If you’re looking to shake up your breakfast routine or simply add some variety to your meal planning, then poha idli might just be the perfect solution. This delicious and healthy twist on traditional idli is quick and easy to make, and it’s packed full of nutritious ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized all day long.

What is Poha Idli?

Poha idli is a popular South Indian breakfast dish made from flattened rice flakes, also known as poha or aval, and urad dal. It’s a healthy and flavorful alternative to regular idli, which is made from a combination of rice and urad dal. The addition of poha adds a soft, fluffy texture to the idlis, while also enhancing their nutritional value.

Ingredients

To make poha idli, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup flattened rice flakes (poha)
• 1 cup urad dal
• 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Water, as needed
• Oil, for greasing

For the tempering:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon split black gram (urad dal)
• 1 teaspoon chana dal
• 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 10-12 curry leaves, chopped
• 2 green chillies, chopped
• 2 tablespoons grated coconut (optional)

Preparation

1. Wash the urad dal and fenugreek seeds thoroughly and soak them in water for 4-6 hours.
2. Wash the flattened rice flakes (poha) in water and drain well.
3. Grind the soaked urad dal and fenugreek seeds into a smooth batter, adding water as needed.
4. Mix the drained poha and salt into the batter.
5. Cover the batter and let it ferment for 8-10 hours or overnight.
6. Once the batter has fermented, heat the oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, split black gram (urad dal), and chana dal.
7. When the seeds start to splutter, add the asafoetida, turmeric powder, curry leaves, and chopped green chillies. Stir well.
8. Add the tempering to the fermented batter and mix well.
9. Grease the idli plates with oil and pour the batter into them.
10. Steam the idlis for 10-12 minutes or until done.
11. Garnish with grated coconut (optional) and serve hot with chutney or sambar.

Health Benefits

Poha idli is a healthy and nutritious breakfast option that’s packed full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The flattened rice flakes (poha) are a great source of carbohydrates and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins, while urad dal is rich in protein and fiber. The addition of curry leaves and green chillies also provides a boost of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Tips and Tricks

• Make sure to soak the urad dal and fenugreek seeds for at least 4-6 hours to ensure that they grind into a smooth batter.
• When adding the tempering to the batter, make sure to stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
• To get perfectly steamed idlis, make sure to grease the idli plates with oil before pouring the batter in.
• You can also add grated carrot or chopped coriander leaves to the batter for added flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Poha idli is a delicious and healthy twist on classic idli recipes that is easy to make and perfect for breakfast or brunch. With its soft and fluffy texture, flavorful tempering, and nutritious ingredients, poha idli is sure to become a family favorite.

By following these simple tips and tricks, you can create perfect poha idlis every time. So why not give it a try and enjoy the benefits of this tasty and nutritious breakfast dish today?

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of flattened rice flakes (poha)?

• Yes, you can substitute brown rice for poha, but the texture and taste of the idlis will be different.

2. How long does the batter need to ferment?

• The batter should ferment for 8-10 hours or overnight to ensure the perfect texture and flavor.

3. Can I make poha idlis without tempering?

• Yes, you can skip the tempering if you prefer a simpler flavor, but it adds a delicious depth of flavor to the dish.

4. Can I freeze poha idlis?

• Yes, you can freeze poha idlis for up to 1 month. To reheat, steam them for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

5. Can I use store-bought idli batter for poha idlis?

• No, poha idlis require a different ratio of ingredients than regular idlis, so it’s best to make the batter from scratch for the best results.