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    Home » Uncategorized

    Published: Jul 16, 2017 · Modified: Mar 10, 2022 by Smruti · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

    Quinoa Idli: A healthy twist to a Classic

    Blogging Marathon #78 Week 2 Day 2

    Theme: Secret Ingredients

    Dish: Quinoa Idli


    An Indian quintessential Idli gets a healthy makeover. Quinoa makes these idlis yummy, nutty and packed with flavor. 


    Quinoa, the healthy ingredient that has been around for some time is one of my favorites! It is healthy, has a yummy nutty flavor and is super versatile to work with. It happens to be one of my favorite ingredients now! 


    In the past I have made Quinoa Kofta in Makhani Gravy, One Pot Pineapple Fried Quinoa , Quinoa Fried Rice, Quinoa Sabudana Khichdi. Today is yet another delicious recipe using quinoa. I have been meaning to try this one for a while! 

    Idli, the quintessential South Indian dish that is perfect for breakfast and dinner is one of my favorites. However, often times I feel guilty of all the carbs we end up consuming in a meal. I have tried to replace rice for quinoa in many recipes. I was not sure if it would work in fermented recipes, but referring to many recipes online, I was sure it would. 

    The first time I tried to replace almost all the rice with quinoa and ended up with hard idlis. So then I added some amount of rice to make sure it ferments well. The result was perfect idlis with a slight nutty taste. We enjoyed it with Cilantro Coconut Chutney, Sambar or Homemade Ghee. Such a treat!

    The batter I made was used up in making idlis. However, the same can be used to make dosas too. Just add some more water and it will be perfect. Not to forget Paniyarams, that will be awesome with this batter too. I hope to make some paniyarams using the same batter and some vegetables next time. It will definitely be a great snack! 

    Coming to the recipe, the main ingredient here is quinoa. Using a little bit of urad dal and rice helps make it a well fermented batter. It takes a little while to soak the ingredients, but it can be be quick if you use a little warm water to soak. It will be done in 3-4 hours. 

    While grinding, make sure you do it in parts. Add just a little water, so that the batter does not become very thin. It does thin out a little on fermenting. Adding fenugreek and poha is optional, but helps in making a great batter. 

    The batter can be made in a big quantity and can be refrigerated for 2-3 days. Just make sure it is back to room temperature before you start making idlis or dosas. 

    If you make this recipe, I would love to see your version. Don't forget to tag me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.   

    Ingredients

    Quinoa ¾ cup

    Idli Rice or any short rice ¼ cup

    Whole Urad Dal ⅓ cup

    Fenugreek Seeds 1 tsp

    Poha/ Beaten Rice 2 tbsp

    Salt to taste

    Water as required

    Method

    In a pan add the quinoa, idli rice, urad dal and fenugreek seeds. Wash a few times and soak in a warm place for 6-7 hours. 

    Once soaked, drain the soaked water in a bowl. Working in batches, grind the mixture to a smooth paste with the poha. Ensure you do not add too much water. Use about ⅓ cup water in ½ cup mixture. 

    Transfer everything to a large pan, big enough to hold the batter post fermentation. Add 1 ½ teaspoon salt and mix well. 

    Ferment in a warm place for 10-12 hours. Once fermented, mix well and check the salt. Add more if required. 

    Heat water in an idli stand and grease the idli plates. Add a spoon of batter in the cavities and place in the stand.

    Steam for 10-12 minutes, till the idlis are cooked. Remove and serve hot with Tomato Onion Chutney, Sukha Coconut Chutney, Cilantro Coconut Chutney, Sambar or Homemade Ghee. 

    BMLogo 

    Check out the Blogging Marathon page to see what the other Blogging Marathoners are doing for this BM.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. vaishali sabnani says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:41 pm

      Interesting to add the health element to the regular idlis , they look nice and soft .

      Reply
    2. Srivalli says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:41 pm

      Fantastic idea Smruti!..the idlis and the whole presentation looks so good..

      Reply
    3. Jayashree says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:41 pm

      A nice, healthy twist.

      Reply
    4. Mayuri Patel says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:41 pm

      Smruti these idlis look so perfect. A great way to replace most of the rice with quinoa.

      Reply
    5. Archana says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:41 pm

      Yum. I too have make these idlis and we all loved them.

      Reply
    6. veena says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:41 pm

      I was looking to find recipes using quinoa. This looks perfect!!

      Reply
    7. Chef Mireille says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:41 pm

      using heart healthy quinoa is such a good idea

      Reply
    8. Gayathri Kumar says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:41 pm

      This is such a great healthy alternative to idlis. The whole platter looks super inviting..

      Reply
    9. cookingwithsapana says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:41 pm

      Quinoa idli sounds very interesting and lootso soft and yummy.

      Reply
    10. Priya Srinivasan - I Camp in My Kitchen says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:41 pm

      Wow that is one scrumptious breakfast platter! Quinoa makes our healthy idly more nutritious!

      Reply

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