Beyond the usual Idli: Discover regional twists you must try across India
Idli is not just a simple South Indian breakfast; it's a versatile culinary canvas with endless varieties to discover! From the classic soft idli to innovative millet and masala versions, every type offers a unique burst of flavor and nutrition. Explore these delicious idli options to transform your everyday meals into a celebration of taste and health.
New Delhi: Idli, the staple breakfast of every South Indian household, is now a new favourite of North Indians too. From humble street-side stalls to modern restaurants, these iconic fluffy steamed rice cakes have made their way to everyone's plate across India. But did you know that Idli has countless delicious variations? Apart from the classic rice Idlis, today, there are nutritious millet Idlis, masala Idlis, oats Idlis, and whatnot. All these innovative idli types have a burst of flavours, health, and variety to your daily meal routine.
Whether you are loyal to classic Idlis or eager to explore the different kinds of Idlis for a culinary adventure, knowing these simple types of Idlis will keep your palate intrigued and taste buds dancing. Ready to dig in? Here's a delicious rundown of must-try Idli varieties that elevate everyday dining to a delightful, tasty experience.
Types of Idli to savour every day: The ultimate South Indian tasty delight
1. Classic rice Idli
The quintessential Idli is made from fermented rice and urad dal batter. The overnight fermented batter gives the Idli its soft, fluffy, and mild tangy flavour. Generally, it is savoured with flavourful sambhar and coconut chutney.
2. Rava Idli
One of the popular Idli variations is the Rava Idli. Unlike the classic Idli, these are made with semolina (rava), yoghurt, and a tempering of mustard seeds, dry ginger, and curry leaves. Rava or sooji gives the grainy texture and nutty flavour to the Idlis, making it unique and an aromatic treat.
3. Millet Idli
A favourite among fitness enthusiasts, millet Idlis are made with nutritious millets like ragi, jowar, and barnyard seeds. These millet Idlis are super nutritious, packed with fibre and minerals.
4. Kanchipuram Idli
An underrated version of Idli, Kanchipuram Idlis are a flavourful South Indian speciality. This Idli gets its unique taste from black pepper, cumin, ginger, and curry leaves added to the batter at the time of preparation. It's slightly spiced with an aromatic twist, perfect for festive mornings.
5. Thatte Idli
Another popular version of Idli from Karnataka is the delicious Thatte Idli. These Idlis are larger and thicker than typical Idlis, usually served steaming hot with spicy chutneys and sambhar.
6. Masala Idli
Famous from Instagram's quick recipe tutorials, masala Idlis are an aesthetic way of eating the leftover Idlis by sauteing them with spicy onion-tomato masala and veggies of your choice. This reinvention of Idlis is a flavourful snack that keeps you full for longer hours.
7. Vegetable Idli
This Idli is a version loaded with finely chopped carrots, peas, beans, onions, and other veggies of your choice. These colourful idlis are fibre-rich, making them a popular choice for those counting calories in every bite.
8. Oats Idli
Oats lend a healthy, low-calorie dimension to idlis, making them diabetic-friendly and ideal for weight watchers. Oats idli retains the traditional softness but packs a powerful nutritional punch.
Idlis are the ultimate canvas for culinary creativity and health benefits. Exploring these varieties daily ensures you enjoy a spectrum of flavors while staying connected to tradition. So, whether steaming hot from the pan or jazzed up as a masala snack, idli’s magic lies in its diversity—making every bite a celebration.