Soft & Spongy Veg Tadka Idli Recipe - Easy Instant Rava Idli

Tired of the same old breakfast routine? Spice things up with our delicious and incredibly easy Veg Tadka Idli recipe! This recipe elevates the classic South Indian idli to new heights with a vibrant, flavorful tadka (tempering) bursting with the aromas of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. Forget complicated steaming processes and lengthy preparation times; this recipe utilizes readily available ingredients and a quick, simple method, perfect for even the busiest mornings. The soft, spongy texture of the idlis combined with the zesty tadka creates a delightful contrast of textures and tastes, leaving you feeling satisfied and energized.

This recipe utilizes instant rava (semolina), making it exceptionally quick and convenient. The addition of vegetables not only adds nutritional value but also enhances the flavor profile, resulting in a wholesome and satisfying breakfast option. Ready to transform your breakfast experience? Let's dive into the step-by-step process and learn how to make these irresistible Veg Tadka Idlis.

Tools Needed

  • Big bowl
  • Tempering pan
  • Idli stand
  • Big pan
  • Toothpick
  • Knife

Ingredients

  • Semolina (rava): 1 cup
  • Curd (yogurt): 1/2 cup
  • Salt: to taste
  • Water: as needed
  • Oil: 1 tbsp
  • Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
  • Mustard seeds: 1 tsp
  • Urad dal (split black lentils): 1 tsp
  • Gram dal (split chickpeas): 1 tsp
  • Cashew nuts: 10-12, finely chopped
  • Curry leaves: 10-12, finely chopped
  • Green chili: 1, finely chopped
  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Capsicum (bell pepper): some, finely chopped
  • Carrot: some, finely chopped
  • Sweet corn: some, finely chopped
  • Eno fruit salt: 1 packet

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Preparing the Batter

  • In a big bowl, mix semolina, curd, and salt thoroughly.
  • Add water gradually, mixing well to form a thick batter. Beat until smooth and lump-free.
  • Let the batter rest for 15 minutes to allow the semolina to swell.
In a big bowl, mix semolina, curd, and salt thoroughly.Add water gradually, mixing well to form a thick batter. Beat until smooth and lump-free.Let the batter rest for 15 minutes to allow the semolina to swell.
Preparing the Batter

Step 2. Making the Vegetable Tadka

  • Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, urad dal, and gram dal. Fry until golden brown.
  • Add cashew nuts, curry leaves, and green chili to the tempering. Fry briefly.
  • Add finely chopped onion, capsicum, carrot, and sweet corn to the tempering. Sauté for 2 minutes on high flame until slightly softened, being careful not to overcook.
  • Set the tempered vegetables aside to cool.
Prepare the tempering: Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, urad dal, and gram dal. Fry until golden brown.Add cashew nuts, curry leaves, and green chili to the tempering. Fry briefly.Add finely chopped onion, capsicum, carrot, and sweet corn to the tempering. Sauté for 2 minutes on high flame until slightly softened, being careful not to overcook.Set the tempered vegetables aside to cool.
Making the Vegetable Tadka

Step 3. Combining and Steaming the Idlis

  • Add the cooled tempered vegetables to the rested batter and mix well.
  • Grease an idli stand well with oil.
  • Add a packet of Eno fruit salt to the batter, mixing it gently in one direction after adding a little water to activate the Eno. The batter will begin to froth.
  • Pour the batter into the greased idli molds, not overfilling them.
Add the cooled tempered vegetables to the rested batter and mix well.Grease an idli stand well with oil.Add a packet of Eno fruit salt to the batter, mixing it gently in one direction after adding a little water to activate the Eno. The batter will begin to froth.Pour the batter into the greased idli molds, not overfilling them.
Combining and Steaming the Idlis
  • Steam the idlis in a steamer for 15 minutes on high flame.
  • Check for doneness with a toothpick. Once cooked, let the idlis cool slightly before removing them from the molds.
Steam the idlis in a steamer for 15 minutes on high flame.Check for doneness with a toothpick. Once cooked, let the idlis cool slightly before removing them from the molds.
Combining and Steaming the Idlis

Step 4. Serving

  • Serve and enjoy your delicious Veg Tadka Idli!
Serve and enjoy your delicious Veg Tadka Idli!
Serving

Read more: Easy Indian Bread Pudding Recipe: A Simple Dessert

Tips

  • Don't overfry the tadka or vegetables; maintain a slight crunchiness.
  • Don't overfill the idli molds; the batter will rise during steaming.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use regular rava instead of instant rava?

While you can try, instant rava is recommended for its quick cooking time and softer texture. Regular rava might require longer steaming and may result in slightly tougher idlis.

2. What vegetables can I add to the tadka?

Feel free to experiment! Onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and cilantro are common choices. You can also add finely chopped carrots, peas, or beans for added flavor and nutrition.


This Soft & Spongy Veg Tadka Idli recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite, proving that healthy and delicious can be quick and easy. Enjoy the satisfying combination of fluffy idlis and flavorful tadka, perfect for any time of day. Now go ahead and surprise your family with this simple yet impressive dish!