By now it may be quite evident that I love south-Indian fare! Surprisingly, not too long ago I tried Idi-appam for the first time and it was an Eureka moment for me! These soft, mushy, warm, light, fluffy little hoppers left me speechless and wanting for more. I knew I had to give them a try. I knew I would get them right. And I did! Indeed!!!
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| A Feast for your Eyes and a Delight for your taste-buds! Gorgeous Idi-appams with Stew and Chutney. |
Ingredients (makes about 20 delicious little hoppers!):
- 250 Grams Rice Flour
- 100-125 Ml of Water
- Salt to taste
- 1-2 Spoons of Coconut Oil for Kneading
- Grated Coconut for Garnish - optional
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| Step-by-Step we make it happen! A very easy, delicious recipe for Idi-appams! |
Preparation:
- In a large Pot, boil water with salt.
- Take the water off the heat and add Rice Flour in 3 parts, mixing gently ensuring no lumps are formed. Take care while doing this since the water will be really hot.
- Once all the flour is incorporated - add more flour if desired to get the consistency of bread-like dough. Keep stirring all the while with a whisk or a spoon. Cover with a lid and let the hot dough steam all inside for 15 mins.
- Once cooled, wet your hands with some Coconut oil and knead the beautiful, milky-white dough for 5 minutes until its smooth and feels well-binded and slightly elastic.
- Take your Chakli Press or Idi Appam Press Mould (with appropriate thin hole sieve) and oil the insides with coconut oil. Fill it thoroughly with the dough and seal well.
- These are best steamed in an Idli tray. Take a Idli tray and oil mildly (optional). Carefully and gently begin pressing the Idi Appam press in clockwise motion ensuring consistent contents in each idli mold. This may take a bit of practice but it's very easy - I got it right the very first time!!
- Add a pinchful of grated fresh coconut as garnish and steam them in pressure cooker (without the whistle) for 12-15 minutes.
- Once done, scoop them out gently and serve piping hot with Chutney(s) and Nice and Spicy Bowl of Vegetable Coconut Stew (coming soon!!).
- Don't keep a count of how many of these gorgeous little things you gulp - the best things in life aren't worth keeping a tab of! Enjoy with family and friends!
Tip: You can make Idi-Appams of a variety of flours like Raagi, whole Wheat, etc - they all taste uniquely delicious and are light to eat and digest.
