Egg Idli is a fantastic variation of the traditional South Indian dish, idli, which is a popular breakfast option across India. The addition of eggs makes it more filling and nutritious, offering a protein-packed meal that is both light and satisfying. If you’re looking for a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make breakfast, Egg Idli could be the perfect choice!
Ingredients for Egg Idli:
- Idli Batter: 2 cups (preferably homemade or store-bought)
- Eggs: 2-3 (depending on the number of servings)
- Mustard Seeds: 1/2 teaspoon
- Curry Leaves: 8-10 leaves
- Green Chilies: 2, finely chopped (optional)
- Ginger: 1/2 inch, finely grated
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt: to taste
- Oil or Ghee: for greasing the idli molds
- Fresh Coriander: a few leaves, finely chopped (for garnishing)
Instructions to Make Egg Idli:
- Prepare the Idli Batter:
- If you’re using homemade batter, ensure it’s fermented and ready for use. If you’re using store-bought batter, you can proceed directly to the next step.
- The idli batter should be thick yet pourable. Add a little water if needed to achieve the right consistency.
- Prepare the Tadka (Seasoning):
- Heat a small pan and add a teaspoon of oil. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the curry leaves, green chilies, and ginger. Sauté them for a minute or two until the spices release their aroma.
- If you’re using onions, add them at this stage and cook until they turn translucent.
- Mix the Seasoning into the Batter:
- Add the prepared seasoning mix into the idli batter and stir it well. This will infuse the batter with the delicious flavors from the spices.
- Grease the Idli Molds:
- Grease the idli molds with a little oil or ghee to ensure the idlis don’t stick during steaming.
- Pour the seasoned batter into each idli mold, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Add the Eggs:
- Crack an egg into the center of each idli mold, placing the egg directly on top of the batter. You can break the yolk or leave it intact, depending on your preference.
- Optionally, you can lightly season the egg with a pinch of salt and pepper for added flavor.
- Steam the Idlis:
- Place the idli stand into a steamer or pressure cooker (without the weight). Steam the idlis for 10-15 minutes on medium heat.
- Check if the idlis are cooked by inserting a toothpick or knife. It should come out clean.
- Serve:
- Once done, remove the idli stand and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- Carefully remove the Egg Idlis from the molds and garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
- Enjoy!:
- Serve your Egg Idlis hot with coconut chutney and sambar, or even a simple tomato chutney, for a complete and hearty breakfast.
Tips for Making Perfect Egg Idli:
- Fermentation: The key to soft idlis is in the fermentation process. Ensure your batter is well-fermented for a fluffy texture.
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to add other vegetables like grated carrots or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Egg Variations: You can scramble the eggs and mix them with the batter if you prefer a more uniform texture or use boiled eggs for a different twist.
Conclusion:
Egg Idli is an innovative and nutritious take on the classic idli. It combines the softness of steamed idlis with the protein-packed richness of eggs, making it an ideal breakfast choice to kickstart your day. With its delicious taste and ease of preparation, Egg Idli is sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation.
