Make Fluffy Idlis in a Steamer - No Need for Traditional Cookware

There’s a belief that has long echoed through Indian households: you simply must have a traditional idli cooker if you want the softest, fluffiest idlis. Without it, many say, you might as well give up and make something else for breakfast. It’s insane how we continue to follow such kitchen “rules” handed down through traditions. 

But in today’s world with evolving ways of living and new age technology, you no longer need to be bound to cookware folklore. Using a basic steamer, you can effortlessly prepare soft and fluffy idlis!

 No old-fashioned idli stand, no heavy cookware, just fresh, delicious results every single time.

Let's break this myth and embrace a modern yet very authentic way of cooking everyone's favorite comfort food: idlis.

Why Idlis Have a Special Place in Our Lives

In Indian households, idlis are more than just food. They bring back fond memories, represent a culturally rich tradition, are a source of nourishment, and in many families, they serve other important purposes as . Idlis can be consumed for breakfast, during lunch, or even during festivals. Hot idlis served with spicy sambar, coconut chutney, or even a podi mix adds further flavor. 

Moreover, idlis are fluffy and light making them easy to digest and suitable for the appetite of everyone accompanied with golden touches of seasonings from grandma's sambars and toddlers which makes them loved throughout generations.

While being a staple across the Indian subcontinent, it is also believed that perfect idlis are the result of elaborate machinery and a lifetime's worth of skill, making it an art rather than voicing it a cuisine.

 This belief often intimidates young home chefs or busy urban families. However, the truth is much simpler: with just a regular steamer and a few tricks, anyone can achieve restaurant-style fluffy idlis at home.

What Makes an Idli Fluffy?

Fluffiness in idlis comes from three main factors:

• Proper fermentation of the batter.
• Gentle steaming at the right temperature.
• Allow the idlis to cook undisturbed.

Fermentation is the magic behind that airy texture. When batter ferments, it produces natural bubbles that create a soft, spongy result when steamed. Steaming, on the other hand, needs to be steady but not aggressive. Overheating or direct high flames can cause the idlis to dry out or become hard.

Understanding this science helps us see that it’s not the vessel, but the process that matters most!

Why Choose a Steamer Over Traditional Cookware

Credits: Glen India

Traditional idli cookers are wonderful but not everyone has the space, budget, or need for a separate appliance. Steamer-based cooking brings so many advantages:

• Saves Space: Steamers are usually compact and can serve multiple purposes beyond just idlis, think momos, vegetables, dhoklas, and more.
• Modern Lifestyles: With fast-paced living, people prefer versatile tools. A steamer fits into this mindset beautifully.
• No Specialized Skill Needed: Steamers are beginner-friendly. 

How to Make Perfect Idlis Using a Steamer

Credits: Canva

• Prepare the Batter:

This is the first method with the least amount of resources available. Each step explains the individual measures to undertake, meaning the first part requires soaking. Soak 2 cups of idli rice and 1 cup of urad dal for at least 4-5 hours.

You want to grind the dal into a smooth fluffy paste while rice should be ground into slightly coarse bits. Mix together in a large bowl; Add salt and allow the batter to ferment overnight or for 8-10 hours depending on the weather. You’ll know it’s ready when it has doubled in size and has a light sour scent to it.

• Prepare the Steamer:

Pour water at the base of your Steamer, then switch it on at low heat until there's a gentle boil. Confirm that there is enough water for at least 15 minutes of steaming, but not so much that it reaches the Idli plates.  

Use oil to apply a thin layer of grease on your idli molds or small cups.

• Pour the Batter:

The yeast batter goes through a soft fermentation; hence, it should be stirred gently before pouring it into the molds. Each mold should be filled to three-fourths full so that there’s enough space left for expansion.

• Steam the Idlis:

Insert the molds into the steamer and cover tightly. 

Do not take off the cover during steaming because releasing steam mid-cooking usually disrupts the flow of cooking.

Steam for between 10-12 minutes on medium setting.

• Test and Serve:

Prick one idli with a knife or toothpick. If it is clean when you pull it out, it is cooked.

Wait a couple of minutes before scooping them out with a spoon. they are soft and will break easily, so do it carefully.

Now you are left with exquisitely soft idlis that simply dissolve upon chewing, and you didn’t even have to use ‘special’ cookware!

Tips and Tricks for Fluffy Idlis

The process can be simple, if the following tips are taken into account:  

1. If you are steaming multiple batches, use fresh cold water to avoid overheating. 
2. Do not overbeat the batter after fermentation, as it must still retain air bubbles.   
3. A well-greased mold is important as it enables the idlis to lift off easily without breaking.

 For variety, chopped veggies, grated carrots, or a hint of cumin seeds can be added into the batter.  

Benefits of Steam Cooking Idlis

Credits: Glen India

The convenience of using an appliance such as a steamer is that it makes cooking easier, thus enhancing one’s lifestyle. It doesn't simply stop with ease; here are additional benefits:  

1. Thanks to the steamer and other multifunctional appliances, all single purpose kitchen tools can now be removed and replaced with holistic tools that create a sleek appearance while encouraging minimalism.
2. Compared to frying and roasting, steaming is a healthier cooking method that retains more nutrients.
3. Once you get the  basic steaming, the number of dishes you can make increases significantly, for example, oats idlis, rava idlis, or millet idlis.

Most new steamers have an ergonomic design that allows fast steaming. This helps to save a lot of time on busy mornings while still maintaining the quality of the results.

Common Misconceptions About Steamed Idlis

Just like every new idea, steaming idlis in a regular steamer faces its own share of myths. Let’s bust some of them:

1. Steamed idlis are not as good as traditionally cooked idlis: False! If your batter is properly fermented and your steaming is controlled, the texture and taste are identical.
2. Steamers are complicated to use: Not true. Modern steamers are designed with simple buttons and automatic timers, making them user-friendly.
3. You can’t make large batches: Another myth. You can easily steam multiple batches by stacking idli plates or steaming in rounds.
4. Flavour is compromised: Absolutely not. Since idlis are steamed, all the natural aroma and softness remain intact.

Conclusion

It’s the era of modern technology where your health and your taste buds are well taken care of. People have now shifted to smarter ways of cooking and this has become a way of life. Steaming idlis gives toes to tradition without being stuck in the past. Authentic, healthy, delicious idlis can now be enjoyed by all, without the heavy and cumbersome traditional cookware.

Look no further when it comes to classy, smart, and effective kitchen steamers, for Glen India has all the steamers and kitchen appliances you could wish for. They have made everyday cooking not just restrictively easy but filled with a lot more glee.