Top 6 Recipes with Idli Batter 

People from South India usually have idlis and dosas in their breakfast. However, many of them don’t know how to use the leftover idli batter. Hence, here are some of the most delicious recipes with idli batter that will tickle your taste buds and leave you wanting more. But before going straight to the idli batter recipes, let’s first talk about the procedure to make the perfect idli batter.

What is Idli?

Idli is a traditional South Indian breakfast which is the healthiest, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meal served with sambar and chutneys. Idlis are not just popular in India but outside India too. It’s a soft, fluffy, spongy, light, and steamed savory cake made with fermented rice and lentil batter. The rice and lentils are soaked and then ground separately, seasoned with salt, and mixed together. 

How to make Idli Batter?

Let’s make idli batter with us! Here we are going to provide you with an easy way of making idli batter with simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

You’ll need:

Urad Dal

Thick Poha (optional)

Fenugreek Seeds

Water for Soaking & grinding Rice

Water for Soaking & grinding Dal

Rock or Sea Salt

Instructions for Making Perfect Idli Batter

Soak Lentils and Rice

Take 1 cup of parboiled rice and 1 cup of regular rice in a pan.

Rinse both the rice 3 to 4 times in fresh water, drain all the water, and keep it aside.

For making soft and fluffy idli, take ¼ cup of thick poha in a bowl and rinse it with water twice or thrice.

Add poha to the rice with 2 cups of water, mix it, and cover it for 4 to 5 hours.

In another bowl, take ½ cup of urad dal with ¼ teaspoon fenugreek seeds, rinse it with water, and soak it for 4 to 5 hours.

Drain the water from the dal and reserve it before grinding. 

Grind the Rice and Lentils

Add the urad dal to a blending jar with ¼ cup of soaked or fresh water.

Grind it well until it becomes light, fluffy, and completely ground.

Pour its batter into a deep bowl.

Drain the water of rice and poha and also blend them.

Gather all the mixtures in one bowl.

Add 1 teaspoon of rock or sea salt and mix it with a spoon.

Ferment Idli Batter

Keep the batter in a warm place and leave it for 8 to 9 hours in the hot climate. If you live in a cold area, keep it for 12 to 24 hours. 

The batter will ferment and increase in the next morning.

Once the fermentation is done, your idli batter is ready.

Most Demanding Recipes with Idli Batter

Sandwich Toast With Idli Batter

One of the easiest recipes you can make with leftover idli batter is potato sandwich toast. All you need is the idli batter and potato masala and you can make of the most delicious sandwiches in just 10 minutes.

For the full recipe of sandwich toast with idli batter, click here.

Dhokla With Idli Batter

Dhokla is a savory cake made with idli batter. It is made by steaming the batter to a cake-like consistency. Dhokla is usually garnished with desiccated coconut and coriander leaves. The unique dish is native to the Indian state of Gujarat.

For the full recipe of dhokla, click here.

Idada With Non-Fermented Idli Batter

Idada is another delicious recipe you can make with idli batter. It’s a non-fried snack. You may call it a non-fermented version of dhokla. 

For the full recipe of idada, click here.

Vegetable Ponganalu With Left Over Idli Batter

Vegetable ponganalu is a South Indian breakfast recipe. The ponganalu is made from the fermented mixture of rice and lentils combined with some herbs and extra spices. They are soft and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outer side.  

For the full recipe of vegetable ponganalu, click here.

Idli Batter Jalebis Recipe With Leftover Idli Batter

If you want to make crunchy, sweet, and delicious jalebis out of idli batter, just mix a little bit of color and it will be good to go. You will love the final result. Its crunch and sweetness will be the same as traditional jalebis.

For the full recipe of idli batter jalebis, click here.

Idli Batter Thukada Recipe

Thukada is a snack that is made with idli batter mixed with puffed chana dal powder, onions, curry leaves, green chilies, red chili powder, salt, and oil. 

For the full recipe of idli batter thukada recipe, click here.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories: 38
• Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 81mg
• Potassium: 9mg
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): 1mg
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 1mg
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 1mg
• Vitamin B6: 1mg
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Vitamin E: 1mg
• Calcium: 5mg
• Vitamin B9 (Folate): 1µg
• Iron: 1mg
• Magnesium: 2mg
• Phosphorus: 9mg
• Zinc: 1mg