Stuffed Masala Rava Idli, Spicy Chana Dal Stuffing, Healthy Snack, Easy Idli Recipe

Stuffed Idli is a delicious and healthy snack. For the filling, I used spicy chana dal stuffing which makes it unique and also flavorful. I like to serve stuffed Idli with tea or as an appetizer with a side of cilantro chutney. This also makes a great lunch box meal as it is very healthy and satisfying.

This recipe will make about 14 Idlies.

4 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

For Idli

• 1 cup coarse sooji Rava, samolina
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup yogurt dahi, curd
• 3/4 cup water as needed
• 1 tsp ENO fruit salt

Stuffing

• 1/2 cup chana dal bangal gram
• 1/2 cup potato boiled and cut into small cubes
• 2 Tbsp green chilies chopped
• 1 tsp ginger shreddded
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp turmeric haldi
• 1 tsp coriander powder dhania
• 1 tsp dry mango powder amchoor
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds jeera
• 1/8 tsp asafetida hing
• 1/4 tsp garam masala

Utensils for Making Idlis, Idli stand, or Alternatively, an egg poacher can work just as well, if you do not have an Idli stand.

Instructions

 

• For stuffing soak dal for at least 3 hours, drain the water. 
• Grind all the stuffing mix except potato in a grinder to make coarse paste, do not use any water I like to use food processer. Stuffing should be moist. Add potatoes and mix it well, Set aside.
• Mix sooji, salt, and yogurt, add water as needed to make a pancake-like batter. Set aside for at least 30 minutes.
• To make stuffed idli, grease the idly plate. Add Eno Fruit Salt to the batter and mix well. The mixture will begin foaming. Immediately begin pouring into the Idli trays. 
• pour about 1 tablespoon of batter and spread evenly. Now add 2 teaspoons of masala and pour over about one tablespoon idly batter covering the filling. Repeat the process. Place the stand into the steaming pot.
• Cover the pot and steam idles for about 12 minutes on medium heat. Insert a fork in the center of one idli. If the fork comes out clean, remove the stand from the pot. Do not overcook idles, as they will lose their softness and dry out as they cool.
• Cool for just a few minutes before removing each individual idli. They should come out easily and not stick to the mold. Idles should be spongy and soft.

Notes

Suggestions

Stuffed Idli can be refrigerated for a week or freeze them for about a month. I like to brush the Idli lightly with butter before serving. Serve them your choice of chutney, Coconut Chutney, Hari Cilantro Chutney, Peanut Chutney

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Masala Stuffed Idli Recipe: A Delicious Twist on Traditional Idlis

Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with this masala stuffed idli recipe. These stuffed masala idlis offer a tantalizing twist to the traditional South Indian favorite snacks. Bursting with aromatic spices and savory fillings, these idlis are sure to be a hit at your dining table.

Prepare the Stuffing: First, soak the dal for at least 3 hours. This allows the dal to soften and become easier to grind. After soaking, drain the water completely. Next, grind all the ingredients for the stuffing mix (except the potatoes) in a grinder or food processor. Aim for a coarse paste consistency, and avoid adding any water during grinding. The natural moisture from the ingredients should be enough. Once you have a coarse paste, add the boiled and mashed potatoes to the mix. Combine everything well by hand until the stuffing is evenly distributed and moist. Set the stuffing aside while you prepare the batter.

Make the Batter: In a separate bowl, combine the sooji (semolina), salt, and yogurt. Start by mixing these dry ingredients together. Then, gradually add water while mixing. You want the batter to reach a pancake-like consistency, thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.  Once you achieve the desired consistency, set the batter aside to rest for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the sooji to soften and absorb the liquids, resulting in fluffier idlis.

Assemble and Steam the Idlis: Now it’s time to assemble your stuffed idlis. Begin by greasing your idli plates to prevent sticking. Next, add Eno Fruit Salt to the batter and mix it in quickly and gently. The Eno will cause the batter to foam and rise. This is why it’s important to work quickly after adding it. Immediately spoon the batter into the greased idli molds.

Fill and Steam: Here comes the stuffing! Add about 1 tablespoon of batter to each idli mold and spread it evenly to create a base. Now, place 2 teaspoons of your prepared stuffing mixture in the center of the batter. Finally, top the stuffing with another 1 tablespoon of batter, covering the filling completely. Repeat this process for all the idli molds. Once filled, carefully place the idli stand into a steamer pot.

Steaming and Checking for Doneness: Cover the steamer pot with a lid and turn on the heat to medium. Steam the idlis for approximately 12 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a fork into the center of one idli. If the fork comes out clean without any batter residue, your idlis are cooked through. Be mindful not to overcook them, as they can become dry and lose their soft texture as they cool.

Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the idli stand from the steamer and let the idlis cool for just a few minutes before attempting to remove them from the molds. They should come out easily without sticking. Now you can enjoy your delicious homemade stuffed idlis!

Variations to Try

For a spicy kick, consider adding a teaspoon of red chili powder or finely chopped green chilies to the masala filling. You can also experiment with different vegetables such as bell peppers, cauliflower, or spinach to create your unique variations of masala stuffed idli.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Idlis

• Ensure that the idli batter is well-fermented for soft and fluffy idlis.
• Use a non-stick idli mold or grease the molds lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
• Be gentle while stuffing the idlis to avoid breaking them.
• Steam the idlis on medium heat for the best results.

Benefits of Masala Stuffed Idlis

• Provides a wholesome and nutritious meal, packed with the goodness of vegetables and spices.
• Offers a creative twist to traditional idlis, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
• Can be customized to suit individual taste preferences and dietary requirements.
• Makes for a convenient and portable meal option for on-the-go consumption.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the masala filling in advance?

A: Yes, you can prepare the masala filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it before stuffing the idlis.

Q: Can I freeze stuffed idlis for later use?

A: Yes, you can freeze leftover stuffed idlis in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and steam them again before serving.

If you’re looking to explore more Indian recipes, appetizers, beverages, and desserts, be sure to check out the following links on Manjula’s Kitchen. Here are some links to recipes on Manjula’s Kitchen official website: Vegetable Pakoras, Kaju Katli (Cashew Burfi), Baingan Bharta (Roasted Eggplant), Matar (Green Peas) Paneer, Besan Ladoo.