I am looking for an easy idli recipe that doesn't take a lot of time (not the semolina kind) and that will turn out light and fluffy. Thanks so much!

Hello Jan

I suppose you could make them like a Dhokla. They are both steamed cakes after all. See gram flour dhokla or Moong dal dhokla

Mamta

the idli (and dosa) recipes in India rely on 'natural yeasts' to start and maintain the fermantation, which is done overnight (at quite high ambient temperatures). Things like variety of rice, and even your source of water can make a huge difference, if attempted in other countries.

A 'quick' fix recipe uses citric acid and bicarbonate of soda (similar to soda bread idea), but they taste of something which does not remind me of the offerings in India.

I have tried Dhoklas with ST. Andrews salt or even ENO, works reasonably well. Worth trying with instant idli too, but not sure how good it will be.

the problem with Andrew's is that it is a laxative, so if you don't want this side effect, best stick to bicarbonate of soda and lemon juice ;?)

Fruit salts like ENO have only Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid and Sodium Carbonate. They are added in a small quantity only, like 1 tsp. in the whole lot of say 5 cups of rice and dal mix. In this quantity, it does not cause diarrhoea. Gujraties use it in making Dhokla quite often, specially in cold months when natural fermentations is not so quick. Sometimes, it is used in baking too, specially when one doesn't have access to baking powder.

Mamta

my comment refers to Andrew's, look on the label, does it mention Magnesium sulphate? That is the laxative.

Ah, I only checked on ENO bottle, which I have in my cupboard. I have used Andrew's salt with no ill efects in the past. Thanks for the information Lapis, though I wonder if it will be a laxative in such small amounts?

mamta

Thanks Mamta for the idea. If I don't get anyone to post more of what I am looking for, I will definitely give your idea a try. I might even try it anyway as they do sound delicious!