Instant Veggie Quinoa Mini Idli

Idli – a delicious south Indian steamed rice cake which is an absolutely all-time comfort food. And yes, there is a specific day for this humble idli which is being celebrated on 30th March each year as ‘World Idli Day‘. Some also narrates that idli Day is the chutney and sambar’s best friend day 😉 ! The idli-sambar-chutney makes a classic combination for me always. For most Indians, particularly South Indians this is often eaten as breakfast along with some piping hot sambar and a variety of tasty chutneys.

These days many dietitians consider idli as one of the nutritious and healthy foods for the human body. Dietitians also re suggesting to have idli regularly in a breakfast for weight loss. In India, there is also a varieties of idli which differ from places to place with different names as well like Hittli in Konkani, Muday idli in Mangalore, Sanna in Goa etc. Even the main ingredients of idli has been changing as per demand in current days. Although the authentic main ingredients of an idli is rice and lentils, still one can make idli using semolina / rava, different types of millets etc. 

Well today I have an idli recipe using Quinoa as ‘Instant Veggie Quinoa Mini Idli‘ 🙂 Quinoa is a gluten-free seed that can make a great substitute for rice and other grains. And in recent days this seeds are becoming a huge in demand and considered as a wonderful ‘super-food’. Overall, quinoa has an incredible nutrition base and contains all nine essential amino acids.

So the idli which I have shared here is an Instant version, means there is no need of any fermentation as of the traditional idli using rice and lentil. Some vegetables like carrot, green peas are added here along with some tempering. One can make these idli in regular idli mold, but as my boy was going to have this quinoa idli for the first time so I used mini idli molds which yield cute mini idlis. The process is super easy and within few minutes the dish will be ready. Rich in fiber and loaded with vegetables, these instant quinoa idlis are perfectly fit for breakfast option. Along with sambar, chutney or even with any other choice-able curry one can thoroughly enjoy this. So do try 😊

Recipe Card for ‘Instant Veggie Quinoa Mini Idli’ :

Vegetarian, Gluten free, Quinoa, Idli, South Indian

Breakfast, Quinoa, Idli, Vegetarian,

South Indian

Author: SasmitaPin it

Instant Veggie Quinoa Mini Idli

a South Indian vegetarian breakfast option using the super food, QUINOA without any fermentation

prep time: 10 minscook time: 15 minstotal time: 25 mins

ingredients:

  • Quinoa 1/2 cup
  • Semolina (sooji) 1/4 cup
  • Curd 1/2 cup
  • Carrot (grated) 1/4 cup
  • Green pea (fresh / frozen) 3-4 tbsp
  • Coriander leaf (roughly chopped) 2 tbsp
  • Ginger (grated) 1/2 tsp
  • Eno (fruit salt) 3/8 tsp
  • Cumin seed 1/4 tsp
  • Mustard seed 1/4 tsp
  • Turmeric powder 1-2 pinch
  • Coriander powder 1/2 tsp
  • Salt as needed
  • Oil 1/2 tbsp
  • Water as needed

instructions

  1. First make a fine powder from the quinoa in a blender and keep aside.
  2. In a pan, heat 1/2 tbsp oil.
  3. Add in mustard seeds, cumin seeds and allow to splutter well.
  4. Then add curry leaves and grated ginger.
  5. Saute a bit and then add semolina / sooji.
  6. Fry for 1-2 minutes over low heat.
  7. Next add powdered quinoa and mix everything well.
  8. Fry for another 2-3 minutes and turn off heat.
  9. Transfer to a plate and allow to cool down completely.
  10. In a mixing bowl then take yogurt / curd and beat well to get a smooth texture.
  11. Next add grated carrot, green peas, chopped coriander leaves, coriander powder, turmeric powder, salt and mix using a spoon.
  12. Then add cooled quinoa-semolina mixture to the bowl and give a nice mix again.
  13. If needed, 1-2 tbsp of water can be added to get a thick yet pour-able consistency.
  14. Turn on the idli steamer or any steamer.
  15. Meanwhile grease the mini idli molds with oil.
  16. Now add the eno / fruit salt to the batter and stir well.
  17. Immediately pour the batter into the greased molds and steam for 8 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cooked idli comes out clean.
  18. Take out all the idlis from the idli molds.
  19. Serve along with any desirable chutney / sambar / any other curry !

NOTES:

1/2 tsp of chana dal can be added while sauteing the cumin and mustard seeds. I have not added chana dala here as my son doesn't like that crunch in the idli.
One can use the regular idli mold also. But the steaming time may take little longer than the time mentioned here.
The baking soda (3/8 tsp) is opted if eno / fruit salt is not available. 
Addition of water to the batter is quite tricky. Don't add too much water, otherwise the batter will be runny and after cooking the idlis become flat and sticky. The batter of the idli should be thick yet pour-able.
Some chopped green chilies also can be added to the batter.

https://firsttimercook.com/2019/03/instant-veggie-quinoa-mini-idli.html

If you tried my recipe and enjoyed fully, then please share some pictures of your creation with me. Also kindly rate the recipe below, give your valuable feedback either in the comment box below or tag me as @firsttimercook on Instagram.

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This Instant Veggie Quinoa Mini Idli is contributed for 188th theme of the Foodie Monday Blog Hop foodie group which is decided as ‘IdlyMedley‘ and suggested by Mayuri di who blogs at Mayuri’s Jikoni


Check out some more idli recipes of my fellow bloggers from the group as :

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Sasmita

Sasmita

Hey there !

Myself Sasmita, a techie turns to a food blogger which is reflected in this space.

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13 Comments

  1. Priya Iyer

    I love the idea of using quinoa to make idlis! Your idlis look so pretty – that colour is gorgeous. They have turned out super soft too, and I'm sure they were extremely delicious too. 🙂

  2. Mayuri Patel

    Such cute little idlis, love how you've made them different by adding turmeric too. A healthy start to the day or even a wonderful healthy snack option. And kids love food that's cute and small.

  3. Poonam Bachhav

    We love the nutty flavor Quinoa imparts to the idlis. Your mini idlis with veggies sound filling and so inviting !

  4. Shobha

    I have tried out a lotof dishes with quinoa.. now b ! try these idlis too.. Super

  5. Priya Srinivasan - I Camp in My Kitchen
    Priya Srinivasan - I Camp in My Kitchen

    Wow, quinoa in idly, sounds interesting! Love the texture of the idly so soft and fluffy ! The whole platter looks very tempting 😊

  6. cookwithrenu

    I love Instant versions of Idlis and if they look so delicious and healthy, I am sure to eat them all. Seriously they look super yum.

  7. preethi'scuisine

    Instant Quinoa mini idlis ook so cute.i Love Instant version .These vegetable idlis loaded with the goodness of all the veggies is wholesome and nutritious.

  8. Archana

    I love these mini idlis with quinoa. They look so cute. Looking at these idlis I am ruing finishing all my quinoa. No worries will try after May 19.

  9. Sujata Roy

    Instant quinoa mini idli looks so soft and delicious. Using of quinoa carrot made these idli super healthy. These mini idli also looks so cute. Loved it.

  10. Swati

    The mini Quinoa Idlis looks so cute, lovely color of the idlis with the addition of turmeric.So easy for toddlers and kids to eat these wholesome bites!!

  11. cookbookjaleela

    eye catching click, adding quinoa totally different way , very healthy mini idly

  12. Kalyani

    so differnet, and healthy ! the mini idlis is an eye catcher, Sasmita ! loved the click and the recipe 🙂

  13. veena

    Instant version are a boon for the hurried morning breakfast and these cute idlis are awesome. Loved the way you have photographed it

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