A fail-proof Instant Rice Idli recipe that comes together in less than 30 minutes. These soft, and spongy steamed rice cakes are a perfect and healthy way to start your day! Gluten-free & Vegan too!
My family loves South Indian food. Once a month I try to include South Indian delicacies in my meal rotation. Among all their treats, Idlis are in constant demand in my household. Not only us, but my kids also love idlis it is their favorite finger food. Instant Rice Idli
But preparing idlis by the traditional method cannot be possible at all times. No doubt the conventional route is healthy and nutritious, but let’s admit its kind of a long.
So, what to do when your kids have a sudden urge to eat idlis? They will not wait that long. They need something instant.
This is where my Instant Rice Idli recipe comes to my rescue. No one will believe it’s INSTANT! These idlis are so gooooood!
Wondering what Idli is?
Idli is a staple food in South India. These soft and fluffy idlis can also be referred to as steamed rice and lentil cake.
The traditional idli is made by soaking rice and lentils for a few hours. Later, grind the duo to a fine paste and ferment overnight. Once the batter ferments, it’s steamed using idli molds and served with sambar and chutney.
They are amazingly delicious and can be enjoyed any time of the day – be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
What’s so good about Instant rice idli?
Compared to the traditional method, this instant idli is effortless! It requires
- no soaking
- no fermentation. Yeah, you heard me right – no soaking or fermentation required.
- Has no baking soda
- Soft and feathery light until the last bite.
With no soaking and fermentation, the whole process is reduced by half. Now, what more do you need in a recipe? It’s quick, simple and comes together pretty quickly. A real savior and a foolproof method that has never failed me. 🙂
Now onto the recipe!
This recipe is a pretty straightforward recipe and requires no crazy ingredients.
Simply, prepare homemade idli mix by combining the flours and spices. Pour in water and make a batter of thick dropping consistency. Add eno and citric acid just before you intend to make your idlis.
This batter is now ready to be steamed, and you will have soft idlis ready to eat in less than 30 minutes! These idlis are quite addicting, and no one can stop at one.
Pair it with a side of chutney or sambhar or just munch as it is. Either way, it tastes delicious!
My Experiment Results!
This recipe was tested and tried many times for successful results, and I am updating all the combos that I have experimented with.
- Baking Soda as a citric acid substitute – Unfortunately no, because baking soda leaves a soapy taste in these idlis.
- Vinegar – A big no. It gives a sour taste to the idlis.
- Baking Powder – Absolutely no.
- Can you avoid citric acid – Unfortunately no. It’s a must-have for this recipe. Citric acid and Eno combo results in soft and light idlis.
- Lemon Juice – Weird but it’s a no again. It should have worked, but during the experiment, it failed.
Successful Results!
I got great results with Eno and citric acid. This combo together creates a fizzy reaction which is very important for fluffy idlis.
So, next time when you are in a time crunch then give these Instant rice idli a try. Simply, mix up the ingredients and steam right away! Make a big batch and munch on them all day long.
Do give it a try and hope you enjoy it as much as we do! If you happen to make these idlis, please comment below and leave your feedback. If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them. Would love to hear from you. 🙂
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Instant Rice Idli
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Flattened rice (poha)
- 2 cup Rice flour (store bought)
- 1 cup Urad dal flour (store bought)
- 1 teaspoon Fenugreek seeds powder
- 2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Citric acid
- 1.5 teaspoon Eno (fruit Salt)
- 3 cup Water (may need extra)
Instructions
- Measure Poha..
- In a mixer, grind poha to its powdered form. Poha has to measured after grinding.
- Assemble flours. You can either use store bought flours or grind them at home.
- In a bowl, mix both the flours, grounded poha, salt and fenugreek seed powder.
- Mix it well and homemade idli mix is ready.
- Assemble rest of the ingredients.
- Add enough water to make a thick batter.For me it was appx. 4.5 cups of water. So add slowly and gradually. Too much water will make flat and sticky idlis. Batter should be of thick dropping consistency.
- Add citric acid.
- Add Eno..
- Mix it well. Batter will become frothy and bubbly.
- Heat water in a large pan. Grease idli moulds.
- Spoon batter in idli moulds.
- Cover and steam idlis for 10-12 minutes.
- Steamed idlis are ready..
- Remove from the water pan..
- Let it cool.
- Run a knife all around idlis and they will pop right out of their moulds.
- Soft and fluffy idlis.
- Beautifully cooked.
- Repeat the process with rest of the batter.
- This recipe makes 50 - 55 idlis.
- You can freeze this batter in airtight container for future use.
- Add hot sambhar to the idlis and enjoy!!
Nutrition Information
Recipe Notes
- Buttermilk instead of water? Yes, you can use buttermilk.
Padma says
A very good recipe for first timer like me. Cant thank you enough for this recipe and for taking the trouble to experiment with all the alternatives and providing the best options.
As you mentioned in 1 of your comments that if it is previously opened packet of Eno will result in sticky and flat idlis. Even though the eno is kept in an airtight box.
Ruchi says
Pleasure is all mine, Padma!
Happy to hear that you found the recipe and pictures helpful.
A single packet (sachet 5 gms. each) once opened for sure cannot be used again but if it’s in a bottle packaging and tightly sealed then you are all good.
Mandakini says
Hello mam
Intstant idali primix kartni dry ingredients madhe C.A.aai Eno mix karun thevle tar result kasa yeil.
Ruchi says
Hello Mandakini,
Please translate this for me. 🙂
uma says
Awesome idles! couldn’t believe this is instant. I actually didn’t have citric acid but used 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar, worked very well no unpleasant flavor but still soft and fluffy! thank you for this awesome recipe.
Ruchi says
Pleasure is all mine, Uma!
Glad you liked the recipe and thank you for the update. 🙂
Sushma Sharma says
Hi Ruchi..Saw your instant idli recipe. I couldn’t get citric acid powder..so I added lemon juice as substitute n eno as per your recipe…It worked dear…idlies came out very nice..pluffy n spongy…!!( My daughter is a big fussy one n critric if things don’t turn up perfect…she liked these very much..!!) Thanks. I also kept that left over paste, (without eno n lemon juice) for few hours ,it fermented…then I kept it in fridge..Next day I made idlies without adding eno n lemon juice n again those turned out perfect…!!! Thanks Ruchi.
Ruchi says
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me. 🙂
Happy to hear that you and your lovely daughter enjoyed this recipe. 😍😍
Manasa says
Hey Sushma , how much of lemon juice can be used ??
Sourav says
Very nice recipe you are great..😍😍
Ruchi says
Thank you!
Kiran says
Can get ferment instead of citric. Also, can we use idli rava, as it makes the idli grainy.
Ruchi says
Kiran, as mentioned in the recipe haven’t tried this recipe without citric acid.
Also, can we use idli rava, as it makes the idli grainy.
You can surely give it a try.
shilpa degaonkar says
Dear madam your idli recipe is very easy & tasty as well! Also I wish to appreciate for the photography of idlis ! It was nice to see such photos along with !
Ruchi says
Pleasure is all mine, Shilpa!
Thanks for your kind words. 😊
Aparna says
I want to make rawa idly with citric acid and eno combo. All the recipes call for curds which being a vegan i cannot . Can you please tell me the recipe for rawa idly.
Ruchi says
You can use Vegan buttermilk instead. Vegan milk + vinegar.
Soleha says
I don’t have citric acid is it fine will idls be fluidly as same
Ruchi says
Without citric acid, idlis will not be fluffy.
Dr. Sudhipthi says
Hi can v use red Poha and any millet rice instead of white Poha n rice??
Ruchi says
Sure, you can use red poha. Quantity remains the same.
FYI, the color of idli will differ because of the color of poha.
Dr. Sudhipthi says
That’s fine thanks and can I use black urad dhal, millet rice ??
Dr. Sudhipthi says
Hii I have tried with black urad dhal and red Poha. Texture and consistency is pakka but slightly sour can I use 1 spoon of eno instead of 1.5
Ruchi says
Feel free to give it a try.
Thanks for trying the recipe, Dr.Sudhipthi
Dr. Sudhipthi says
Wana try in ragi flour too and I knw as it is instant we r using citric acid and eno but wana try the ready mix keep overnight fermentation and then try once. Vl try that too at the earliest
Ruchi says
Haven’t tried it without eno and citric acid.
But feel free to give it a try.
Thanks!
Anuja says
Can you replace poha (flattened rice) with murmure (puffed rice)?
Ruchi says
Anuja, I haven’t tried this recipe with murmure but feel free to give it a try.
dia tsung says
Thank you for the trouble you have taken to refine this recipe and thank you for all the experimentation that went into getting the result you have presented here.
And judging from your answers to all the many unnecessary questions here, you have patience to match your intelligence and unfailing good manners.
I was just at the point of getting a wet-grinder from Amazon when it occurred to me to find out if idlis could be made with ready-made rice flour and ready-made urad flour when my good fortune led me to your site.
1) I have an unopened package of rice flour, but it appears to be plain rice and not idli rice. Can I use this?
2) Somewhere in my pantry I have some idli flour of uncertain vintage stored in an airtight container – can I use it?
3) or should I grind fresh whole (sabut) urad or split urad?
I just ordered citric acid from ebay and I plan to try your recipe as soon as it arrives. Why eat rice when I could have idli!
Salutations and thanks in advance.
Ruchi says
Thanks for your kind words. Glad you found the recipe helpful. Now onto your query –
1) I have an unopened package of rice flour, but it appears to be plain rice and not idli rice. Can I use this?
If it’s plain rice flour – sure you can use that.
2) Somewhere in my pantry I have some idli flour of uncertain vintage stored in an airtight container – can I use it?
3) or should I grind fresh whole (sabut) urad or split urad?
Please grind white urad dal for this recipe.
Thanks!
dia tsung says
OK! Thank you fvery kindly or your time and great advice. My citric acid just came in the mail. I will be soaking the urad today!
Ruchi says
Awesome.
Keep me posted!
dia tsung says
Idlis came out perfect – soft and fluffy! Grinding the urad was a bit of a task, so I used my ‘vintage’ urad flour which worked just fine. The hardest part was whisking the batter. I had a few small lumps but they didn’t seem to cause any problems. As you perhaps guessed, I had to add some extra water, and a fraction more of the Eno and citric acid in order to see noticeable bubbles. Your instructions were perfect, and the pictures helped hugely when it came to judging the consistency of the batter.Thanks and pranams to you!
Ruchi says
Thanks for your sharing your experience with me.
Glad you found the recipe and tips helpful.
Payal says
I want to make for industrial purpose what should I use instead of eno
Ruchi says
Sorry, dear haven’t tried this recipe without eno.
D says
Can I substitute ENO and artificial citric acid with something natural, like curd and lime juice or something? I was once told pirandai give instant foamy texture to the batter. Is that real?
Ruchi says
I have tried all possible variations and the one that gave these idlis a perfect fluff was citric acid and Eno combo. Eno and citric acid together creates a fizzy reaction which is very important for fluffy idlis. Lemon juice and curd will fail to do that.
Mala says
Can make idli batter with sour curd water morning 8am can I make idli without eno
Ruchi says
Malan I haven’t tried this recipe without eno so can’t comment on the end results.
Vatsala says
Do I have to keep the mixed batter for fermentation?if so how long?
Ruchi says
This is an Instant idli recipe, therefore no fermentation required.
Magesh says
Fantastic idea Ruchi. I used to buy idli batter from the Indian stores and they always come out hard. Today I added citric acid and eno to the batter and the idles came out very soft. Thanks a bunch. You rock!
Ruchi says
Glad you liked. Thanks for your feedback Magesh!
Sam says
Hi please tell me if I can use idly raava instead of the rice flour? I read online that wheat raava is much more healthier than rice flour.
Ruchi says
Sam, I haven’t tried this recipe with idli rava so can’t comment on the end product.
Sheela says
I have to try this! What mixer do you use to dry grind the poha? Can I use the Oster with the glass jar? ( since I have only used the coffee grinder for dry grinding [spice] so far!) Thanks.
Ruchi says
Sheela, I have used a coffee grinder to grind poha.
Noel says
I got a fluffy, tasty, sweet and not so white idlis. Thank you.
1. Is the colour because of fenugreek? Shall we avoid it?
2. Is the sweetness because of Eno? Is there sweetless Eno available?
Ruchi says
Thanks for trying the recipe Noel. I am glad it worked well for you.
Fenugreek seeds helps to aid fermentation which results in softer idlis. So skipping it would affect the end results. Yes, the color of idlis do change slightly because of fenugreek seeds.
From what I know Eno is not sweet. What flavor of Eno did you use?
KISHU NAGRANI says
Hi Ruchi,Just made your instant idli and it turned out very good.
soft and fluffy;
A quick fix.
Ruchi says
Thanks for your wonderful feedback Kishu. Glad you liked the recipe. 🙂
Zarina says
Indeed a fail proof recipe. I have tried this recipe many times now and I am impressed. You are one good cook and inventor of a great fast cook idli recipe.
Ruchi says
Thanks Zarina. 🙂
Glad you liked!
balitha says
can i use yeast instead of both citrid acid and eno???
Ruchi says
Balitha, have never tried making idli with yeast.
Yeast will make the batter ferment faster but can’t comment on the taste.
Sita says
Hi,
We are a franco tamil cultural centre of Pondicherry and we are writting an article about idlis in Tamil Nadu. We would like to ask you if we could use one of your picture (the one of the 21th step of your recipe) to put it along our article with your name above ?
Thank your for your answer
Sita
Ruchi says
Thanks for reaching out to me Sita.
Yes, you can use the image. Please forward me the link to the article.
abi says
Being a student in UK definitely made me miss Idlies. such a quickie ! came out sooper awesome. Thank you. Does the idly usually get hard after keeping it out for even 10 minutes?
Ruchi says
Thanks for trying the recipe Abi, glad you liked.
Hard as in, the top turned hard or did it dry out?
prachi says
Hiiii ruchi can i use lemon juice insted of citric acid….
Ruchi says
Prachi, I have experimented with lemon juice and it didn’t give me great results. It’s clearly stated in the recipe “I have experimented with lemon juice and the one that gave me good results is citric acid and Eno combo. Eno and citric acid together creates a fizzy reaction which is very important for fluffy idlis. Lemon juice fails to do that.”
I wouldn’t suggest lemon juice.
rachna says
Simply wow !
Ruchi says
Thank you Rachna!
PY says
Hi Ruchi,
I dont have citric acid, but i wish to make it now. Can i use anything else other than citric acid?
Thanks in advance
PY
Ruchi says
Hello PY, as stated in the recipe I have tried with all possible combinations and the one that gave me perfect results was eno + citric acid combination. Eno and citric acid together creates a fizzy reaction which is very important for fluffy idlis. Please refer to my notes mentioned in the post.
Trupti says
Hey Ruchi, Is NImbu Ke phool same as citric acid?
Ruchi says
Yes Trupti, they are the same.
Trupti says
Thanks Ruchi, I’m planning to make them tonight. Do I need to take warm water?
Ruchi says
Awesome. Just use room temperature water. Thanks!
Trupti Desai says
Thank you!
Ruchi says
My pleasure. 🙂
Dharma says
Hi Ruchi,
I got excited when I saw your recipe as I could never get idli right. Followed your recipe just a few minutes ago. The idlis came out flat and sticky (I was so sad). All the ingredients were from brand new store bought packages except for the rice flour. I had an opened pack so used it. Could that have been the culprit for my flat and sticky idlis? Would appreciate your thoughts on what I could do.
Ruchi says
Dharma, I’m sorry to hear that this recipe did not turn out the way you had imagined. It is really important for me that you enjoy the recipe the way I do and many others who have tested and tried it.
1. A pre-opened bag of rice flour should not be an issue until it is 6 months old.
2. Did you add both citric acid and eno?
3. Was their a fizz reaction when eno was added to the batter?
4. How much water did you add to the batter? If the batter was of a thin consistency than it will make flat sticky idlis.
I hope you give this recipe a try again with a more successful outcome next time. 🙂
Ashwini says
Hello Mam For Idli without adding water but including all ingredients how many days this powder of Idli is usable…
Ruchi says
Ashwini, you can store the dry mix for a month in an airtight container. When ready to use, add eno and citric acid along with water and mix.
Jaya says
Awesome
Ruchi says
Thank you Jaya!
Anna says
hi Ruchi! Loved the idea of instant idlis, it was just what I was looking for. However, where I am currently located I don’t get urad dal. Can you recommend a substitute for urad dal? Chana dal is also rarely found here. Would really be of great help. I’m craving for idlis and dosas!!
Ruchi says
Thanks Anna, glad you liked. 🙂
Do you get split black urad dal in your area? That’s the closest one.
suguna says
nice recipe.going to try.but i want to prepare my own flours for the mix.can you p tell which rice to use-raw rice,or idli rice .and can we wash them and dry them before milling
Ruchi says
Thanks Suguna. Use idli rice for this recipe.
Sure, you can wash and dry them before milling. 🙂
Swati says
Wow loved this recipe for instant idli !
Ruchi says
Thanks Swati. I’m pleased you found the recipe helpful. 🙂
Nargis says
Hi, I love idli but don’t have idli stand. Can I make in a pan and cut into squares?
Ruchi says
Sure you can. Thanks for stopping by Nargis. 🙂
Devasya says
1.If i use buttermilk instead of water do i have to add eno and citric mixture? and
2.what can i use in place of eno salt?
Ruchi says
My apologies for a delayed response. Devasya, I have tried all the possible combinations and the ones that works the best for instant idlis are mentioned in the recipe. Please read my notes added in the main post.
Naina says
Just awesome Ruchi.
Ruchi says
Thank you Naina!
Roli says
Hi ruchi, my son is really fond of idli and dosa…I’m really very thankful to u for giving me such an instant method of preparing idlis…..thanks to u once again.please share the recipe for preparing dosa also.
Ruchi says
Thanks for your lovely feedback Roli, the pleasure is all mine. Will post the dosa recipe pretty soon. 🙂
aashi says
Did u add eno in batches?
After adding eno should’t we be quick and steam the idlis?
Ruchi says
Aashi, all the eno was added in the end. It was not added in batches.
Can’t understand your next question? Are you referring to this – After mixing eno and citric acid to the batter – can you store the batter in the fridge? Yes. you can. In fact I have always done that. The very next day I made idlis and they turned out perfect.
Aruna says
Hi ruchi
Instant n quick idli recipe is nice. I will try definitely…..
Ruchi says
Sure.. Thanks Aruna. 🙂
Priyanka arora says
Thanks for sharing I was try ots comeout yummy in taste md appearance. .
Ruchi says
Thanks for trying the recipe Priyanka! Glad you liked it. 🙂
Bk puneet says
Hi ruchi, maine recipe try ki plz mujhe urad dal aata aur chawal aata se instant dosa ki recipe bataiye searched lots on net bit failed to found.
Ruchi says
Thanks for stopping by! Have not yet published a recipe of dosa with above mentioned flours. I am working on it and will keep you posted.
Ashwini says
Thanks for sharing such a quick recipe, Ruchi!! You are Genius!! Now a dumb question from an unseasoned cook..I didn’t wash uradDaal before grinding..Is that ok??
Ruchi says
Thanks for your kind words Ashwini! Glad you liked the recipe. At this point nothing can be done dear, a powdered dal cannot be washed so go ahead with the recipe.Unless you plan to use a fresh batch and start all over again. If you happen to make this recipe do share some pics with me at https://www.facebook.com/ruchiskitchen/
Usha says
Love it…NYC idea… WL try it…
Ruchi says
Sure. Thanks Usha. 🙂
yogi says
Hi can we use idli rava ? As idli flour is nt of good quality in my area.
Ruchi says
Thanks for stopping by Yogi! I have not experimented this recipe with rava so can’t say how the idlis will turn out with idli rava. This recipe uses rice and urad dal as main ingredients, if possible try grinding them at home.
Leah says
Hey Ruchi,
Tried this and was very impressed. Well written and explained nicely. My idlis were perfect. I have failed so many times and my batter never fermented but now I have my hands on to a perfect recipe. Its a keeper. Many thanks for sharing!
Love from Dubai!
Leah
Ruchi says
Pleasure is all mine dear. Thanks for trying the recipe and sharing your valuable feedback with me. 🙂
nilesh khatri says
The taste of idlis is best but the colour is dark i want to know why idli colour not white
Ruchi says
Thanks for trying the recipe Nilesh. The only possible reason that I could see are –
1. Adding too much fenugreek seeds will result in a change of color.
2. Did you grind the dal at home, if so which dal did you use? Was it the urad dal with skin? That could be another reason.
Hope that helps!
Priyanka says
Hii ruchi!! Superb post.. Plz let me knw is dere any alternative for citric acid?? Is it easily available in market??
Ruchi says
Thanks Priyanka! I have experimented this recipe only with citric acid and eno combination. Citric acid is easily available in your local Indian grocery stores. It goes by the name of Nimbu ke phool or citric acid.
Asmita says
Its awesome
Ruchi says
Thanks Asmita. 🙂
Anonymous says
The recipe is extremely wonderful. Now I can make idlis whenever I want. Brought a big pack of rice flour and urad flour. Love idlis and will keep on making. What an invention Ruchi, you are a genius!
Ruchi says
Thanks dear for sharing your feedback with me!! Glad you liked the recipe. 🙂
Chaitra says
Hi Ruchi,
Can we make the batter with this mix and allow it to ferment overnight and then use it in the morning?
I am a little lazy to grind the idly batter each time, so this mix wuld be helpful . I guess if we ferment it this way we need not add eno and citric acid combo ? Let me know if you’ve tried this.
Ruchi says
Chaitra, I personally have not tried it but a reader tried my recipe and she had done the same way as you suggested. She avoided eno and citric acid and fermented the batter overnight and got great results. Feel free to experiment and share your feedback and pics. 🙂
Namita says
Nice recipe . Surely Going to try this . Can we use this for dosa also ?by adding little more water ?
Ruchi says
Thanks Namita. Have never tried it for dosa but feel free to experiment.
Reena Mokha says
Hey Ruchi !! Thanks a lot for the recipe ! The Idlis turned out to be really good . I would admit that I did not put citric acid as I dint have it and had already made sambhar and chutney 😛 so was left with no option than to take the risk ! and guess what !! idlis were good ! (north Indian family wont find the difference so much anyways ..lol )
A big hug to u.
Thanks once again
RK says
That’s so sweet of you Reena, thanks dear and a big hug to you as well. Glad that you liked the idli recipe. 🙂 If you have any pics, please share with me at https://www.facebook.com/ruchiskitchen/
Trisha says
Ruchi, thank you for a fantastic recipe. I just tried it out and it turned out better than any other recipe I’ve tried so far. My husband and I were very pleased with the results. Again, thank you so much.
RK says
My pleasure. Glad you liked the recipe. Thanks for trying it out. 🙂
dhirja says
hey Ruchi, tried the recipe again.. came out awesome. 2 questions:
1. last time i had used same measurements only differnce the eno sache was a pre opened one. this time i used fresh packet. could that have caused any issue?
2. how do u get lump free batter? as soon as i start adding water, the flours just get hardened n i have t struggle hard to remove lumps
RK says
Glad to hear that Dhirja! Thanks for trying the recipe! Yes, a previously opened packet of Eno will result in sticky and flat idlis. For a lump free batter, keep adding water a little at a time and start whisking until you have a smooth consistency. Hope that answers your query!!
Dhirja says
Hi ruchi,
Awesome recipe. First try the idles were perfect. Second time I mafpde the batter, the idles seem to be sticky, like when batter doesn’t ferment well. I still have 1 day old batter. Any fix can be done? Like more eno or citric acid?
RK says
Thanks for trying the recipe Dhirja!! Glad you achieved great results. I would suggest add 1/2 teaspoon of eno to the leftover batch and give it a try.
dhirja says
thanks. sorry for repeat comment above.
Neha Aggarwal says
Hi There
How do i grind the dal to make a dal flour cos i need to fist wash it and once i do that i will not be able to make a dry mixture. Pls help .Also if there is any quality brand and store in gurgaon from where i can buy it. Not able to get daal flour. Thanks its a wonderful recipe.
RK says
Thanks for stopping by Neha!! Urad dal flour is readily available in Indian markets. I have no idea about Gurgoan but you can find at any supermarket in flour section. If you choose to grind it at home then – wash and drain all the water from the dal. Lay a large kitchen paper towel on the counter, spread the wet dal and leave it overnight. Grind it in the morning.
Sonal says
Fabulous post deat
RK says
Thanks dear. Glad you liked it. 🙂
Beni says
I’m mean will Lemon Flavor Eno work for this?
RK says
Yes Beni, it will work. You can use Lemon flavor Eno in place of the regular one.
Beni says
Just made these and they were fantastic! Thanks for this amazing recipe. Beats the store bought mixes any day! 3 thumbs up!
RK says
Thanks for your wonderful feedback Beni. So glad to hear that you liked the recipe. 🙂
asha says
thanks for the instant recipe, i was looking for it for a long time.
for it
RK says
You are welcome Asha!!
Bharti says
Thanks for your prompt reply. Yes I used both the eno and the citric acid and it was very frothy but next time I’ll try without the veggies. The taste is great so it will be consumed.
RK says
Then there should have been no error. Do give it a try again (without the veggies) and I am sure you will get great results!!
Bharti Pandit says
Hi Ruchi, I tried this recipe but unfortunately it came out very sticky and did not have the grainy or spongy texture like the original idli recipe. The taste is good. I also added grated carrots, peas and whole cumin.
RK says
Sorry to hear about that Bharti. This is my fail proof recipe and has never disappointed me. Let’s walk through the whole process.
1. Did you use the Eno and citric acid combo?
2. Was their a fizz reaction when eno was added to the batter?
Don’t be disheartened, I would suggest please try making plain idlis and you will surely get great results.
Rashmi says
Awesome recipe….Can we serve these idlis to babies….
RK says
Thanks Rashmi!! Rice flour and urad dal flour, I think is okay for babies but if you are concerned about Eno and citric acid – I would strongly recommend checking it with your physician or pediatrics.
Rachna says
Ruchi I am definitely gonna try this quick n tasty recipe for daughter’s tiffin! & I am truly impressed with your prompt reply to each & everyones query. Appreciate
RK says
Thanks for your kind words Rachna!! Sure, do give it a try and if possible share your feedback with me. 🙂
Shubha says
Have a quick question, can we powder the poha and methi seeds together ?
RK says
Thanks for stopping by Shubha!! Yes, you can grind them together. Make sure Poha is 1/2 cup after grinding.
Sri Vidhya says
Is it ok to give this mix to babies?
RK says
Thanks for stopping by Sri Vidhya!! Mix is a combo of rice flour and urad dal flour which I think is okay for babies but if you are concerned about Eno and citric acid – I would strongly recommend checking it with your physician or pediatrics.
Sri Vidhya says
Thanks Mam. will check and then give.
RK says
Sure. 🙂
Nila says
Best one. Can u tell me batter should make in small qty including eno and citric acid means sufficient for one time. And next batch again mix water.
RK says
Thanks for stopping by Nila!! Either way is fine. On the blog, below the ingredient list there is a button – CHANGE SERVING SIZE reduce that to 25 idlis and it will give the adjusted measurements.
anjali says
Hi..impressive recipe.. Saves a lot of tym..wl surely try it out 🙂
RK says
Thanks Anjali!!
Dhisha says
It is an amazing recipe …made them and they turned out soft as cotton and very delicious…my family enjoyed it!!thanksss…..
RK says
Thanks for trying the recipe Dhisha. Great to hear that you and your family relished my recipe. Do you have any pics to share?
BHarU says
Awesome recipe , where can you find Eno and Citric Acid?
RK says
Thanks Bharu!! You can find Eno and citric acid in any Indian grocery store.
Anubha says
Any alternative of citric acid? Btw looks amazing,got to try this !!thanks
RK says
Thanks for stopping by Anubha!! Unfortunately no, Citric acid and Eno combo results in soft and light idlis. Please refer to the recipe, I have updated all the combos I have tried to make this recipe successful. 🙂
Tulika says
Hi Ruchi..great recipe. .relief and time saver…one question do we need to store it in room temperature or hve to freeze it in airtight container?
RK says
Tulika, dry idli mix can be stored in an airtight container but the batter needs to be stored in the fridge. It can stay in fridge for 3-4 days and in freezer for a 1 month or more. Only if it lasts that long. 🙂
Shilpa says
Hi Ruchi,great recipe,will def try it.
I usually buy the store bought batter,as I make idli’s n dosa once a week,was just wondering if u have ever made dosa/uttapam with this idli mix.
Once again thanks a lot.
Have a great day!!
RK says
Thanks for stopping by Shilpa. I have a uttapam mix recipe on the blog and that too with a mix. Here is the link – https://www.ruchiskitchen.com/recipe/instant-uttapam-recipe/
Link to dry uttapam mix is in the recipe.
Rashmi says
Can we store idly mix powder?
RK says
Thanks for stopping by Rashmi. Yes, you can store idli mix powder. I have stored it for 2 months in an airtight container. 🙂
Anjana says
Hi Ruchi its a great idea to make instant idli .Really thanks for this nice recipe.
RK says
You are welcome Anjana. 🙂
Latha rao says
Hi Ruchi should I measure poha before or after grinding
RK says
Thanks for stopping by Latha!! Poha needs to be measured after grinding!!
Nivaydita Nair says
Thanks for the recipe… Will try it out soon.
Do you have the recipe for instant Meduvada as well?
RK says
You are welcome Nivaydita! I am working on Medu vada and Dosa recipes will post them soon. 🙂
Aruna says
Lovely recipe and it can be such a life saver!
RK says
Thanks Aruna!!
Lata says
Hello can u add curds instead of water
RK says
Yes you can use curd instead of water. Measurements will differ.
Priya Srinivasan says
Awesome recipe dear. Will try this soon and let u know! !!
RK says
Thanks Priya!! Sure and if possible share your feedback and some pics. 🙂
Natasha Verma says
Hi Ruchi, nice recipe will try it soon, however im just anxious to know why fenugreek seeds powder? I mean won’t the batter become bitter?
RK says
Thanks for stopping by Natasha!! Fenugreek seeds helps to aid fermentation which results in softer idlis. No the batter is not bitter at all.
Rinki says
Thanks!! Will surely try.
RK says
You are welcome Rinki. 🙂
Shriya says
Hi Ruchi .can i make the urad dal powder at home if,so how. As we dont get it here ..rice. flour u mean idli rawa or rice atta
RK says
Thanks for stopping by Shriya!! Yes, you can make Urad dal flour at home. Ground dal in a mixer to its powdered form. Strain the grounded dal through a strainer and use the powdered dal for the recipe. Rice flour means – rice atta. Hope that answers your query!!
SP says
neat idea – will try soon. Thanks for sharing the recipe
RK says
My pleasure. 🙂
Divya says
Hi Ruchi, I just tried this recipe.It came out very well.This is one of the best instant idli recipes I have come across.Thanks! 🙂
RK says
Already!! That was quick, I am impressed. 🙂 Thanks for trying the recipe Divya!! Glad you liked it.
Saloni says
Plz tell m ki steam krte time gas full p rakhna hai ya sim p?
RK says
Keep the gas flame at medium high..