okra idli recipe, how to make bhindi idli recipe

okra idli recipe, how to make bhindi idli recipe

okra idli  or bhindi idli recipe with step by step photos – soft, fluffy, delicious idli recipe prepared using bhindi/okra.

this might come as a surprise for some, using bhindi/okra/ladies finger in making idlis. it was for me too until i came across this dosa recipe inspired by sadashiva rao mailankodi’s recipe on facebook foodie group, which was highly inspiring to say the least. i had made up my mind to try it out some time. my kids love idli as i have mentioned before. hence i made idlis with the recipe. idlis bring the convenience of ‘many in one go’.  so bhindi idli/ladies finger idli it had to be. i made it with just a few changes to the recipe. to my surprise they came out soft, fluffy and perfect in texture. thank you sadashiva rao sir for the thought and recipe.

some food for thought – did you know, the soluble fiber in bhindi/okra helps slowing down digestion. it slows down the break down of carbohydrates in the food, there by slowing the rate of conversion to glucose. this results in low glycemic index and there by beneficial in diabetics, termed as diabetic superfood by some. now does that mean this is probably one of the best ways in which a diabetic can have idlis – some food for thought!

it keeps one fuller for longer, hence helpful in weight loss. it reduces cholesterol too.

not simply that, the insoluble fiber in bhindi/okra helps in maintaining the gut health, preventing colon cancer. helps avoid constipation. being also rich in vitamins and minerals, including bhindi/okra in the diet has many benefits in addition to the deliciousness it contributes to various dishes.

now that’s a lot of reasons to eat bhindi/okra however, as always i must mention, if you are on an advised diet for any reason, do consult your doctor/dietitian before making any changes to your diet.

you can also try making bhindi/okra dosa with the same batter. do adjust spicing to your taste. but of course you will taste the bhindi in the idli/dosa as the case may be. the color of the idli tends to be a slight greenish brown. my daughter’s favorite among the idlis, as she puts it, is the regular white idli but she enjoyed it anyway. this could be another sneaky way to include vegetables in a fussy kid’s diet.

INGREDIENTS (measuring cup used, 1 cup = 250 ml)

prepping rice and lentils:

• 1 cup idli rice, i used sona masoori rice. approximately 200 grams.
• ⅓ cup urad dal/split black gram, approximately 60 grams.
• 1 teaspoon methi/fenugreek seeds
• 2 to 2½ cups water to soak the rice and lentils

for grinding bhindi:

• 175 grams roughly chopped clean bhindi/okra/ladies finger or about 17 to 18 medium sized tender bhindi
• 1 green chili, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 pinch of asafoetida/hing (optional) (avoid asafoetida if on a gluten-free diet)

other ingredients:

• salt as required
• few drops of oil/ghee for greasing the idli molds. use oil for vegan version
• water as required to grind the batter

INSTRUCTIONS

soaking rice and lentils:

1. first, wash 200 grams of rice, 60 grams of urad dal, 1 teaspoon of fenugreek/methi seeds with fresh water and drain.
2. then adding 2 to 2½ cups of water to the same container, soak for 3 to 4 hours.

grinding okra:

1. towards the end of the soaking time, roughly chop the bhindi/okra. grind using a mixer/grinder along with 1 green chili, 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1 pinch of asafoetida.(avoid asafoetida if on a gluten-free diet)
2. make a smooth paste without adding any water.

grinding the rice and lentils:

1. now, drain the water from the soaked, rice, urad dal mixture. save the water.
2. add the drained rice, urad dal, methi seeds to the same mixer/grinder. grind briefly so that all the contents get well mixed.
3. then adding small amounts of water, grind to form a thick batter. this batter should not be too smooth. when touched it can be grainy. but the rice, bhindi etc should not be seen separately. transfer this to another deep container.
4. if you have any left-over soaked grains, transfer to the mixer/grinder again and grind to form a smooth, thick batter. add only small amounts of water if necessary. make a thick pouring batter and add water as required while grinding the rice and lentils.
5. transfer the prepared batter to the same container.
6. give it a good mix adding salt to taste.

fermentation:

1. cover and place the container in a warm place overnight to ferment for 8 to 10 hours.
2. the next morning, the batter would have become fluffy, airy and risen well.

steaming idlis:

1. now, grease the idli molds with a few drops of oil/ghee. use oil for vegan version.
2. place the steamer with water on the stove top.
3. pour the idli batter into the idli mold depressions.
4. once you notice that the water in the steamer has begun to steam, place the idli stand in it.
5. cover with a lid. steam for 12 to 15 minutes.
6. this time may vary depending on the steamer. once a tooth pick inserted into the middle of the idli comes out clean, you can remove the idlis.
7. using a small flat spatula/spoon, release the idlis from the molds individually.
8. transfer the cooked and ready idlis to a hot case to keep warm.
9. serve with your choice of chutney or sambar.