Thursday, May 17, 2012

Authentic Mysore Idli (Mallige Idli)


Idlis are rice cakes prepared out of fermented batter of black gram (urad dal) lentils and coarse powder of parboiled rice (idli rava). Idlis are popular breakfast of South India and now gaining popularity globally. They are usually served with chutney and sambar.

Here is an authentic south Indian recipe for soft smooth idlis which are also called as mallige idli in Mysore (Mallige means Jasmine. These idlis are white and soft like jasmine flowers).

Ingredients:
1.    De husked black gram lentils – 1 cup
2.    Idli rava (now available readily in any south Indian stores)- 2 ½ cups
3.    Salt to taste
4.    Ghee or refined oil – 4 tea spoons

Soak black gram lentils in water for 6 hours (preferably if you soak in morning, it will be ready to go for grinding by evening.) Grind these lentils in blender or ultra grinder to smooth batter adding water little by little .The batter should be smooth, increased in volume and white in colour. Take care not to make it too thin or too thick. It should sit like a blob when slipped from spoon.  Before grinding lentils, soak idli rava in hot water and cover it. After 15 minutes drain the excess water and squeeze the rava to remove remaining water. Add the soaked and squeezed idli rava to smooth batter of black gram lentils and mix well. Add salt. Allow this batter to ferment. If it is summer it takes hardly 4-5 hours to get ferment. It takes a long time to ferment in winter.

Smear cups of idli plates with ghee or refined oil. Fill these cups with idli batter. (Take care not to fill the cups to brim as idlis get mixed up while cooking). Steam it in idli cooker for 20 minutes. Serve hot with sambar  , chutney and butter.  (Read Butter in Ayurveda)

Nutritional facts:

Fermentation enriches nutritional value of food. During fermentation enrichment of essential amino acids, vitamins, mineral and bioactive compounds take place. In Idli batter thiamine and riboflavin increase during fermentation. Fermented idli batter is rich in probiotics (Probiotics are the good bacteria that promote healthy digestion and build immunity. The most common friendly bacteria (probiotics) are lactobacilli and bifidobacteria).

Black gram is rich in vitamins, minerals and devoid of cholesterol. It is store house of calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese etc. Urad dal contains vitamins and dietary fibers. Due to high potassium content urad dal acts as an aphrodisiac. According to text of ayurveda black gram also helps in increasing body bulk and body energy level. It strengthens the body and increases lifespan. “Vigna Mungo” or black gram helps to increase bulk of stools. The moistness increasing property coupled with bulk increasing quality helps in easy movement of bowel.  Therefore usage of this bean is recommended in conditions like constipation, piles and colic. This herb is a very good liver stimulant.

Rice is a rich source of carbohydrates. Rice contains all the essential amino acids. It does not contain appreciable amount of fat, and they contain no saturated fat.

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