. Not too long ago, this black idli was discovered in Nagpur and became a social media sensation. It's only now that Ashish Vidyarthi went ahead to try this bizarre creation for the first time. Being a passionate food vlogger now, he captured his experience in a video and shared it on his Facebook and Instagram handles.
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Ashish Vidyarthi revealed that the famous black idli is served at the idli stall named 'Reddy's All About Idli' is located on CP Club Road, Civil Lines, Nagpur. In the caption of the video, he wrote, "Black idli... Never seen before, amazing jalwa from Nagpur."
Are you wondering what gives this idli charcoal black colour? Our first thought was if charcoal is added to it. But we got our answer later in the video when the idli vendor tells that the idlis are made with coconut outer shell, orange peel, beetroot juice and beetroot pulp. It is served with the topping of ghee and gunpowder. In fact, Vidyarthi requested an extra sprinkling of gunpowder. When he tasted it, he found the idli crunchy and firm and liked it.
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With more than 7 lakh likes, the viral video attracted comments from several viewers:
"Really unique never seen or tasted this black idli, thanks for sharing this video, sir."
"Idli seller is looking like Srini from Rana Naidu."
Some followers suggested other places in Nagpur:
"Must try famous Soaji mutton/chicken of Nagpur. The best!
"Sir, do try Saoji food in Nagpur but try in the old Nagpur area."
And some invited Ashish Vidyarthi to their cities:
"Sir, visit Ajmer and Nasirabad (Rajasthan) someday you will get amazing Kadhi Kachori in Ajmer and Kachora in Nasirabad. The only place in world where KACHORA is made is Nasirabad, a cantonment area 22 km away from Ajmer city."
"Sir, visit Jaipur once, will take you myself to Chatia for best Kakra."
Also Read: Ashish Vidyarthi Tries Rasgulla Chai For The First Time And Shares His Review
While we continue following Ashish Vidyarthi to his next foodie adventure, would you want to try this unique black idli?