Idli / Steamed Rice Cakes

Idlis are a regular break fast in most south indian homes.I learnt the perfect recipe for Idli batter from my neighbour...Befor when i make idli it dont came out success..Now i make nice idli.Befor my hubby dont eat much,but now......he he he he he ...It is served with a varieties of chutneys, sambhars.

Ingredients:

1/2 cups Par Boiled Rice
1 1/2 cup Raw Rice
1 cup Urad Dal/Split Black Lentils (skinned black gram)
1/2 teaspoon Fenugreek/Methi Seeds (Optional)
Salt to taste

Preparation:

Idli Batter Procedure:

1.Wash and soak together the rices for at least 5 hours. Soaking urad dal for 1 minutes is sufficient. If using fenugreek seeds, soak it separately in hot water so that grinding will be easy.
2.Drain the urad dal reserving some of the soaked water.
3.First grind the urad dal Fenugreek (if using).When it graid to fine paste transfer the dal batter to a big container(so that the batter does not overflow while it ferments)
4.Now grind the rice.The rice batter need not be as smooth as the urad dal batter.Now add this to urad dal batter and mix well.Add salt and mix it with your clean hand thoroughly.Cover the bowl with a plate and leave it undisturbed for at least 15 hours.

Idli Procedure:
1.Grease idli moulds with ghee/oil.Depending on the size of the idli plates fill between 3 to 4 tablespoons of batter in each mould.
2.You could use a pressure cooker or any vessel for that matter to steam idlis. I steam mine in a pressure cooker. Before filling the idli plates, add some water in the cooker (about 1 inch) and switch on the stove. So by the time you are done with the batter the water will start boiling and you can place the idli stand in the cooker and close the lid. Since the water is already hot and steaming the idlis cook very fast. Around 9-10 minutes you will see steam escaping from the lid's vent.
3.After 5 – 7 minutes open the lid. Use an oven mit or kitchen towel to remove the idli stand because it will be very hot.
4.Remove each plate one by one,and let it rest in room temperatur for 5-10 minutes.This will loosen up the idlis and will help in scooping out the idlis from the plate.
5.Run a knife or a spoon around the edges and remove the idlis from the plate.
Now enjoy it with your favorite chutney or sambar.Me and my hubbie need both the chutney and sambar.