Microwave Idli maker

snonymous

I got a microwave idli maker free along with my last microwave purchase about 2 years ago, but used it [the idli maker] last month for the first time as I was extremely sceptical about the results and in any case who would want to eat microwave idlis in India where everything is available fresh and hot all the time.

The local supermarket had a buy one get one free offer on ready idli mixes, so I thought alright lets try it out, so for the princely sum of INR 20 I got 2 packets of ready idli mix in 2 varieties, rava and methi. Followed the instructions and 15 min later, spread the dough in the M/w Idli maker and microwaved for exactly 4 minutes. Well lo and behold, the idlis were fluffy and delicious, perhaps not as large as conventional idlis but that is because the idli maker size was smaller.

Needless to say, I was a very quick convert. Hot idli breakfast at 7am? Bring on the microwave idli maker !! Incidentally they are very cheap, I looked for them subsequently and they cost between INR 250 -INR 350. I gave one to my sister who lives in the US and her family are happy idli eating bunnies now.

I must of course clarify that nothing, but nothing, can beat a good fluffy fresh home made from scratch idli, made the conventional way, but if you want to skip the bother, the micro idli maker does a pretty satisfactory job. A good thick spicy coconut chutney made in advance completes the picture. Im now on the look out for the dhokla insert.

AvidTrekker

Can we Microwave-cook Idli without the (1+1 free) packet?

I mean, use regular stone ground batter from Matunga (superb!!)

You can also buy this batter from Gomathy Murthy or Jain and Iyer and get fluffy traditional idli without the tedium of having to grind it yourself.
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Nick-H

Yes, I think we did this, using regular batter in the micro-wave cooker.

But Mrs N usually sends out for stuff like idli.

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puchoo

Thanks for the info snonymous ! i have been wanting to try it out for a while now but same apprehension...it wont be anything like what one gets in the market....but ur post just gave me some inspiration....and if it works i have one less reason to be married

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snonymous

Hello again Avid Trekker
Yes it works quite well with the ready batter which is easily available at every kirana shop in Mumbai. The 1+1 free offer was merely a "cheap" incentive for me to try out my idling micro idli maker.

Any one knows where I can get the dhokla insert for the micro idli maker? Ive asked at a few stores but the [Gujarati] shopkeepers looked at me as though I was suggesting something sacreligious !

snonymous

Hello Puchoo
For a good first experience, try with the rava idli or methi idli ready packet, you may need to add more water than what the instructions say.

As for missing out on marriage, you will be missing out on the best experience in life.

puchoo

try with the rava idli or methi idli ready packet

Thanks..i'll keep that in mind!

Aishah

Thanks for letting us know about this synonymous! You've inspired me to get out my free idli maker that came with my microwave purchased last year, and which I've never used! It sounds so easy, I shall have to try it once I come back from my hols. I think I'll just buy the packet mix (I'm a very lazy cook!)- readily available here.

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MangoKulfi

It can be purchased online too:

the 8 mould:

http://www.sirindia.com/events/mic/m...uctID=10132238

or the 12 mould:

http://www.sirindia.com/events/mic/m...uctID=10135951



Not a bad price. Some other online store was selling it at $29.99.

Cardamom

Hi there - When I saw you mention a dhokla insert I was a bit
Just trying to wrap my bird brain around that. Anyway, in attempt to do so, I did a google search and found this link: http://onehotstove.blogspot.com/2007...nt-dhokla.html

You don't need an insert, I guess but I guess that defeats the purpose of being able to use your nifty microwave device.

I would try this, but I don't own a microwave!!

-C

snonymous

I promise you wont be disappointed Aishah. By the way, it would be interesting to find out how many of us have left the free idli maker that came with the microwave, in hibernation. Coming to think of it, I havent used any of the other containers that came in the free pack, except for the idli maker now.

Having extolled the virtues of the micro idli maker, I must however clarify that nothing, but nothing, beats my dear mother's idlis, ground from scratch and made from scratch the traditional way with all the traditional accompaniments, and one thing extra which is priceless - her love.

snonymous

Hello Cardamom
I think I will stick to the tried and tested, excellent dhoklas available at my neighbourhood store, which is brought in fresh every day by an enterprising Gujarati housewife. Her Khandvee's are even more exceptional, and I would not even dream of attempting to make these. The idli maker can remain for idlis alone.

jyotirmoy

"and one thing extra which is priceless - her love."
A priceless observation snonymous.

The microwave does the idli making in 4 minutes flat. That's fine. But what about the Sambar or the chutney?

snonymous

Dear Jyotirmoy
There is no, repeat no, substitute for freshly made sambar and chutney, freshly made from scratch with the freshest and finest ingredients. Everything else, be it packet or instant or reconstituted[ugh] or UHT [eeeks] or whatever; is a poor far distant relative many times removed ! That is my personal opinion for what it is worth.

The trick here is to make the sambar and chutney in advance, sambar improves in flavour the next day, like biryani, in any case. And undoubtedly, a good sambar and chutney or even just a good chutney can make a not so miserable microwave idli stand proudly with its head held high, along with its made from scratch, superior relative.

This is getting to be a quasi treatise on this quirky subject. All in good fun.