If you’re looking for a quick and simple way to make idlis—that soft, fluffy South Indian steamed rice cake—on busy days, you’re in the right place! An easy idli recipe is the perfect solution when you need something light, nutritious, and satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Whether you’re in the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada, idlis are a healthy and delicious choice for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dinner. With this simplified recipe, you can whip up idlis in no time without compromising on taste or texture.
Let’s dive into this easy idli recipe for busy days!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Idli Recipe
Quick & Simple: This version doesn’t require fermenting overnight, which saves you time.
Healthy: Idlis are steamed, making them a low-fat, protein-rich breakfast or snack.
Customizable: You can add different flavors to the batter or serve with a variety of chutneys and sambar.
Light & Filling: Ideal for those who want a satisfying meal that won’t leave them feeling overly full.
Ingredients for Easy Idli Recipe for Busy Days
This recipe makes about 10-12 idlis depending on the size of your idli molds.
For the Idli Batter:
1 cup rice (regular short-grain rice or idli rice works best)
½ cup urad dal (split black gram)
1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds (optional, but helps with fermentation and texture)
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Water (as needed to get the right batter consistency)
For Steaming:
Water for steaming in the steamer or idli cooker
Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Idli for Busy Days
Making idlis doesn’t have to take hours of preparation. Here’s how you can whip up a batch of soft, fluffy idlis in just a fraction of the time.
Step 1: Soak the Rice and Dal
Soak the rice and dal separately: In two different bowls, soak 1 cup of rice and ½ cup urad dal along with 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds (optional). Soak for about 3-4 hours.
Pro Tip: Soaking helps the ingredients blend together smoothly to form a soft batter.
Step 2: Blend the Rice and Dal
After soaking, drain the rice and dal, and place them in a blender or food processor.
Blend the rice and dal mixture separately, adding water gradually until you get a smooth, thick batter.
Rice mixture: The rice should be ground into a coarse texture, not completely smooth.
Dal mixture: The dal should be smooth and creamy, with a slight consistency similar to pancake batter.
Once both the rice and dal are blended, combine them in a large bowl. Add ½ teaspoon salt and mix everything well.
Step 3: Prepare the Idli Steamer
Prepare your idli steamer or use a regular steamer or large pot with a steaming rack.
Add water to the bottom of the steamer and bring it to a boil.
Grease the idli molds lightly with oil or ghee (clarified butter) to prevent the idlis from sticking.
Pro Tip: You can use any heatproof container with a lid if you don’t have an idli mold. You can also use silicone molds or small cupcake trays.
Step 4: Steam the Idlis
Fill the idli molds with the batter, about ¾ full. Don’t overfill, as the batter will rise while steaming.
Place the molds in the steamer, and cover the steamer with a lid.
Steam the idlis for 10-12 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick or fork into the idli—it should come out clean.
Pro Tip: If you’re using a steamer or regular pot, make sure the water is simmering, not boiling too vigorously. The steam should be gentle.
Once the idlis are done, remove the mold from the steamer and let it cool for a couple of minutes before removing the idlis.
Step 5: Serve the Idlis
Gently remove the idlis from the molds using a spoon or your fingers.
Serve the idlis hot with your favorite chutney (coconut, tomato, or mint chutney) and sambar (a spiced lentil soup) for a traditional South Indian breakfast.
Pro Tip: You can also drizzle some ghee on top of the idlis for an extra burst of flavor.
Practical Tips for Making the Best Idlis
1. Use the Right Rice and Dal
For the best texture, use idli rice if you can find it. It’s specially designed for making soft idlis. If not, regular short-grain rice will work as well.
Urad dal is essential for the texture and fluffiness of the idlis. You can find it in Indian grocery stores or online.
2. Consistency of the Batter
The batter should have a thick yet smooth consistency, almost like pancake batter. Add water as needed during the blending process, but don’t make the batter too runny.
3. No Fermentation Needed
The great part about this easy idli recipe is that it doesn’t require any fermentation. However, if you have more time, letting the batter sit for an hour to ferment naturally can give the idlis an even fluffier texture.
4. Steaming Tips
Keep the steaming water at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil.
Make sure the idli molds are arranged in a way that allows steam to circulate evenly around each idli.
5. Quick Substitutions
If you don’t have an idli steamer, you can use a regular steamer, or even a pressure cooker without the pressure valve. Just place the batter-filled molds in a small rack inside the cooker with about 1-2 inches of water in the base.
For a faster version, try instant idli mixes available in stores or online. These are pre-made batters that require minimal preparation.
Serving Suggestions for Idlis
1. Classic Chutneys
Idlis pair beautifully with traditional chutneys like:
Coconut chutney (made with fresh coconut, green chilies, and tamarind).
Tomato chutney (a tangy and spicy accompaniment).
Mint chutney (refreshing and vibrant).
2. Sambar
For the complete meal, serve idlis with a bowl of sambar—a spiced lentil stew with vegetables, tamarind, and curry leaves.
3. Idli in Different Styles
If you want to take your idlis to the next level, try these variations:
Idli upma: Scramble leftover idlis with vegetables, mustard seeds, and curry leaves.
Masala idli: Toss idlis in a flavorful mix of spices and ghee for a savory snack.
Idli with curd (yogurt): A simple and refreshing way to enjoy idlis with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Conclusion: Try This Easy Idli Recipe for Busy Days!
This easy idli recipe for busy days is quick, delicious, and perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional South Indian breakfast or want a tasty snack, this recipe fits the bill.
To recap:
Soak rice and dal for a few hours and blend into a smooth batter.
Steam the idlis in a hot pot or steamer for 10-12 minutes.
Serve with chutneys, sambar, or curd for a complete meal.