But thankfully this dish - Pepper Idli steamed in Banana leaves- was very well recieved, and I was happy to add another super healthy breakfast to the menu. It helps if you have ready batter at hand. But if you want to start from scratch, you can make the Idli batter as outlined in this recipe. You could as I did,tone down the pepper or not add it at all for the children, but the aroma of freshly ground pepper and cumin along with the soaked dal is sure to pep you up for the entire day! The addition of cooked but firm channa dal is optional, and I did so 'coz I dont prefer the idlis looking very dull or dark, but you can also add a handful of chopped fresh coconut to add a slight crunch along with curry leaves / coriander. If you dont have banana leaves, you could use the normal Idli Moulds just like Poha Idli. But steaming them with Banana leaves is something magical - both the aroma and the taste improve manifold with the pepper steaming in those leaves:-)
Serving options for this dish : choose from over 10 chutney varieties here or Molagapudi (Fiery lentil spice powder). This dish goes to Day 3 of BM along with Simona's MLLA. Check my fellow Marathoners here
Prep time : 10 mins.
Cooking time : 15 mins (5 - 7 mins more than your usual time for Idli batch cooking).
Makes : 4 Idlis
Ingredients:
- Idli batter - 2 cups
- Chopped ginger - 1 tsp
- Soaked and cooked Channa dal (opt. but recommended)
- Cumin / jeera - 2 TBSP
- Black pepper - 2 TBSP
- Minced Green chillies - 2 nos (adjust spice)
- Salt - to taste (consider the Idli batter also might have salt in it)
- Asafoetida - a generous pinch
- Coriander and curry leaves - a handful
- Banana leaves - for steaming
Method:

2) Add the spice powder, salt, asafoetida, coriander and curry leaves, chillies and mix well.
3) Just before steaming add the boiled channa dal and mix well.
4) Pour to a flat plate lined with slightly greased banana leaf. Tap the plate once for uniform batter distribution.
5) Steam for approx 12-15 mins. Cool and cut like a pizza into sectors. Serve with any chutney or Molagapudi.
Good one Kalyani. I make these masala idlis too but never tried adding pepper. And me steaming them in banana leaves would be a dream.:)
ReplyDeletethis looks wonderful delicious dish
ReplyDeletewow spicy looking idlis that too wrapped in banana leaf !! too good
ReplyDeleteDeepa
Hamaree Rasoi
I love this make over Idli and I know how it smells when steamed in banana leaf. Divine.
ReplyDeleteNice one .. similar to kanchipuram idlis.
ReplyDeleteVardhini
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Plantain leaves definitely impart there own unique flavor and aroma to any dish if used for steaming...Lovely variation to the regular idlis.
ReplyDeleteHerbs & Flowers: Spring Onions
The idlis look so tempting. Nice recipe and am sure the banana leaf adds its own flavour and taste.
ReplyDeleteSpicy idli looks tempting...
ReplyDeleteLooks close to Kancheepuram idli :)
ReplyDeleteRessembles quite like kancheepuram idli, lovely version Kalyani,thanks for sharing..
ReplyDeleteVery lovely ones..I can have Idlis anytime, specially when flavoured must taste great!
ReplyDeleteIdli with a twist is great idea. i can feel the aroma of banana leaf. yummy idlis.
ReplyDeletevery nice n flavorful idlis..looks delicious
ReplyDeleteoh I love anything steamed in Banana leaves..though its a job getting them here....bookmarked Kalyani!!
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely fabulous. Congrats on the 200th post.
ReplyDeletedelicious dish..yummo..
ReplyDelete-
Aarthi
http://yummytummy-aarthi.blogspot.com/
love the addition of pepper and that too with banana leaf flavour....oooh....i want this too
ReplyDeleteVery innovative recipe..
ReplyDeleteDelicious twist on good old idlis -- spicy and delicious.. Yumm..
ReplyDeleteVery flavorful idlis...
ReplyDeletedelicious and flavorful idly,change from the regular idly.
ReplyDeleteThis Idli looks super tempting!
ReplyDeleteLook super duper hit! Love this.I will love these to plain idlis. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHosting an event which I am calling Back to our Roots Also hosting for Nov’11 Veggie Food for the Month_Raw Banana. Please do send me your entries.
that so cool..peppered id;i wrapped in plantain leaves..wow simply superb
ReplyDeleteCool idea :),will try this for sure.
ReplyDelete