Idli-The Glory of South Indian Breakfast

IDLIS

The Idli, a beautiful icon of the banana leaf-platter, steamy and light, and round and white, is the pride of every South Indian household. An able compatriot to all tummy variants, the idly is an essential all-rounder fitting into all wholesome diet charts. From toddlers to oldies, idli is that disc of taste and energy to keep the mood and the tummy calm and good. 

Idlis

With a history of nearly ten centuries and an argued origin, the idli has many forms and traditions each with a touch of splendour and an essence of health. Prepared by steaming a batter of fermented black lentils and rice, the fermentation process that breaks down complex starches makes this moon-like dish very low in fat and cholesterol. The fluffiness ad texture of the idli is a result of the type of batter and its preparation method. It can be rightly termed that the idli is a nutrient powerhouse, serving much of the wholesome energy needs and very much ideal for the dieters. The variants are power-packed with iron and protein, for example, the Ragi Idli and the Rava Idli. 

Idlis can be relished with many different side-dishes, right from yoghurt, to spicy fish broth. The most common at a South alcove would be delicious coconut, groundnut or onion chutney, coarse powder of spices mixed with ghee called 'Podi', or piping hot sambhar would adorn your banana leaf. It also happens in certain homes, that the idlis of breakfast turn into 'Idli-Upma' of the dinner spiced up with chopped onions and chillies. Even during illness, mashed up idlis with curd or sugar is the best meal to relish. 

Milagai Podi Idli

Where some people might find the idli boring, there are nearly 180 flavours, each delicious with acclaimed side items, where, trying each one out will be a saga of its own. A great friend the idli would make, for it patronizes with many ingredients like Moong Dal(green gram dal), Rava(Semolina), Ragi(Finger Millet), Poha(flattened rice), Panneer(Cottage Cheese), Spinach, Cucumber, Podi Idlis and many many more. The most common are, Podi idli, covered completely with a coarse paste of Podi and Ghee. Podi, also known as Milagai Podi is a blend of spices like dried chillies, black gram, sesame seeds, coriander, etc. A spicy piece of this variety will simply make you drool for the hot and spicy chunk of South Cuisine; vegetable idli, with chopped little pieces of carrots, beans, onions and coriander, this aromatic treat will enchant you for sure. Not only has the style of idlis evolved, from the traditional banana leaf to the spiced up on the skewer, just for the look of it.

Apart from the flavours, the idlis also come in many shapes and sizes, authentic and aesthetic from across the topography of not only India but also Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Indonesia, which is believed to be the origin of Idlis which was brought to India by the rulers of the South, especially the Cholas. Some types of idlis are-:

• Thatte Idli - A flat and soft variety, fitting onto the little plates with a touch of veggie stew or chutney.
• Sanna Idli - From the western ghats, these have a bit of coconut milk touch and have a fluffier texture, served in Kerala, Mangalore and Goa with non-veg curries and stews.
• Button Idli - This one is made with the usual batter but poured into a mould with smaller depressing, giving it the size and shape of little buttons. The best way to savour it would be to dip it into the side-dish and just put it into the mouth.

 If you are planning a cuisine tour, do spice it up with a visit to these five slurpy Idli havens. The first in the list is Arya Bhavan in Matunga Mumbai, serving marvellous Podi idlis and yummy Sambhar in giant bowls. The next would be Saravana Bhavan the famous South Indian joint, which can be found in many places, presenting their 14 piece ghee-dripping button idlis, this, being its main attraction. When the Sambhar is important, do not forget the Ratna Cafe in Adayar, Chennai, with its heavenly Sambhar served in coffee mugs. 

Immaterial of the place, right from the cycle-vendors to the well-dressed restaurants, the idli is an awesome edible capable of securing a place in the heart of anyone. Do try the idli and its eye-catching types, rest assured, it will surely enhance your taste and tour you deep into the culture and tradition rising from the fragrant steam of the platter before you.