Instant Rava / Sooji Idli

Instant Rava Idli with Veggies

Mornings are the busiest in every household. Our home is no different. A bowl of whole grain cereal is the easiest option for me. But on weekends, I don't mind cooking something traditional. This Karnataka style Rava Idli with carrots and peas is one of them. Unlike other South Indian breakfasts which require an elaborate process of soaking, grinding, fermenting, this Sooji Idli is a quick one. Plus, healthy!

Ingredients:

Semolina/Rava/Sooji - 1 cup

Yogurt/Curds/Dahi - 1 cup

Grated Carrots/Gajar - 1/2 cup

Green Peas (frozen) - 1/2 cup

Grated Coconut (fresh or frozen) - 1/4 cup

Cashews/Kaju - 3 tbsp

Cumin/Jeera Seeds - 1/4 tsp

Mustard Seeds - 1/4 tsp

Curry Leaves/Kadipata - 6

Oil or Ghee - 3 tsp

Baking Soda - 1/2 tsp

Salt

How to make Instant Rava Idli with veggies:

• Heat a pan and dry roast semolina at low heat for 3 - 4 minutes. Roast until semolina color changes slightly and turns aromatic. Do not let it turn brown. Let it cool.
• Roughly chop the cashews. Heat 1 tsp oil or ghee in a pan and fry the cashews until slightly brown. Set it aside.
• In the same pan, prepare the tempering/tadka. Add 2 tsp oil or ghee. Add mustard seeds and curry leaves. Turn off the heat when mustard seeds start spluttering.
• Now time to make the idli batter. In a mixing bowl, add yogurt, salt and cumin seeds. Beat it well. Add roasted semolina, fried cashews, grated carrots, green peas, mustard seeds and curry leaves tempering. Mix it well. Add water little at a time and make a thick batter. I added about 3/4 cup water. Lastly, add baking soda and mix again.

Sooji Idli

• I have used frozen green peas which are already blanched. I have added full fat or whole milk yogurt. Coconut, yogurt and baking soda will make these instant idlis soft and fluffy.
• Grease the idli plates or a steel vessel with oil or ghee or cooking spray. Pour the batter in the idli molds, about half full. After cooking, idli batter will rise.  Steam the idlis for about 12 minutes. Makes 14 idlis.

Serve hot Rava Idli with a Coconut Chutney of your choice.