Moong Dal Idli

Soft, fluffy and protein-rich idlis made from split moong dal — a healthy, gluten-free Indian breakfast that’s easy to cook even for beginners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 10 idlis
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: Indian, South Indian
Calories: 50

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 cup split moong dal (yellow or green) washed and soaked
  • 1/4 cup rava (semolina) – optional for softer texture coarse rava gives fluffiness
  • 1/2 cup plain curd (yogurt) or substitute with buttermilk / water if avoiding dairy
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1 tsp fruit salt (eno) or baking soda added just before steaming
  • 1 tbsp oil for greasing idli mould

Equipment

  • Idli steamer / pressure cooker with idli plate
  • Mixer grinder

Method
 

  1. Rinse the split moong dal thoroughly and soak in enough water for 2 hours.
  2. After soaking, drain the water and transfer the moong dal into a mixer grinder. Add curd and blend to a smooth batter.
  3. Transfer the batter into a bowl. Add rava (if using) and salt, and mix well. Let the batter rest for 15–20 minutes so rava softens.
  4. Just before steaming, gently stir in fruit salt (eno) or baking soda and lightly mix until batter becomes frothy.
  5. Grease the idli mould with a little oil. Pour the batter into moulds, filling each dimple about 3/4 full.
  6. Steam the idlis in a steamer or pressure cooker (without whistle) for about 12–15 minutes on medium heat. Use a toothpick to check — it should come out clean.
  7. Let the idlis rest for a minute, then gently remove them from the mould. Serve hot with chutney or sambar.

Notes

For extra fibre and flavour, you can add finely chopped vegetables like carrot or coriander into batter before steaming. Serve immediately — idlis tend to dry if kept for long. This no-rice version makes a good breakfast for weight management and diabetic-friendly diets.

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