Godhumai Idli Recipe (Instant Whole Wheat Flour Idli)
Whole Wheat Flour, known for its high fiber content, is a heart-healthy ingredient that plays a significant role in managing blood sugar levels. Opting for whole grains like wheat can add numerous benefits to your diet. When it comes to preparing wholesome meals, it’s essential to make healthy choices that are easy to prepare, especially when you’re looking for quick, nutritious options for breakfast or dinner. Many of us avoid rice at night, and that’s when recipes like Godhumai Idli (Instant Whole Wheat Flour Idli) come into play. Made using ‘Chakki Atta’ (stone-ground wheat flour), this recipe is a wholesome, flavorful twist on traditional South Indian idlis. Perfect for vegetarians and those looking for a healthy meal, these idlis are delicious and filling!
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 cup |
| Enos Fruit Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sesame (Gingelly) Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| For Seasoning | |
| Ghee | 2 teaspoons |
| Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1/2 teaspoon (split) |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Whole Black Peppercorns (crushed) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cashew nuts | 5, broken roughly |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Green Chilli | 1, finely chopped |
Allergen Information
- Dairy: This recipe contains curd (yogurt), making it unsuitable for those who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet.
- Nuts: Cashews are included in the seasoning and could pose a risk to those with nut allergies.
- Gluten: The recipe contains whole wheat flour, which is not suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: This recipe is entirely plant-based, making it suitable for vegetarian diets.
- High in Fiber: Whole wheat flour provides a good amount of dietary fiber, supporting digestive health.
- Low in Fat: The use of minimal ghee for tempering keeps the fat content moderate, making this a relatively light dish.
- Nut-Free (Optional): You can omit the cashews if you’re catering to those with nut allergies, although this will slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients and keep them aside for easy access.
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Roast the Wheat Flour: Begin by heating a pan over low heat. Dry roast the whole wheat flour until it turns aromatic. Continuously stir the flour to ensure it roasts uniformly and avoid burning. Once roasted, transfer it to a separate vessel and allow it to cool down.
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Temper the Seasoning: Heat a pan and add the ghee. Once it melts, add the seasoning ingredients—chana dal (split Bengal gram), cumin seeds (jeera), crushed black peppercorns, broken cashews, mustard seeds (rai/kadugu), curry leaves, and finely chopped green chili. Allow the spices to roast and crackle, releasing their flavors. Once done, set the mixture aside.
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Make the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk the curd (yogurt) and 1 cup of water to create a buttermilk-like consistency. Gradually add this buttermilk to the cooled wheat flour. Using a hand whisk, stir the mixture and adjust the consistency by adding more water, if needed, to form a thick batter.
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Mix in the Seasoning: Add the prepared tempering (seasoning) mixture to the batter and mix thoroughly. Season with a pinch of salt to taste. Allow the batter to rest for 20 to 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
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Prepare the Idli Plates: While the batter is resting, grease the idli plates with a little sesame oil or ghee. Preheat your steamer to prepare for steaming.
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Add Enos Fruit Salt: Just before steaming, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of Enos Fruit Salt to the batter. The fruit salt will react with the batter, making it light and fluffy.
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Steam the Idlis: Spoon the batter into the greased idli plates, filling each mold. Place the plates into the preheated steamer and steam the idlis for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked. You can check their doneness by gently pressing on the idlis—they should spring back.
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Let it Rest: Once done, turn off the heat and allow the idlis to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps them firm up slightly and makes them easier to remove from the plates.
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Serve: Carefully remove the Godhumai Idli from the plates. Serve them hot with your choice of accompaniments, such as Tomato Onion Chutney, Thakkali Vengaya Sambar, or Idli Milagai Podi for a complete and nutritious South Indian breakfast or dinner.
Tips and Variations
- Fluffy Texture: Ensure you add the Enos fruit salt just before steaming, as it helps make the idlis light and fluffy.
- Flavor Adjustments: If you prefer a milder seasoning, reduce the amount of green chili and black pepper to suit your taste.
- Vegan Adaptation: For a vegan version, substitute curd (yogurt) with a non-dairy yogurt alternative and use vegetable ghee or oil in place of regular ghee.
- Nut-Free: If avoiding nuts, simply skip the cashews in the tempering without compromising the overall flavor.
Conclusion
Godhumai Idli (Instant Whole Wheat Flour Idli) is a fantastic option for those seeking a wholesome and quick meal. This recipe not only incorporates the goodness of whole wheat flour, but it also offers a delicious, savory experience perfect for breakfast, dinner, or even as a snack. The added tempering and use of yogurt create a flavorful, aromatic dish that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Whether you’re a fan of South Indian cuisine or just looking for a healthy alternative to traditional rice-based idlis, these wheat flour idlis are a must-try. Enjoy them fresh and warm, paired with chutneys or sambar for a fulfilling meal.
