Healthy and Soft Cornmeal Idlis

Winter is almost here. Corn is one of the crops grown abundantly in Canada. There are so many ways to eat corn. Chips, grilled, steamed, popped etc. Corn is a very versatile crop used in various ways like tortillas, rotis, parathas, snacks like burgers, cutlets etc. Here is a innovative version to eat corn, steamed in the form of idlis. This super soft packets of corn meal is packed with lot of nutrients. Corn gives heat to the body essential during winter months. Try this soft corn idlis with your choice of Chutney.

Ingredients:

Corn meal - 2 cups
Oil - 2 tablespoons
Chana dal - 1 tea spoon
Urad dal - 1 tea spoon
Curry leaves - 1 sprig (Chopped fine)
Plain Yogurt (preferably sour)- 1 to 1 1/2 cups
Black mustard seeds - 1/2 tea spoon
Soda bicarbonate - 1/2 tsp
Asofoetida - 1 pinch
Salt to taste
Chopped Fresh coriander leaves -1 tablespoon
Green chilli peppers - 2-3 (Finely chopped)
Fresh ginger (Grated) - 1/2 inch piece

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a pan and add Mustard seeds. After the seeds splutter, add channa dal, urad dal, asofoetida, green chillies, curry leaves and ginger. Fry until the dals turn golden brown in colour
2. Add the corn meal and fry on a low flame for about 3-4 minutes until all the oil is absorbed by the cornmeal. Set aside to cool.
3. After the mixture is cool enough to handle, add yogurt, coriander leaves and salt and mix it well until you get a cake batter/idli batter consistency (It should not be too watery or too thick. Add little water if you find it too thick.
4. Heat water in a thick vessel or a pressure cooker until bubbly. Grease the idli moulds with a little oil.
5. Now, add the soda bicarbonate to the batter and mix gently. (Do not whisk too much after adding soda)
6. Pour the batter into the idli moulds and steam them for about 15 minutes on high flame or until a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean.
7. Turn off heat and cool the moulds. To unmould the idlis, run a kitchen knife along the edge and turn them upside down.
8. Serve with your choice of chutney.

Note: If using Pressure cooker to steam idlis, do not put the whistle on the lid of the pressure cooker.

Variation: Vegetable corn idlis:
Add grated carrots, green peas or chopped green beans to the batter and follow the same procedure above.