Instant Pot Idli
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
6
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Course
Main Course, Breakfast, Snacks
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Cuisine
Indian
Instant Pot Idli
Description
This Instant Pot Idli recipe prepares tender steamed cakes using fermented idli batter consisting of rice and urad dal. The batter is scooped into lightly greased idli molds placed on a stand inside the Instant Pot. Water is heated to a boil in the pot, and the idli mold stand is inserted for steaming under the lid in steam mode with the venting position. Since timing in this mode depends on manual timers, the idlis steam for about 12 minutes before removal. The steaming produces moist idlis with a soft, spongy texture typical of South Indian breakfasts.
These idlis are often served hot with side dishes like sambar, a lentil-based vegetable stew, and various chutneys made from coconut or tomatoes. Their mild taste makes them a suitable base for flavorful dips and accompaniments. The recipe notes mention that the batter is best used within 1–2 days of making for best softness, with any remaining batter used for making dosa crepes.
The process can be repeated in batches as needed. Greasing the molds ensures easy removal of the idlis without sticking. Monitoring the steaming time rather than relying on built-in Instant Pot timers helps avoid under- or over-steaming.
Ingredients
- 2 cups idli batter
- 1 1/2 cup water
- ghee for greasing, or oil
Instructions
- Make idli batter following the instructions in the post.
- Add water to the instant pot and heat it in saute mode until it boils. The press cancel.
- While the water is heating, grease the idli molds with oil or ghee. Add small amount of batter in each mold.
- Place the idli stand in the instant pot. Close lid and keep in steam mode in venting position, and press start. The thing to note is that the time on the instant pot does not work in the venting position, so you have to use a separate timer. (Some new models of instant pot have a no pressure setting for steam mode, which can be used)
- In 12 minutes, idli's will be ready. Press Cancel and wait for the pin to drop (so that any pressure is released), then open the instant pot.
- Idli's can be served with sambar and chutney. You can make multiple batches of idli with the same batter.
Notes
- Use only the needed amount of batter from a well-fermented batch to keep idlis soft; do not stir the entire batter after fermenting.
- Prepare and consume idlis within 1 to 2 days of making the batter for best texture.
- Save leftover batter to make dosas for a different South Indian dish.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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