Struggling to decide what to pack for your child’s lunch box tomorrow? Try these nutritious and delicious idli recipes that are sure to be a hit. Idli is an excellent option for kids’ lunches. Its soft, fluffy texture makes it appealing to children, and it is packed with essential nutrients. Idli is low in calories, easy to digest, and the fermentation process provides beneficial probiotics. Here are some simple idli recipes that you can prepare at home and pack for your kids’ lunch.
Moong Dal Idli
Recipe by Hebbars
Moong Dal Idli is a protein-rich and healthy lunch option.
Ingredients:
- Moong dal
- Yogurt
- Oil
- Mustard seeds
- Cumin seeds
- Chana dal
- Green chilies
- Ginger
- Curry leaves
- Cashew nuts
- Carrot
- Asafoetida (hing)
- Coriander leaves
- Salt
- Eno fruit salt or baking soda
Method:
- Soak one cup of moong dal for 2 hours, drain, and blend to a smooth paste.
- Mix the moong dal paste with ¼ cup of thick yogurt.
- Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a pan, add ½ teaspoon mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon chana dal, 2 slit green chilies, ginger, and 5 chopped cashews. Add chopped carrots and sauté.
- Add this mixture to the moong dal paste along with a pinch of hing and salt. Mix well.
- Before steaming, add ½ teaspoon of Eno fruit salt to make the batter frothy.
- Pour the batter into idli molds and steam on medium heat for 15 minutes.
Spicy Tawa Idli
Recipe by Nags
Spicy Tawa Idli is perfect for using leftover idlis.
Ingredients:
- Cubed idlis
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Ghee or butter
- Mustard seeds
- Turmeric powder
- Pav bhaji masala
- Ginger
- Lemon juice
- Coriander leaves
Method:
- Heat 2 teaspoons of ghee or butter in a pan, add mustard seeds and let them pop.
- Add minced onions, ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder, and ½ teaspoon grated ginger. Cook until onions turn golden.
- Add cubed tomatoes and sauté until tender.
- Season with ½ teaspoon pav bhaji masala and salt.
- Add the idli cubes to the pan, mix gently to avoid breaking the idlis.
- Garnish with lemon juice and coriander leaves.
Instant Oats Rava Idli
Recipe by Jyothi Rajesh
Instant Oats Rava Idli offers a unique twist to traditional idlis.
Ingredients:
- Instant oats
- Semolina (sooji or rava)
- Yogurt
- Carrot
- Coriander leaves
- Eno fruit salt
- Salt
- Oil
- Mustard seeds
- Curry leaves
- Asafoetida (hing)
- Green chilies
- Chana dal
- Cashew nuts
Method:
- Heat oil in a pan, add ½ teaspoon mustard seeds. When they pop, add 1 tablespoon chana dal and roast until golden brown. Add finely chopped green chilies, curry leaves, and ¼ teaspoon asafoetida. Sauté for a few seconds, then set aside.
- Roast 1 cup of oats in another pan. Cool and blend the oats into a powder.
- In a bowl, mix the oats powder, the prepared masala mixture, grated carrots, and chopped coriander leaves.
- Add 1 cup of yogurt, salt, and water to the bowl. Mix into a smooth paste. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to thicken. Add Eno fruit salt and mix thoroughly.
- Preheat an idli steamer, grease the idli plates, and pour the batter into the molds. Steam for 10-15 minutes.