Idli, A versatile Indian food that’s winning hearts.

Whenever asked about some remarkable specialities from South India, Idli will be definitely on your mind. Though these fluffy cakes belong to the South Indian culinary world, it has slowly transcended regional boundaries and has won the hearts of food lovers throughout the world. These soft cakes are available just about everywhere in India. You will now find the presence of idlis in restaurants of many foreign countries too.

Idli with time has become ‘International Food’. The popularity of these ‘white moon cakes’ has reached such a pinnacle that now March 30 is designated as ‘World Idli Day’. Data from a few research revealed that in India, Bengaluru has a huge fan base for idli while San Francisco, London and New Jersey are globally the idli lover cities as they had the highest percentage of the population ordering these white spongy rice cakes.

But why idli is idli a sensation in the culinary world? Let’s find out why this humble dish holds such a special place in our hearts and what are its types through this blog.

Why is Idli special?

Idli is one of the most beloved breakfast foods in India, and it's no surprise why! Though there are many views on the orientation of idli, it is typically considered a South Indian dish.

Idli is made from fermented black lentils and rice. It is usually served with chutney, sambar or other accompaniments. It has a soft, spongy texture and is very easy to digest. It is also a very healthy option as it is low in fat and high in protein.

Idli is made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils, which makes it extremely nutritious.

Why are idlis perfect for breakfast?

When it comes to breakfast, Indians love their idli. This perfect breakfast option is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals. Idli is made from fermented rice and urad dal and thus, is a good source of protein, fibre, and vitamins.

The distinctive characteristic of idli is that it's super light in weight yet very fulfilling. This quality of idli has placed it on the list of ‘Best breakfasts of the world’.

Idlis are also loaded with fibre. Fibre works wonders in tackling your excessive cravings, regulates bowel moments and thus lets you shed some kilos. It is also low in fat and calories, making it an ideal breakfast choice for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Also, as idli is a steamed dish its oil-free content makes it the right choice for all health-conscious around the globe.

Varieties of idlis:

If you know only about white plain idli, then my friend you are missing a lot of flavours. With time and adaptions, today there are several types of idlis. Here we will discuss 4 varieties of idli, each with its own distinctive taste and benefits.

Ragi idli.

Ragi or finger millet is one of the most consumed grains from South India. It is reddish-brown in colour and a storehouse of protein and calcium. Ragi idli is an alternative to normal idli for boosting its health benefits. Its taste can slightly differ from normal idli but is definitely worth a try.

Oats idli.

Oats, a cereal grain has recently gained the limelight, especially among fitness enthusiasts because of their amazing health benefits. You can replace your normal breakfast with oats idlis for weight loss. It's loaded with numerous nutrients and healthy compounds that make you fuller and also meet your daily nutrient requirement. So, if you are an idli-lover but also concerned about weight, oats idlis are just for you.

Bajra idli.

Another grain from the millet family, Bajra also has an excellent nutrient profile. Its rich potassium, fibre, iron and protein content and its hot potency make it a super grain for winters. Bajra idli is a delicious way to get the benefits of this wholesome grain. This winter, don’t forget to enjoy Bajra idli for staying fit and healthy.

Quinoa idli.

Quinoa is not as popular as the other three in India but its nutrient content is no less. Quinoa is a wealthy source of magnesium, iron, thiamin, and Vitamin B6. Wanna relish all new idli-eating experiences? Try Quinoa idli.

Instant idli- A faster route to a healthy morning start.

Idli is easy to make breakfast option but the process is still a bit lengthy. You need to soak the ingredients for a few hours, grind them separately, blend the grounded ingredients, let them alone for fermentation, steam and then finally serve them. Pheww, a lot to go through. Though ready-made batters are available from roadside vendors, quality and consistency are still a question. Additionally, most batter from normal stores is available for plain idli.

If you are in rush during the morning, skipping breakfast might be the first thing to hit your mind but that’s actually the worst you can do. Your day requires an energetic start that can be done with a healthy breakfast. So when time doesn’t allow you to prepare something really good, Idli Instant Mix can come to the rescue. Instant mixes are a great way to bring the same flavour in lesser time.

It serves you soft & fluffy idlis in no time, meets the nutritional requirement and keeps you fuller.

Instant mix or readymade idli premixes contain the ingredients in the right quantity. You just need to add curd, nuts or veggies if you want to, blend the batter, steam it and you are ready to go. You can make the experience more amazing with condiments such as coconut chutney and sambar. Instant mixes are also available for both sambar and Coconut chutneys.

Summing it up:

Idli is a versatile and delicious breakfast option that has been popular amongst Indians for centuries. The fact that it is gaining in popularity worldwide shows just how much people love its taste and nutritional value. It is also low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for those watching their weight. With the help of modern cooking techniques, Idli can now be made to suit different palates while still maintaining its traditional flavour.