Idli Maker Instructions (And How To Make Idli Without Idli Maker at Home)
Most people would love to make soft idli in their own home. Most of us don‘t do a good job.. some blame the batter, other blame the utensil, while the truth is both matter, but method still counts for more.
With just an understanding of steam cooking and the knowledge of how to use your utensils, anyone can make soft idli without the idli makers. Indian cooks have always managed to make soft idli using just a few basic equipment.
In this article, we will take you through a step by step process of how to make idli using an idli maker. And if you haven‘t got an idli steamer, then we will show you the conventional kitchen tips of how to make idli in a kadai, cooker, or even basic steel cups.
How to Use Idli Maker the Right Way
Using an idli maker is easy, but a few minor mistakes can make a difference. If you do everything correctly, your idli will come out soft and fluffy.
Begin with a good fermentation. It must be very light and airy. If it is thick and flat, no matter how well you keep, the idli will be very dense. Always stir the batter lightly before use.
Then, grease the idli. With some oil. This makes it easy to remove the idli after steaming. Pour the batter into each of the compartments, leaving enough room to allow the idli to rise while cooking.
Now pour water in the stand end of the idli maker. The water should not be higher than the stand. Keep the stand inside the lid and press down the lid tightly. Let it steam for 10-12 minutes on medium flame.
Don‘t keep opening and closing the lid. The steam has to stay inside. Check with a knife once done. When it comes out smoothly, your idli is ready for consumption. Rest the idlis for a couple of minutes, then get them out.
Common Mistakes People Make While Using Idli Maker
Even though processes can be followed, small errors can spoil the result. For example, one mistake that can be committed is using high flame. People tend to believe that high heat means quicker cooking, but in this case it doesn‘t and results in hard idli and uncooked insides.
One more mistake is the addition of excessive amount of water. If water is fallen over the batter, idli‘s become soggy and sticky. Keep the standard dry.
Premature opening of the lid another problem. When you release the steam, the idli won‘t rise well. Let it cook completely first, then check.
Similarly, make sure not to make very thick batter. Each ingredient in the batter should be very soft and flow constantly while preparing, to get good rise for the idli. Little little things makes a lot of difference in the texture.
How to Make Idli Using a Kadai (Best Alternative Method)
An idli maker is not essential you can use a kadai. Still, every family you visit will have one and it produces excellent idli‘s I found.
Choose a big kadai and place some water in it. Also place a small stand/ring and place it inside the kadai or place a steel plate and put all the bowls on it. Now it can generate proper steam inside the kadai.
Now take the small steel bowls or katoris and grease them with oil. Pour the batter into these katoris up to the three-fourths level. Place these katoris in the kadai.
Close the kadai with a tight lid and cook for about 12 to 15 min on medium flame. Don‘t open the lid in between. Let the steam work.
A good kadai is a real boon here. If the base heats evenly, the steam disperses adequately and cooks the idli from all directions. For instance, you could use an Omichef triply kadai here. It retains heat well and keeps a constant cooking temperature enabling soft idli.
If you want to use this method on a regular basis, then you must use a durable and trusted kadai. You can check on Amazon for if you like the Omichef utensils and then buy out what fits your kitchen! Buy Now.
How to Make Idli in a Pressure Cooker
An idli steamer is another quick and easy way if you don’t have an idli maker. The procedure is very simple but one thing is very crucial the whistle has to be removed.
Begin by pouring the water into the cooker. Keep a ring or a stand inside on which place the idli moulds; you may use an idli stand or small bowls.
Pour the batter in greased moulds and put them in the cooker. Close the lid but don t put the whistle, because you only need steam, not pressure.
Cook it on medium flame for 10 to 12 minutes, then turn off the flame and let it stand for 5 minutes before opening.
A good kitchen cooker or saucepan will give even heat. If there is uneven heat it can influence the texture. That‘s why using good quality, well made cookware, such as Omichef, eliminates worrying about.
Can you use steel or glass or cups in Idli?
Yes, it‘s very easy to prepare idli at home using steel glasses / cups. It becomes very useful when you don‘t have any special equipment.
First, take steel glasses, apply a mild coating of oil inside each glass. Now fill about half of the glass with the prepared batter since the batter will increase when steaming. Place the glasses in a ‘kadai’ or a cooker.
Cover and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes on medium flame. Allow it to cool a little before removing.
The shape will obviously be different from regular idli but they can be just as tasty and soft if the preparation is correct. This again shows us that good cooking is not about equipment but how you use what you already have.
Tips to Make Soft Idli Every Time
If you want consistent results, stick to a few of the simple habits that you find that work. When steaming, keep the flame on medium. High flame will mess up the texture.
Ensure your batter is correctly fermented. During colder weather it might need longer time, so wait and do not hurry.
Do not try to disturb the steam. Do not keep opening and closing the lid for no reason. Let the process take place as it should, let it complete itself. Also use a pots and pans that heat evenly. This is a tiny detail but makes a hell lot of a difference.
We at Omichef know that attention to the best quality and most reliable cookware will never let a home cook down. When your utensils behave the right way, your food does too.
Final Thoughts
You don‘t need pricey tools to make good idli. You just need the right technique and a bit of patience.
If you do have an idli-maker please use it the right way! If you don’t have one, a kadai, cooker or even a steel cup works just as well. This is how people have been cooking in Indian kitchens for years!
If you are aiming for higher and uniform performance in all your cooking endeavors, it is always recommended to opt for heavy-duty and sturdy cutlery. Browse Omichef cookware available at Amazon and invest in quality kitchenware one after another.
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Most of the Omichef tools are produced for use on mainstream cooking appliances, such as gas & induction hobs. It is always worth checking these details before making any purchase to avoid any problems when cooking. This also gives you the best results with your new utensil.
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