Idli

Idli is a south Indian savory cake popular throughout India. The cakes are usually two to three inches in diameter and are made by steaming a batter consisting of fermented black lentils (de-husked) and rice. Most often eaten at breakfast or as a snack, idlis are usually served in pairs with chutney, sambar, or other accompaniments. Mixtures of crushed dry spices such as milagai podi are the preferred condiment for idlis eaten on the go.

Southern Indians have brought the popular idli wherever they have settled throughout the world. Cooks have had to solve problems of hard-to-get ingredients, and climates that do not encourage overnight fermentation. South Indian temple town Madurai in Tamilnadu is very popular for idlis. Madurai is famous for its overnight idli shops and once can have hot and soft idlis even at 2 AM. These idlies are served with sambar and also with more than three varieties of chutney like coconut chutney, cilantaro chutney, onion chutney and mint. The softness of these idlis lie in the selection of rice and black gram (black lentil).