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Mini podi idli
Mini idlis tossed in sesame oil, curry leaves and lentil chutney powder
In Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, podi idli is the tiffin parents pack because it stays soft until lunch and needs no chutney: steamed mini idlis are tossed in hot sesame oil with mustard seeds, curry leaves and spicy-nutty idli podi, so every one is coated. Train travellers carry them for the same reason. It is vegan and contains sesame; check that your podi's asafoetida is gluten free if that matters. Chef's tip: let the idlis rest for 5 minutes after steaming so they firm up and don't break when you toss them.
- Total time
- 25 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
- 14 oz idli batterfermented, home-made or ready-made
- 1 tsp oilfor greasing
For tossing
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp mustard seeds
- 3 tbsp idli podi (lentil chutney powder)mild for children
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What you'll need
Spices & pantry
Fresh ingredients (1)
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Method
0/6 doneStep 1: Grease a mini idli plate (or a standard idli plate) with 1 tsp oil and fill each mould three-quarters full with 14 oz idli batter.
Step 2: Steam over boiling water for 8–10 minutes for mini idlis (12 for standard ones), until puffed and a skewer pushed in comes out clean.
10 minStep 3: Rest for 5 minutes, then ease the idlis out with a wet spoon. Cut standard idlis into quarters. Tossing them straight from the steamer is the common mistake; they tear.
5 minStep 4: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a wide pan over a medium heat. Add ½ tsp mustard seeds; when it pops, add 8 curry leaves and let them crackle for a few seconds.
1 minStep 5: Take the pan off the heat, add the idlis and sprinkle over 3 tbsp idli podi (lentil chutney powder). Toss gently until every idli is coated.
Step 6: If it is going in a lunchbox, let it cool completely first (no more than an hour at room temperature), close the box and pack it with an ice pack. Leftovers keep covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 220 kcal
- Protein
- 6 g
- Carbs
- 32 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fibre
- 3 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does mini podi idli take?
- About 25 minutes in total: 5 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- What can I use instead of mustard seeds?
- Cumin seeds, same amount (different flavour, same crackle).
- What can I use instead of curry leaves?
- Leave them out, or add a strip of lime zest (there's no true substitute).
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