Rawa Idli (Semolina Idli)

Rava Idli is a very healthy snack from South India. Unlike Idlis that require elaborate pre-preparation, this is an exception to it. The use of Cashew-nuts, Ghee and Urad Dal gives an authentic Southern flavor to Idlis. 

Approx. Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 12-15 Idlis

Ingredients:
1 tbspn Ghee
1 cup Semolina (Upma Rawa / Sooji)

15-16 Nos. Cashew Nuts

½ tspn chopped Ginger (or Ginger Paste)

½  tspn chopped Green Chillies (or Green Chillies paste)

½ cup Sour Curd (Yogurt)

Water, as required

Salt to taste

1 tspn Fruit Salt (or Soda Bi-carb)

For the Tempering:

1 tbspn Ghee

1 tspn Mustard seeds

1 tspn Urad Dal

8-10 Curry leaves

To serve with:

Coconut Chutney

Tomato Chutney
Sambar

Method:

Heat a tablespoon of Ghee in a non-stick pan. Add the Cashew Nuts and sauté it on low heat till it changes its colour to golden. After sautéing remove it from the Ghee. Then, in the same Ghee, add Semolina and sauté it on low heat till it changes its colour. Transfer the roasted Semolina into another bowl and allow it to cool. Then add the Ginger paste, chopped Green Chillies and Sour Curd to the Semolina. Add some water to adjust its consistency to pouring / dropping consistency.  

Heat Ghee In a small pan.  Add the Mustard Seeds and let it splutter. Then add the Urad Dal and Curry leaves. Saute it for a minute and remove from the flame. Pour the mixture on the Idli batter. Add the Ghee Roasted Cashews, Salt and mix well. Rest the mixture for 10 minutes.

Simultaneously, heat water in a Steamer. Grease the Idli moulds with little Ghee. Before making Idlis, add the fruit Salt to the batter and mix. At this stage the batter will become little frothy.  Pour the batter into the Idli mould and steam it for approximately 10 minutes. You may check it by inserting a knife. If the knife comes out clean, it indicates that the Idlis are ready. 

Serve hot with Sambar, Coconut Chutney or Tomato Chutney.

Notes:

1. You can add vegetables / fresh coconut pieces in the Idli batter.

2. You may reduce the quantity of Ginger and Green Chillies if planning to make it for Children tiffin. Alternatively you may replace the pieces of ginger and Green chillies with a fine paste.

3. If the batter is too thick or too thin, then Idlis may turn flat.

Stepwise Pictures: