Instant Masala Beans Idli Recipe
A Quick & Flavorful South Indian Breakfast Delight
Introduction
Instant Masala Beans Idli is a vibrant twist on the traditional South Indian idli, combining the fluffiness of semolina (sooji) with the rich flavors of sautéed green beans, ginger, and a perfect tempering of mustard seeds and urad dal. This hearty and savory breakfast dish is a great way to kickstart your day with a nutritious, vegetarian option that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. The dish is both quick and delicious, making it ideal for busy mornings or when you’re craving something comforting and wholesome.
Served best with a variety of chutneys like Chow-Chow Kothamalli Chutney, Pudina Chutney, or Mysore Chutney, and paired with Thakkali Vengayam Sambar for an authentic South Indian meal experience.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sooji (Semolina/Rava) – roasted | 1 cup |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Green Beans (French Beans) – finely chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Kala Jeera (Black Cumin) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Enos Fruit Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ginger – crushed | 1/2 inch piece |
| White Urad Dal (Split Black Gram) | 2 teaspoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Beans:
Begin by parboiling the green beans (French beans) with a pinch of salt and sugar. This ensures that the beans remain tender yet maintain their texture when mixed into the idli batter. Once parboiled, drain any excess water and set the beans aside to cool. -
Make the Tempering:
In a shallow fry pan, heat 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil. Add the kala jeera (black cumin) and crushed black pepper, sautéing until fragrant. Once done, allow the mixture to cool completely. This tempering will infuse the batter with a rich, aromatic flavor. -
Prepare the Batter:
In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted sooji (semolina), curd (yogurt), and salt. Stir well to make a smooth batter. -
Prepare the Seasoning:
For the tempering, heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a pan. Once hot, add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Next, add the crushed ginger, sautéing it for a few seconds until aromatic. Add the white urad dal and sauté until it turns golden brown. Switch off the heat, then add asafoetida (hing) for that signature South Indian flavor. -
Mix the Batter:
Add the prepared tempering to the sooji-curd mixture and stir well to incorporate. Beat the batter to a smooth consistency. -
Add Fruit Salt and Beans:
Now, add Enos fruit salt to the batter and gently fold it in. Add the sautéed green beans and mix everything well to form a homogeneous batter. -
Prepare the Idli Steamer:
Grease the idli moulds with a little oil to prevent the batter from sticking. Fill the idli steamer with enough water for steaming and bring it to a boil. -
Steam the Idlis:
Spoon the batter into the greased idli moulds. Place the moulds into the steamer and steam the idlis on high heat for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the idlis comes out clean. -
Serve:
Once the idlis are done, allow them to rest for 1-2 minutes before carefully unmoulding them. Serve these instant masala beans idlis hot with your favorite chutney—whether it’s the aromatic Chow-Chow Kothamalli Chutney, the refreshing Pudina Chutney, or the tangy Mysore Chutney, alongside a bowl of Thakkali Vengayam Sambar for a complete South Indian breakfast experience.
Tips for Perfect Masala Beans Idli
- Consistency of Batter: The consistency of the batter is key to achieving soft and fluffy idlis. If the batter feels too thick, add a little more yogurt or water to loosen it up. It should be of pouring consistency.
- Steaming: Make sure the water in the steamer is at a rolling boil before placing the batter-filled moulds in. This will ensure that the idlis cook evenly and retain their fluffiness.
- Customizing: You can substitute green beans with other vegetables like carrots, peas, or even finely chopped spinach for a different flavor.
- Fruit Salt: If you don’t have Enos fruit salt, you can use regular baking soda as a substitute, though Enos gives a lightness and softness that’s key to perfect idlis.
Conclusion
This Instant Masala Beans Idli is the perfect combination of quick preparation, flavorful ingredients, and a dose of healthy vegetables. With a delicious blend of tempering and yogurt, each bite is sure to transport you to the heart of South India. Serve it with your choice of chutney and sambar for a fulfilling, nutritious breakfast or snack. Try this recipe next time you want to enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast with a modern twist—your family and friends will love it!
