My go-to Idli Dosa Batter

My go-to Idli Dosa Batter

This recipe gives you a versatile, high-quality batter that yields soft, pillow-like idlis and incredibly crispy dosas. Using a high-speed blender like a Nutribullet makes this accessible for any modern kitchen.

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I am Kanika.

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Here, you will find tips that can make your life easy. With a focus on meals that you can cook once and eat twice. There are recipes for 30 min meals that you can whip up on those busy nights when time is limited, but you still want to prepare healthy home cooked food for the family.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup (200g) Whole Urad Dal
  • 1 tsp Fenugreek (Methi) seeds
  • 4 cups (800g) Idli Rice
  • 2 tsp Rock salt (Non-iodized salt works best for fermentation)
  • Water (for soaking and grinding)

Method

  • Rinse the urad dal thoroughly. Place it in a bowl with the fenugreek seeds and add 2–3 cups of water. Soak for 5–6 hours.
  • Rinse the idli rice under running water until the water runs clear. Soak in a separate bowl with plenty of water for 5–6 hours.
  • Drain the soaking water. Transfer the dal and methi seeds to your blender (like a Nutribullet). Add just enough water to allow it to blend into a very smooth, fluffy, and light paste.
  • Drain the rice and grind it separately. You want the rice to be smooth but a tiny bit grainy (like fine semolina) for the best texture. Use water sparingly;
  • Combine the dal and rice batters in a large steel pot (the Instant Pot liner works perfectly).
  • Add the rock salt. Now, use your clean hands to mix the batter for 1–2 minutes.

    this helps with fermentation as well.


The consistency should be free-flowing, not runny.

  • Instant Pot Method: Cover the pot with a glass lid (do not use the standard IP lid, as a massive rise in batter can lock it shut!). Press the Yogurt button and set the time for 13–15 hours.
  • Traditional Method: Place the covered container in a warm spot. If you live in a cold climate, place it inside an oven with the oven light turned on.
  • The Goal: After 14 hours, the batter should have doubled in volume and look frothy and bubbly.
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