Unlock the Secret to Perfect Idli: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Idli in an Instant Pot

Idli, a popular South Indian dish, has gained immense popularity in recent years. This steamed rice and lentil cake is not only delicious but also healthy and easy to make. While traditionally cooked in a pressure cooker or steamer, the introduction of Instant Pot has revolutionized the way Idli is prepared. As more and more people are turning to this multifunctional kitchen appliance, many are wondering how to cook Idli in an Instant Pot. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making fluffy and soft Idlis in your Instant Pot. So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Idli is a traditional South Indian dish that has gained popularity all over the world for its simplicity and delicious taste. Traditionally, idli is made by steaming a batter of fermented lentils and rice, but thanks to modern technology, it can now be easily made in an Instant Pot. In this article, we will delve into the details of how to cook idli in an Instant Pot, giving you step-by-step instructions to help you make the perfect idlis every time.

What is an Instant Pot?

Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s first understand what an Instant Pot is. It is a multi-functional electric pressure cooker that can sauté, steam, slow cook, and even make yogurt. It has become a favorite appliance among home cooks as it speeds up the cooking process while still retaining all the flavor and nutrients of the food being cooked.

The Benefits of Cooking Idli in an Instant Pot

While traditional methods of making idlis involve soaking and fermenting the batter for several hours, using an Instant Pot can significantly cut down on preparation time. Additionally, using an Instant Pot eliminates the need for constant monitoring and stirring during steaming, making it a more convenient method of cooking.

The Ingredients You Need for Making Idli Batter

To make idlis in an Instant Pot, you need a few basic ingredients such as parboiled rice (also known as idli rice), skinned split black gram (urad dal), fenugreek seeds (methi seeds), salt, and water. You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store or Indian grocery store.

Parboiled Rice (Idli Rice)

Parboiled rice is essential to making soft and fluffy idlis. It is different from regular white rice because it goes through a three-step process of steaming, soaking, and drying before being husked and polished. This process helps retain the nutrients in the rice, making it a healthier option.

Urad Dal (Skinned Split Black Gram)

Urad dal is a type of lentil that is commonly used in South Indian cooking. It adds a distinct flavor and richness to the idli batter. Urad dal is also known for its high protein content, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.

Fenugreek Seeds (Methi Seeds)

Fenugreek seeds are added to the batter to help with the fermentation process. It also adds a slightly bitter taste to balance out the sweetness from the rice and urad dal.

The Preparation Process

The first step towards making idli in an Instant Pot is preparing the batter. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Rinse 1 cup of parboiled rice and ¼ cup of urad dal separately.
2. Soak them separately in water for 6-8 hours or overnight.
3. In another bowl, soak ½ teaspoon of fenugreek seeds for the same amount of time.
4. After soaking, drain all the water from each ingredient and grind them together in a blender or wet grinder until you get a smooth and fluffy batter.
5. Add salt as per your taste and mix well.
6. Cover the bowl with a lid and let it ferment for 8-10 hours.

Cooking Idlis in an Instant Pot

Now that you have prepared the idli batter, it’s time to cook them in an Instant Pot. Follow these steps:

1. Grease some idli molds or small bowls with oil or cooking spray.
2. Pour the fermented batter into each mold or bowl, leaving some room for the batter to expand.
3. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside.
4. Carefully place the idli molds or bowls on top of the trivet.
5. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and turn the steam release handle to the sealing position.
6. Press the ‘Manual’ button and set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
7. After 10 minutes, allow for natural pressure release for an additional 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
8. Remove the idlis from the molds or bowls using a spoon and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Making Variations to Your Idlis

Once you have mastered making traditional idlis in your Instant Pot, you can also experiment with different variations to add some unique flavors to your idlis.

Adding Vegetables

You can enhance your idlis by mixing in vegetables such as grated carrots, chopped coriander, peas, or grated coconut into the batter before steaming.

Using Different Types of Rice

Instead of using parboiled rice alone, you can mix it with other types of rice such as

Preparing Idli Batter in Instant Pot

Idli is a popular South Indian dish that has gained popularity all over the world. It is a steamed cake made from fermented rice and lentil batter, which is a great source of carbohydrates and protein. Traditionally, idli batter is prepared by soaking rice and lentils overnight, followed by grinding them into a smooth paste and leaving it to ferment for 8-10 hours. However, with the advent of instant pot, preparing idli batter has become easier and faster. In this section, we will discuss how to prepare idli batter in an instant pot.

Firstly, let us look at the ingredients required to make idli batter in an instant pot. You will need 2 cups of parboiled rice, 1 cup of whole urad dal (black gram), ½ cup of poha (flattened rice), 1 tsp fenugreek seeds, and salt to taste. You will also require an instant pot and an idli stand.

To begin with, thoroughly rinse the rice and dal separately until the water runs clear. Soak them in separate bowls for at least 4 hours or overnight. Soaking helps in easy grinding of the ingredients as well as increases their nutritional value.

After soaking, drain the water from both the rice and dal. Add them to a grinder along with poha and fenugreek seeds; grind into a smooth thick paste by adding little water at regular intervals. Once done, transfer the ground batter into a large bowl.

Fermenting Idli Batter in Instant Pot

Now comes the most crucial step – fermenting the idli batter properly before steaming it in the instant pot. Fermentation is vital as it not only adds flavor to your idlis but also enhances its nutrition.

To ferment the idli batter in an instant pot, pour the batter into the steel insert of the pot. Add salt to taste and mix well. Cover the insert with a lid and let it ferment for 8-10 hours on the ‘yogurt’ mode of instant pot. If your instant pot doesn’t have a yogurt mode, you can choose any temperature between 110-115 degrees Fahrenheit.

After fermenting, start with a spoon to check if it has fermented properly. The batter should have doubled its volume, smell slightly tangy and have tiny bubbles on top. If not fermented yet, let it rest for a few more hours.

Steaming the Idlis in Instant Pot

Once your idli batter is well-fermented, it’s time to steam them in an instant pot. Before placing the idli stand inside the instant pot, ensure that there is enough water at the bottom of the pot to create steam.

Now add 1 cup of water in an instant pot and place the idli stand inside it. Close with a lid and steam for 8 minutes on high pressure (manual setting). After steaming, release the pressure manually by turning its nozzle to ‘venting’.

Remove the lid carefully using tongs as it will be hot and take out idlis using a spoon or fork. Allow them to cool down for a couple of minutes before demolding them from their moulds.

Serving Idlis with Instant Pot

Idlis are traditionally served with coconut chutney or sambar (lentil-based soup). You can also elevate their taste by serving them with peanut chutney or spicy podi (powder) made from lentils and spices.

Once cooked, idlis stay fresh for at least 10-12 hours if kept closed in an insulated container or wrapped in foil paper. This makes them an ideal breakfast option that can be taken to work or school.

Tips for Perfect Idlis in Instant Pot

To get the perfect idlis every time you make them in an instant pot, consider the following tips.

• Always use parboiled rice (idli rice) instead of long-grain rice. Parboiled rice helps in getting soft, fluffy idlis.

• Use whole urad dal with skin for a healthier and tastier option, instead of de-skinned ones.

• Adding poha (flattened rice) to your batter makes it fluffy and light. You can use thick or thin poha depending on your preference.

• Ensure proper fermentation of the batter. If you live in a colder place, it might take longer for the batter to ferment. You can place it in a warm place like near a warm oven to help in fermentation.

Cleaning and Storage of Instant Pot

Proper cleaning and storage of the instant pot are as crucial as preparing idli batter and steaming them. After cooking idlis, wash the steel insert, lid, and stand with soap and water. Thoroughly dry them before storing to prevent any rusting.

If you have leftovers from the fermented batter or cooked idlis, transfer them immediately into an a

Q: What is an Instant Pot?
A: An Instant Pot is a programmable multi-cooker that functions as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and more.

Q: Can I cook idli in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can easily prepare idli in an Instant Pot with the right ingredients and cooking method.

Q: What are the ingredients needed to make idli in an Instant Pot?
A: The main ingredients include rice, urad dal (white lentils), water, and salt. You can also add fenugreek seeds for additional flavor.

Q: How long does it take to cook idli in an Instant Pot?
A: It takes approximately 10 minutes for the pressure to build up and about 8-10 minutes for idlis to cook on high pressure in an Instant Pot.

Q: Do I need any special utensils or accessories to make idli in an Instant Pot?
A: No, you can use regular idli molds or stackable stainless steel containers inside the pot. You may also use aluminum foil to cover the molds if they don’t have lids.

Q: What is the recommended ratio of rice and lentils for making idli in an Instant Pot?
A: The ideal ratio is 2 cups of rice and 1/2 cup of urad dal (white lentil). Soak both separately for 6-8 hours before grinding them together into a smooth batter.

In conclusion, cooking idli in an instant pot is a convenient and efficient method that produces delicious and perfectly steamed idlis. By following the step-by-step instructions mentioned above, one can easily make soft, fluffy, and healthy idlis in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.

The use of an Instant Pot not only saves time but also preserves the nutritional value of the ingredients used to make idlis. The high-pressure cooking method ensures that all the flavors are locked in, resulting in a more flavorful and aromatic dish.

Additionally, making idli in an instant pot allows for customization and experimentation with different ingredients and flavors. From adding vegetables to using different types of lentils, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating unique and personalized versions of this classic South Indian dish.

Moreover, using an instant pot for cooking idli also eliminates the hassle of constantly monitoring and stirring the batter. This hands-off approach allows for multitasking in the kitchen and frees up time to focus on other dishes or tasks.

Overall, cooking idli in an instant pot is a game-changer for anyone who loves this beloved dish but doesn’t have the luxury of time or equipment needed for traditional methods. It brings modern convenience to a traditional recipe while still maintaining authenticity and taste. So