Fried Vegetable Idli

Fried Vegetable Idli.

Idli batter is prepared with idli rawa and urad dal. Choice of raw vegetables are finely chopped and cooked in oil and added to the Idli batter. Fried vegetable dlis are steamed till soft and fluffy and can be served with any chutney of your choice.
Makes: around 8 Fried Vegetable Idli.

Ingredients:

Urad Dal 1/2 Cup
Idli Rawa 1 Cup

Onion 1/2 Small
Tomato 1 Small
Green Bell Pepper 2 Tbsps
Red Bell Pepper 1 Tbsp
Yellow Bell Pepper 1 Tbsp
Cilantro few Sprigs
Green Chiles 1
Peas 2 Tbsps
Cumin Seeds a big Pinch
Salt to taste
Oil 1 Tbsp
Ghee a Dollop

Method of preparation:

Peel the onion.
Wash the bell pepper, tomato and cilantro.
Remove stems, wash and finely chop the green chiles.
Finely chop the tomato, onion, bell peppers and cilantro.

Soak urad dal in water for 3 – 4 hours.
Soak idli rawa in water for around half an hour.
Grind the urad dal into smooth paste and remove onto a mixing bowl.
Squeeze out most of the water from the idli rawa and add the idli rawa to the urad dal paste.
Mix thoroughly and add few tbsps of water if the mixture is too thick.
Leave the batter aside and let the batter ferment for atleast 2 – 3 hours.

Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and fry for few seconds.
Then add the chopped onion, green chiles, bell peppers, peas and tomato in to the pan.
Cook for around 2 – 4 minutes until all the vegetables are cooked.
Remove from heat and cool the mixture to room temperature.
In a mixing bowl, mix together idli batter, cooked mixture and salt if necessary.

Grease the idly moulds with little ghee.
Pour around 3 – 4 tablespoons of the prepared vegetable idli batter into each mould.
Steam the idly for 8 – 10 minutes and remove from heat.
Let the idlis stand outside for couple of minutes before removing the idlis from idli moulds.
Apply a drop of ghee to each idli to avoid drying before serving.
Serve fried vegetable idli with coconut chutney or any spicy chutney of your choice.
Notes: Refrigerate any remaining batter for next time.

Suggestions: If the idli is still wet inside, steam them for couple more minutes and let them stand for few minutes outside.
Variations: Add your choice of vegetables to the oil if desired.
Other Names: Fried Vegetable Idli.