Idli Recipe

As parents, you are always looking for nutrition-rich, tasty recipes suitable for your little one! You also want to ensure that it is easy for them to consume and will not be a choking hazard.

Idli is a delicious South Indian dish made with soft, pillowy disks of rice and lentil flour. It is also safe and is not likely to choke them. Additionally, Idli is easy for toddlers to digest and eat. The best part is that idlis are considered a baby-weaning food, and babies and toddlers like this recipe. This nutrient-rich and flavourful idli recipe and its texture will be enjoyable for your little one. So, let’s find out how to make idli for babies and toddlers.

How to Make Idli for Babies and Toddlers?

This section gives you all the information you need to make delicious idlis for the little munchkins. It includes the cooking time, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutrition information, and some useful tips for making this healthy snack for your baby.

Cooking Time 

Cooking Method 

Gas Stove

Type of Meal 

South Indian Vegetarian Meal

Suitable For 

Any baby above 8 months of age

Meal Schedule 

Breakfast or mid-morning

Recipe Type 

Main Dish

Ingredients

Instructions

Now you must be wondering how to make idli! The dish is extremely easy and does not require any fanfare to prepare. Here are the step-by-step directions for an idli recipe for toddlers:

1. First, properly wash the boiled rice and urad dal and strain the boiled water.
2. Soak the boiled rice and urad dal in clean water for about 2 hours.
3. Now drain the water and add the coconut milk and a little water.
4. Transfer the mixture to a mixer bowl and blend it to form a smooth batter.
5. Add this mixture into a deep bowl and add salt according to the taste.
6. You can add grated vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and coconut to the mixture.
7. Cover the mixture with a lid and keep it aside to ferment for around 8 hours.
8. Now, take the idli pan and grease it with a little oil.
9. Pour the batter into the greased moulds and steam them for 10-12 minutes.
10. The idli is ready to eat. Serve it with coconut chutney or sambhar.
11. Serve it hot, and sprinkle some grated coconut on the idlis.

Recipe Tips

The following tips will help you prepare the best idli batter for babies:

• Use boiled rice or half-boiled rice for this recipe.
• Wash the rice and urad dal properly.
• When you use the mixer, make sure to make a smooth paste. If it is too thick, add water and blend it again.
• Do not use tap water to cook idli.
• Add the salt according to your child’s taste.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly before cooking the recipe. The utensils and mixer pot should also be properly cleaned.
• You can serve the idli by cutting it into small pieces.
• Put a knife in and check whether the idlis are steamed properly. If the knife comes out easily, then it’s done. If not, steam them again for another few minutes.

Nutrition Information (Value per Idli)

Health Benefits

Here are a few health benefits of idli for babies:

• Idli is a soft food that initiates the chewing process and is suitable for baby gums.
• This is a vitamin-rich food, and it is good for your baby (1).
• This recipe contains rice and urad dal, which will keep your baby’s stomach full for a longer time.
• It contains protein required for the baby’s growth (1).
• Coconut is good for hair and skin (2).
• Idli is a fibre-rich food that is easy to digest.

Buying Guide

• Buy organic rice, urad dal, and good quality products from a good store.
• The coconut should be fresh and soft.
• Check the expiry date of the salt and other packaged ingredients before buying them.
• Also, make sure that there are not any insects inside the packet.

FAQs

1. What is the best rice to make an idli batter?

Idli rice, which is short-fat parboiled rice, is the best for an idli batter. 

2. Can I make idli without fermenting the batter?

Fermentation is an important step in the idli batter’s preparation. It ensures that the batter becomes fluffy and rises when steamed. Additionally, fermentation imparts flavour and increases the batter’s nutritional value. So, it is vital to ferment the batter before cooking it.

3. Can idli batter be refrigerated?

Idli batter can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, but it is best to use it as soon as it is prepared to retain its nutritional value (3). 

Let us all depend on homemade food for babies instead of packaged market food as babies are precious. A baby’s good health is essential. Giving them healthy food will lead to better growth and development.

References/Resources:

1. Ghosh, D., & Chattopadhyay, P.; Preparation of idli batter, its properties and nutritional improvement during fermentation; Journal of food science and technology; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3551127/; 2011

2. Vala, G.; Medicinal benefit of coconut oil; International Journal of Life Sciences Research; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268805677_Medicinal_benefit_of_coconut_oil/citation/download ; 2014

3. Regubalan, B., & Ananthanarayan, L.; Shelf life improvement of idli batter by addition of mustard essential oil as bio-preservative; Journal of food science and technology; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6098797/ ; 2018

Also Read:

White Pumpkin Soup Recipe
Rava Dosa for Babies and Toddlers
Besan Chilla/Besan Omelette Recipe for Infants and Toddlers