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Writer's pictureVinitha Stephen

Idli With A Twist: High Protein, Low or No Carb Idli

Updated: May 23, 2022

Lentil Idli, steamed lentil cake made with ground and fermented  split green gram and split black gram; accompanied by coconut chutney and tomato chutney
Idli made with lentils- split black gram and split green: High protein and low carb idli

Idli is one of the most healthiest and popular South Indian breakfast, but now it is popular all over India and in the world. However, those of you who don't know about idli, it is soft, spongy steamed round cake made with a ground, fermented rice and lentil batter. They are very light and easily digested as it is fermented. The recipe I am sharing here is a twist on this popular breakfast both in shape and in the ingredients. This Idli is made using mainly lentils. The lentils used in this Idli are Moong Dal (Split Green) and Urad Dal (Split Black Gram). This makes it all the more rich in protein and fibre. And it is loaded with essential vitamins. It is healthier diabetic-friendly and especially ideal for all those who are on a weight loss journey. It is a good alternative to the typical idli with fewer carbs or no carbs.


Our modern times due to our lifestyle we seldom burn much calories, at least its so true of me. And I have been looking for options to reduce carbs in my diet. And idli is one of our favorite breakfast, which has rice in it. And both my husband and I have grown eating this breakfast, it is a popular breakfast in Bangalore. So I wanted to make idli minus the carbs and without compromise on its taste and texture. This led me to discover this high protein idli. Now, when we make only with lentils the idli has a yellowish tinge, so I finally achieved this with this recipe where the idli is almost like the authentic idli in color, texture and taste by adding cooked/ flattened rice. So adding cooked rice/flattened rice is optional. We can make soft idli even without adding cooked/flattened rice. So let's get started with the recipe.


Idli With A Twist- High Protein, Low Carb Idli Recipe


Cusine: Indian, south Indian

Course: Breakfast/snack/lunch/dinner

Prep time: 30 minutes

Fermenting time : 12 hrs

Cook time : 15 minutes



Section 1: Ingredients

  • ½ cup split moong or mung dal (Split green gram)

  • 1/2 cup split Urad dal (split Black gram)

  • 1/2 cup cooked rice or poha (flattened rice) soaked

  • 1/4-1/2 tsp salt to taste

Section 2: Equipment

  • High powered mixer/blender or food processor

  • Idli steamer or any utensil to steam and a container to pour the batter

  • Cookie cutter (optional)- for shape


Section 3: Directions


Preperation of idlli batter

1. Wash & Soak the lentils at least for 2-4 hrs.

2. After 2-4 hrs, drain off water and grind it into a smooth paste with 1/2 cup of cooked rice or. soaked and drained flattened rice (optional) with very less water.

3. Transfer the smooth & thick consistency batter to a bowl.

4. And cover and keep aside in a large container, as the batter needs space to ferment. Keep the batter in a warm place. The batter will be ready by 12 hrs so it is best to be left overnight.


Preparation for making idli

  1. To the fermented batter add 1/4-1/2 tsp Salt to taste, Mix it thoroughly

  2. Fill the steamer or large pot with water and keep it to boil

  3. Meanwhile grease the idli molds with a little oil

  4. Put spoonful of the batter into idli molds.

  5. Steam for 10-12 minutes and it should be done.

  6. To test prick with a knife or a toothpick, it should come out clean. If not let it cook for another 4-5 mins.

  7. Remove it from the pot, and separate each of the stand layers, and let it cool for minute.

  8. Then remove them with the help of a spoon, they come out easily.

  9. Super Soft, Spongy, and yummy Idli are ready.


Idli made in rice plate cakes mold

Plate idli cut with cookie cutter

Section 4: Storage instructions

This batter can not be stored like the regular idli batter it develops an odour, so it should be prepared only as much is required. It can not be pre-prepped like the regular idli batter. However, we can make the idli and store the idli which is what I do. So it stays fresh for three days. And I prepare snacks leftover idli.



Low carb idli with coconut chutney and tomato chutney

Section 5: Serving instructions

These Idli like regular idlis can be enjoyed with variety of spicy chutney and sambar or just plain with some Idli podi (gun powder) and ghee/coconut oil. Idli combined with chutney and sambar makes a wholesome and satisfying breakfast, snack, lunch or dinner. So hoping you liked my twist on the regular idli. please do try the recipe. And give the feed back. Happy Cooking. Stay healthy, stay happy!


Section 6: video recipe



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