Twelve years ago, a kitchen drainage problem and no running water for two days, forced me to use only a minimal number of utensils. I had to get creative with my cooking, and that’s when I experimented with making Idlis in the microwave. They turned out great, and I quickly snapped some pictures on my phone. Fast forward to today, I still make these microwave Idlis for a quick breakfast, and I thought it was the perfect time to reshare this post with updated photos and a video.
In South India, idlis are a popular breakfast, but they require preparation a day or two ahead—soaking the rice, grinding, and fermenting the batter. Then, you steam the batter in molds when you’re ready to eat. However, mornings can be hectic for many people, and making traditional idlis can be quite time-consuming.
For those busy mornings, I rely on instant rice idli mix. The idli squares are ready in minutes with a simple batter that whips together in seconds! I keep a packet of this instant mix for when I’m in a hurry, and it’s a lifesaver. You just open the packet, add finely chopped veggies (or stir-fry them first), yogurt, water, mix, and pour everything into a microwave-safe bowl. Then, cook it for a quick and easy breakfast.
These microwave idlis cook in just 7-9 minutes, making them especially helpful when you’re rushing for breakfast or when guests drop by unexpectedly. In India, it’s common for close friends and relatives to show up without prior notice, so having a quick, easy recipe like this is super convenient. While this might seem unusual in other countries, it’s a regular part of life in Indian households.
These microwave idlis come out soft, although not as fluffy as the traditional idlis, but they are wonderful when enjoyed warm with ketchup or any chutney. However, I always have to make coconut chutney for my daughter, or she won’t eat them (even now that she’s an adult!).
And just a quick tip: if you happen to have any leftover idlis, the best way to enjoy them is by adding a little water in a small bowl with a few idlis on a plate, and microwaving them for about 30-45 seconds. They’ll still taste great, though nothing beats them fresh and warm!
I hope you make this recipe for your family. if you enjoy it, please let me know, if you feel the recipe needs a few tweaks, even then, drop me a message. I am on almost all the social media you are in and you can find me, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Let’s stay in touch.
Ingredients
- 1 pack Gits rice Idli mix
- 2 tbsp chopped carrot ( or any vegetable)
- 1 tbsp yellow mung daal (soaked in hot water for 2 hours) Optional
- 2 tbsp chopped cashews (you can double if not using mung daal
- 1/2 tsp minced ginger
- 1/2 green chili
- 1/4 tsp mustard seeds
- 4-5 curry leaves, cut in half
- 1tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup yogurt (should not be sour)
- 1 (+) cup water
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 2 tsp oil
- coconut chutney or ketchup or tomato chutney
- 1/3 cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup buttermilk or yogurt
- 1/2 green chili
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- salt to taste
- Water as needed
Instructions
- Grease an 8 or 9-inch square microwave-safe dish.
- Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds.
- When the mustard seeds begin to splutter, add curry leaves, grated carrot, and cashews one by one.
- Stir-fry until the cashews start to turn golden brown, then add the soaked and drained mung dal. Continue stir-frying for about 1 minute. Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool.
- In a bowl, take the rice idli mix and add yogurt. Mix well. Gradually add water, a little at a time, while mixing until the batter reaches a smooth, slightly thick consistency.
- Add the stir-fried mixture and chopped cilantro to the batter. Mix well.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and microwave on high for 3 minutes.
- After 3 minutes, poke the outer edges of the idli base with a fork. Pour 1/4 cup of hot water along the outer edges of the base. The idli base will absorb the water.
- Microwave again for an additional 3-5 minutes. Check the center of the idli by inserting a toothpick (after 3 minutes). Even if some crumbs stick to the toothpick, the idli base is done. If you cook it further, it may dry out.
- Remove the dish from the microwave. Once cooled slightly, invert the dish onto a plate. The idli should slide out easily.
- Cut into squares and serve warm with coconut chutney or ketchup.
- Grind everything together in a blender.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more water. We need a thin chutney to dip the squares.
Malti
Its a good idea to cook in microwave.
Marina
Balvinder, those are perfect idli, and not only for breakfast. Well done!
anne
Those are very appetizing and healthy emergency ;D dish ! And fast , too ! I like both chutneys 😉
Kiri W.
Yay for the resolving of drainage problems! I know how much a simple thing like this can stop everything from working, I’ve been there.
The Idli are a fascinating new dish for me, it looks very tasty.
Balvinder Ubi
It is tasty and is like polenta.
Ambreen
I would love to have a bite, looks yummy 🙂
Asmita
Hi Balvinder,
This is perfect to just microwave the idli’s . I had no idea. We love idlis but I always shy away from making them because they make such a mess. Greasing the idli pan and then steaming it. Too many utensils to wash. This is the perfect idea. Thanks so much. Shall be microwaving them from here on.
Tina (PinayInTexas)
Haven’t tried Idli, but it sounds really good and healthy. Would love to try it!
Tina
Glad your plumbing problems are resolved, I remember when our kitchen was flooded due to a leak underneath the house! No fun.
Anyhow this dish does look tasty. I have never seen that product before, so I will search the internet to learn more about it. Thanks for sharing.
Balvinder Ubi
Tina, this is a very popular product. In Canada you can find in any big grocery stores in the East Indian Isle. If you have any Indian store nearby ,try there.
Sam
Great dish, I will surely try it.
Is the Gits rice idli mix gluten free? I am scared to use any of the off-the-shelf mixes because of cross contamination. Hence the whole idea of making idli from scratch is a major put off 🙁
If you could mention which of the readymade mixes/masalas have worked for you, that would be great.
Balvinder Ubi
Sam, Gits Idli and Dosa(rice) mix are gluten free. If you make from scratch lentil and rice are the only main ingredients that are used.I try to make my own masalas but if you want to buy use the company M D H. Its been there from long time and is trusted. Biryani masala has msg in it. So if you are celiac, avoid that. I make my own biryani masala. if you are interested check my http://simpleglutenfreekitchen.blogspot.com/2011/08/biryani.htmlThanks for visiting.
Soni
Great idea!Never made idlis in the microwave, but will definitely be trying this.So easy, quick and delicious 🙂
Ruth REYNOSO-SANCE
This recipe looks so interesting! I’ve never seen idlis before, I definitely have to look into it! 🙂
Katherine Martinelli
Plumbing problems are the worst! But these idlis look awesome! I don’t actually have a microwave, but I’d love to try them when I do 🙂
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
What a coincidence?!? We make similar idli’s at home for breakfast too!
So glad the clogged drain issue is out of the way. We had one recently, and it’s so tiresome!!!
easyfoodsmith
Delicious looking idlis! Will try the microwave method next time.
Lizzy
Whew! I’m glad your clog was so easily cleared! I’ve been there, too, and it usually happens when we have company :/ Your rice squares look lite a wonderful snack…another new to me dish 🙂 Hope you’ve had a nice weekend, my friend~
peachkins
This is very interesting!
Malli
So fancy looking but quick snack or appetizer….Love the idea of adding veggies!!I’ll have to make this at my next gathering:)
angiesrecipes
Used to have similar breakfast like this, but just plain and we enjoyed it with peanut soup 🙂
Tandy (Lavender and Lime)
these look so pretty! Did you have access to any water during those two days? When we have water outages for longer than a day we are meant to get tanker water. But that means taking containers to the tanker and filling them up. Not easy for people who don’t have cars. We have a water tank at home for emergencies. But we only put that in when there was a threat of us running out of water due to a drought.
Balvinder
Thank you! Oh, yes, the problem was with our kitchen drainage, and the plumber shut off the water. But I had access to water from our garden.
2pots2cook
No worries, it is quite similar over here as well. Not only this, sometimes they stay until early morning hours and we enjoy snacks and wine or beer. These squares seems like perfect idea; my gang will be delighted, I am sure!
Soma Saharay
Such colourful idlis we do not get to see much