Foxtail Millet Rava Idli
(South Indian Breakfast Recipe)
Recipe Overview:
Foxtail Millet Rava Idli is a healthy, delicious, and gluten-free South Indian breakfast dish made with foxtail millet and fresh ingredients like carrots, ginger, and green chilies. This recipe is ideal for those looking to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful start to their day. With the added benefit of being rich in fiber, this idli offers a perfect combination of taste and health, and it pairs wonderfully with coconut chutney and mixed vegetable sambar.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Foxtail Millet (Millet Flour) | 3/4 cup |
| Yogurt | 3/4 cup |
| Grated Carrot | 1/2 cup |
| Green Chilies (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Fresh Ginger (grated) | 1/2 inch |
| Eno Fruit Salt | A pinch |
| Fresh Coriander (chopped) | A little |
| Water | As required |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 1 tsp |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai) | 1/2 tsp |
| White Urad Dal | 1/2 tsp |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram) | 1/2 tsp |
| Cashews | A few |
| Curry Leaves | A few |
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Instructions:
-
Preparing Foxtail Millet Flour:
Begin by grinding the foxtail millet into a coarse powder using a mixer or food processor. Once ground, set it aside for later use. -
Tempering Spices:
Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds (rai) and let them splutter for about 10 seconds.
Add the urad dal and chana dal, and cook them for about 1 minute until they turn slightly golden. -
Adding Flavorful Ingredients:
To the tempering, add cashews, curry leaves, and chopped green chilies. Continue cooking for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld. -
Roasting Millet Flour:
Now, add the ground foxtail millet flour to the pan. Stir it well and roast for 2-3 minutes until it becomes aromatic and slightly toasted. -
Incorporating Vegetables and Spices:
Add the grated carrot and ginger to the roasted millet flour and cook for another 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. -
Preparing the Batter:
Once the mixture has cooled down, add salt and yogurt. Gradually add water to adjust the batter’s consistency to the usual idli batter thickness (it should be thick but pourable). Let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes to ferment slightly. -
Greasing the Idli Molds:
Grease your idli molds with a little ghee or oil to prevent the batter from sticking. Pour the batter into each mold, filling them halfway. -
Steaming the Idlis:
Heat water in a steamer. Once the water starts boiling, carefully place the idli trays in the steamer. Cover and steam for 10-12 minutes. To check if they are cooked, insert a toothpick into the idlis—if it comes out clean, they are ready. -
Serving:
Gently remove the idlis from the molds once they are done. Serve hot with coconut chutney and mixed vegetable sambar for a traditional South Indian breakfast experience.
Serving Suggestions:
Foxtail Millet Rava Idlis are best served fresh and hot, straight from the steamer. Pair them with a spicy, tangy coconut chutney and a bowl of hearty mixed vegetable sambar for a complete, satisfying meal. You can also enjoy them with tomato chutney or any other chutney of your choice for variation.
Health Benefits:
This millet-based idli is rich in fiber and packed with nutrients, making it a healthier alternative to the traditional rice-based idli. Foxtail millet is a gluten-free grain, making this recipe perfect for those on gluten-free diets. It is also known for its low glycemic index, making it a great option for managing blood sugar levels. The addition of vegetables like carrots enhances the fiber content, promoting digestion and overall health.
Enjoy your Foxtail Millet Rava Idli as part of a healthy, balanced breakfast, and embrace the goodness of South Indian cuisine with a nutritious twist!
