Okra Idli Recipe (Ladyfinger Idli)
Embracing the vibrant culinary traditions of South India, this Okra Idli, also known as Ladyfinger Idli, showcases a delightful twist on the classic steamed rice cakes. Infused with the unique flavor of bhindi (okra), this dish not only provides a healthy breakfast option but also embodies a nutritious addition to your daily diet, making it diabetic-friendly. This recipe takes you through a meticulous process of soaking, grinding, and fermenting, culminating in a fluffy, flavorful breakfast that pairs beautifully with Mixed Vegetable Sambar and South Indian Coconut Chutney.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Idli Rice | 3 cups |
| White Urad Dal (Whole) | 1 cup |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1 tablespoon |
| Bhindi (Lady Finger/Okra) | 15 to 16 pieces |
| Green Chillies | 4 pieces |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | As required |
| Sunflower Oil | For greasing the moulds |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 220 |
| Protein | 7 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 45 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 grams |
| Fat | 4 grams |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Soaking Idli Rice and Dal | 4 to 5 hours |
| Soaking Methi Seeds | 1 hour |
| Fermentation | 8 hours or overnight |
| Cooking Idli | 10 minutes |
Cook Time
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Total Cooking Time | 39 minutes |
Total Time
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Overall Time | 539 minutes |
Instructions
To embark on your culinary journey of making Okra Idli, start by thoroughly washing the idli rice and urad dal under running water to remove any impurities. Once clean, soak the rice and urad dal in a large bowl of water for about 4 to 5 hours, allowing them to absorb moisture and soften. Simultaneously, soak the methi seeds in hot water for about an hour to enhance their flavor and aid in fermentation.
Once the soaking period has elapsed, it’s time to grind the ingredients. Using a mixer grinder, combine the soaked idli rice and fenugreek seeds, grinding them into a smooth batter without adding any water. In a separate bowl, grind the urad dal into a fine paste, also avoiding water. After grinding, combine both the rice and dal mixtures in a large bowl, setting them aside.
Next, prepare the bhindi by cleaning and cutting it into medium-sized pieces. In the mixer, add the chopped okra along with cumin seeds and green chilies. Grind this mixture into a fine paste, adding a little water if necessary to achieve a smooth consistency, ensuring that no pieces of okra remain.
Once the okra paste is ready, combine it with the idli batter, mixing well to ensure a uniform consistency. Add salt to taste and cover the bowl, allowing the batter to ferment in a warm place for about 8 hours or overnight. If you reside in a cooler climate, you can place the batter in an oven (turned off) to encourage fermentation. The batter should rise and double in volume during this time, indicating successful fermentation.
With the batter ready, prepare your idli steamer by adding water to the bottom pot and bringing it to a boil over medium heat. While the water heats, grease your idli moulds with sunflower oil to prevent sticking. After mixing the fermented batter once more, pour it into the greased moulds, filling each compartment to about three-quarters full.
Place the idli plates into the steamer, covering it with a lid, and allow them to steam for approximately 10 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of an idli; if it comes out clean, the idlis are perfectly cooked. Once ready, remove the plates from the steamer and allow the idlis to cool for a few minutes. Then, using a spoon, carefully scrape them out of the moulds.
Serve your delightful Okra Idli warm, accompanied by a bowl of Mixed Vegetable Sambar and a side of South Indian Coconut Chutney for a wholesome and delicious breakfast experience. This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also enriches your morning routine with a touch of health and happiness.
Enjoy the nourishing embrace of South Indian flavors with this easy-to-make Okra Idli recipe that will not only satisfy your hunger but also delight your palate!
