# How to make an Idly

By [Anto Joel](https://paragraph.com/@anto-joel) · 2024-02-01

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### Ingredients:

*   2 cups idly rice
    
*   1 cup urad dal (black gram)
    
*   1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
    
*   Salt to taste
    
*   Water for soaking and grinding
    

### Equipment:

*   Idly steamer or cooker
    
*   Idly plates or molds
    

### Steps:

1.  **Soaking:**
    
    *   Wash the idly rice and urad dal separately.
        
    *   Soak them in water. Add fenugreek seeds to the urad dal.
        
    *   Allow them to soak for at least 4-6 hours or overnight.
        
2.  **Grinding:**
    
    *   Grind urad dal and fenugreek seeds together into a smooth batter using minimal water. The batter should be fluffy and light.
        
    *   Grind the idly rice into a slightly coarse texture. Mix it with the urad dal batter.
        
    *   Add salt and mix well. Allow the batter to ferment overnight or for around 8-10 hours.
        
3.  **Preparation:**
    
    *   Grease the idly plates or molds with a little oil.
        
    *   Pour the fermented batter into each mold, filling them about 3/4th full.
        
4.  **Steaming:**
    
    *   Heat water in the idly steamer or cooker.
        
    *   Place the idly plates in the steamer and steam for 10-12 minutes on medium heat.
        
    *   Once done, let them cool for a minute before removing the idlies from the molds.
        
5.  **Serving:**
    
    *   Serve hot idlies with coconut chutney and sambar.
        

### Tips:

*   Fermentation is crucial for soft idles, so ensure a warm environment.
    
*   The consistency of the batter should be thick yet airy.
    
*   Greasing the molds prevents sticking.
    

Enjoy your homemade idlies, and feel free to experiment with variations like adding grated vegetables or herbs to the batter for a unique twist! If you have any specific preferences or dietary considerations, let me know for more personalized tips.

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*Originally published on [Anto Joel](https://paragraph.com/@anto-joel/how-to-make-an-idly)*