South Indian food is a sought-after option for breakfast and light dinners. The idlis, dosas, uttapams, and appams are delicious and healthy. Palak Moong Daal Idli is a protein-rich recipe with a twist. This recipe can be prepared for breakfast or dinner. The batter does not need any fermentation, though the dal & rice needs to be soaked for 4-5 hours. These idlis pair well with white/green coconut chutney or podi & sambar. This is a wholesome weight loss recipe. I hope you like this "Green" delicacy!
Ingredients :
> 1 cup - idli rice / normal short-grain white rice
> 1 cup - green moong daal (whole green gram)
> 1/4th cup - white poha (thin / medium)
> 1 bunch of spinach (cleaned and blanched)
> 2 / 3 cloves of garlic (optional)
> Salt as per taste
> 1 tsp - fruit salt/soda bicarbonate (optional but recommended)
> few white sesame seeds
Procedure :
Soak the rice, and moong daal in a bowl for 4-5 hours. Drain the water. Poha should be lightly rinsed and soaked freshly before grinding the mixture. Now in a blender, add the blanched spinach, garlic cloves, soaked rice-dal, and poha. Finely blend the mixture. Add very little water as required, to adjust the consistency of the batter. Can add 2 to 3 ice cubes to retain the bright green color of Spinach. Once finely ground, transfer the batter to a bowl. Get the Steamer ready. Add the salt and fruit salt to the batter. Give the batter a good stir, and immediately pour the batter into greased idli moulds. Once greased add some white sesame seeds, these add a nice texture to the idli and enhance the nutritional value. (P.S- Add fruit salt only when you are about to make idlis, it is to make the idli fluffy). Steam the idlis on high flame for 5-7 min and low flame for 12-15 min. You can check before removing the idlis, and adjust the time accordingly. Once you switch off the flame, let it cool for 5-10 minutes inside the idli maker and then de-mould. Enjoy the soft, yummy Spinach Moong Daal idlis!
You can add some finely chopped onions & veggies (Carrots, beans, beetroot, corn) to make some variations of the same recipe.
Happy cooking!