Quinoa Idlis | Healthy Breakfast Menu

Idlis are considered to be the most healthiest food in South Indian breakfast as it is easy to digest and are guilt free steamed food.Quinoa(pronounced 'kinwa') is a seed and not a grain.Quinoa is a good source of protein and is gluten free and so is very easy to digest.They are also a good source of vitamin B,thiamine,riboflavin and folate.Quinoa is a bland tasting seed,I must say and it needs spices and other flavors to compliment its taste to the Indian flavor.Qunioa is available in red,white and black in color.I have used the white one.Thanks to many of our food bloggers who prompted me to try this seed in a desi twist and lately,I too started using this seed with tail in many recipes(coming soon).The first one in this row is quinoa idlis,I have tried this recipe thrice now and all have come out soft and spongy.I have used brown rice to add a little gluten but you can always use white rice to make these idlis.These idlis are slightly off white in color compared to the regular white ones.Try and enjoy super soft idlis !!

Ingredients
quinoa 3/4 cup
brown rice  1/4 cup
urad dal whole/gotta/uzhunnu 1/2 cup
salt

Method

• Wash the quinoa under running water by holding it in a colander as the seeds are very small and gets easily drained away from hands.Soak it for 5-6 hours.Wash and soak the brown rice and urad dals separately.

• In a grinder or blender,grind the quinoa followed by brown rice and urad dal until smooth.Transfer to a bowl and aerate the batter using your hands.Add in salt and leave to ferment 6-7 hours.
• After 7 hours,grease an idli mould and place adequate water in a steamer.Pour batter in idli moulds,place in steamer and steam cook for 6-7 mins or until done.
• Remove from steamer,leave to cool slightly or invert the plates and hold under cold running water for  minutes.Scoop out the idlis with a spoon and keep covered.
• Enjoy with any desired chutney of your choice !!

Serves ~ 12 idlis

NOTES
* In a blender,add the ingredients in batches and grind.Make sure the motor doesn't get heated up frequently.Stop and run to get a nice fermented batter.
* Adding salt can be done after fermentation,just make sure its well mixed.
* Use white rice if you don't use brown rice.

More idli recipes that you can give a try from this space are-
Barley-Oats Idlis
Kanchipuram Idlis
Rava Idlis