Idlis, the quintessential South Indian breakfast dish, have been a staple in many households for centuries. These steamed rice cakes are not only delicious but also nutritious and easy to digest. However, cooking idlis can be a bit tricky, especially for those who are new to using an idli stand in a cooker. In this article, we will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to put an idli stand in a cooker and cook perfect idlis every time.
Understanding the Idli Stand and Cooker
Before we dive into the process of cooking idlis, it’s essential to understand the idli stand and cooker. An idli stand is a metal or stainless steel plate with multiple depressions, usually 4-6, where the idli batter is poured. The stand is designed to fit inside a cooker, which is typically a large, deep pot with a lid.
Types of Idli Stands
There are two types of idli stands available in the market:
- Metal idli stands: These are the most common type of idli stands and are made of aluminum or stainless steel. They are durable and easy to clean.
- Stainless steel idli stands: These stands are made of high-quality stainless steel and are more expensive than metal idli stands. They are also more durable and resistant to corrosion.
Types of Cookers
There are several types of cookers available in the market, including:
- Pressure cookers: These are the most common type of cookers used for cooking idlis. They are designed to cook food quickly and efficiently.
- Idli cookers: These are specialized cookers designed specifically for cooking idlis. They have a unique shape and design that allows for even cooking.
Preparing the Idli Batter
Before cooking idlis, it’s essential to prepare the idli batter. The batter is made from a mixture of rice, lentils, and water. Here’s a simple recipe to make idli batter:
- 2 cups of rice
- 1 cup of lentils
- 1/2 cup of water
- Salt to taste
Mix the rice and lentils together and soak them in water for at least 4 hours. Grind the mixture into a smooth batter using a grinder or blender. Add salt to taste and mix well.
Tips for Making the Perfect Idli Batter
- Use short-grain rice, such as idli rice or parboiled rice, for making idlis.
- Use a combination of lentils, such as urad dal and moong dal, for making idlis.
- Soak the rice and lentils for at least 4 hours to ensure they are soft and easy to grind.
- Grind the mixture into a smooth batter using a grinder or blender.
- Add salt to taste and mix well.
Assembling the Idli Stand and Cooker
Now that we have prepared the idli batter, it’s time to assemble the idli stand and cooker. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Place the idli stand inside the cooker, making sure it is centered and even.
- Pour water into the cooker, making sure the water level is below the idli stand.
- Place the lid on the cooker, making sure it is securely locked.
Tips for Assembling the Idli Stand and Cooker
- Use a cooker that is large enough to hold the idli stand and water.
- Make sure the idli stand is centered and even inside the cooker.
- Pour water into the cooker, making sure the water level is below the idli stand.
- Place the lid on the cooker, making sure it is securely locked.
Cooking the Idlis
Now that we have assembled the idli stand and cooker, it’s time to cook the idlis. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Pour the idli batter into the idli stand, making sure each depression is filled to the top.
- Place the idli stand inside the cooker, making sure it is centered and even.
- Close the lid of the cooker and cook the idlis for 10-15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the idlis cool for a few minutes.
Tips for Cooking Idlis
- Pour the idli batter into the idli stand, making sure each depression is filled to the top.
- Place the idli stand inside the cooker, making sure it is centered and even.
- Close the lid of the cooker and cook the idlis for 10-15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the idlis cool for a few minutes.
Serving the Idlis
Now that we have cooked the idlis, it’s time to serve them. Here are a few tips for serving idlis:
- Serve the idlis hot with a dollop of ghee or oil.
- Serve the idlis with a side of sambar or chutney.
- Serve the idlis with a side of coconut chutney or tomato chutney.
Tips for Serving Idlis
- Serve the idlis hot with a dollop of ghee or oil.
- Serve the idlis with a side of sambar or chutney.
- Serve the idlis with a side of coconut chutney or tomato chutney.
In conclusion, cooking idlis is a simple process that requires some practice and patience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can cook perfect idlis every time. Remember to use short-grain rice, a combination of lentils, and to soak the rice and lentils for at least 4 hours. Also, make sure to assemble the idli stand and cooker correctly and cook the idlis for 10-15 minutes. Serve the idlis hot with a dollop of ghee or oil and a side of sambar or chutney.
What is an idli stand and how does it work in a cooker?
An idli stand is a kitchen utensil used to cook idlis, which are traditional South Indian steamed rice cakes. The idli stand consists of multiple plates with depressions to hold the idli batter, and it is designed to be used in a cooker or steamer. When placed in a cooker, the idli stand allows the idlis to cook evenly and efficiently, using the steam generated by the boiling water in the cooker.
The idli stand works by distributing the heat evenly throughout the plates, ensuring that each idli is cooked consistently. The steam from the boiling water rises through the stand, cooking the idlis from the bottom up. This process helps to retain the moisture and texture of the idlis, making them soft and fluffy.
What are the benefits of using an idli stand in a cooker?
Using an idli stand in a cooker offers several benefits, including ease of use, efficiency, and consistency. The idli stand allows you to cook multiple idlis at once, saving time and effort. It also ensures that each idli is cooked evenly, eliminating the risk of overcooking or undercooking.
Another benefit of using an idli stand is that it helps to retain the nutritional value of the idlis. Steaming the idlis instead of frying them helps to preserve the vitamins and minerals in the rice and lentils. Additionally, the idli stand makes it easy to cook idlis in large quantities, making it an ideal utensil for families or for special occasions.
How do I prepare the idli batter for cooking in an idli stand?
To prepare the idli batter, you will need to soak rice and lentils in water for several hours. The rice and lentils should be soaked separately and then blended together with water to form a smooth batter. The batter should be allowed to ferment overnight, which will help it to rise and give the idlis their characteristic texture.
Once the batter has fermented, it is ready to be poured into the idli stand. Make sure to grease the plates of the idli stand with a little oil or ghee to prevent the idlis from sticking. Then, pour the batter into each depression, filling it to the top. The idlis are now ready to be cooked in the cooker.
How do I assemble and place the idli stand in the cooker?
To assemble the idli stand, start by placing the base plate at the bottom of the cooker. Then, add the idli plates on top of the base plate, making sure they are securely stacked. Make sure the cooker has enough water to generate steam, but not so much that it touches the idli stand.
Once the idli stand is assembled, place it in the cooker and close the lid. Make sure the lid is securely closed to trap the steam inside the cooker. Then, place the cooker on the stovetop and turn the heat to high. When the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the idlis cook for 15-20 minutes.
How long does it take to cook idlis in an idli stand?
The cooking time for idlis in an idli stand can vary depending on the size of the idlis and the heat of the cooker. Generally, it takes around 15-20 minutes to cook idlis in an idli stand. You can check if the idlis are cooked by inserting a toothpick or fork into the center of an idli. If it comes out clean, the idlis are cooked.
It’s also important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of cooker you are using. If you are using a pressure cooker, the cooking time may be shorter, around 10-12 minutes. If you are using a regular cooker, the cooking time may be longer, around 20-25 minutes.
How do I serve and store cooked idlis?
Cooked idlis can be served with a variety of chutneys and sambar. They can also be served with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, or podi. Idlis can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month and reheated when needed.
To reheat idlis, simply steam them in a steamer or microwave them for a few seconds. You can also reheat idlis by soaking them in hot water for a few minutes. This will help to restore their texture and freshness.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking idlis in an idli stand?
One common mistake to avoid when cooking idlis in an idli stand is overmixing the batter. Overmixing can result in dense and hard idlis. Another mistake is not greasing the plates of the idli stand properly, which can cause the idlis to stick.
Another mistake is not using the right amount of water in the cooker. If there is too little water, the idlis may not cook properly. If there is too much water, the idlis may become soggy. It’s also important to not open the lid of the cooker too often, as this can release the steam and affect the cooking process.