It would not be an exaggeration to say that South Indian cuisine has a huge fan following not only in India but all over the world. In almost every city you visit, you will find eateries serving dosas, idlis and more. He is not everything. There are places which give their own unique touch to the dishes, making them look very different. Take, for example, the famous Mavli Tiffin Rooms in Bangalore. Popularly known as MTR, it was established in 1924 at Lalbagh Road in Bangalore. Today, you will find many MTR restaurants around the world. It is known as one of the oldest and most popular vegetarian restaurants traditional south indian food, with his unique touch. And one of the most popular of the menu is their idlis, which are served with coconut chutney and aloo sago (a South Indian potato curry).
Read also: 19 Best South Indian Breakfast Recipes | Easy South Indian Breakfast Recipes
Idli is a popular South Indian dish.
photo credit: iStock
Why is MTR restaurant’s Rava Idli so famous?
According to historians, the South Indian Rava Idli originated in the kitchens of MTR Bengaluru. What makes it fascinating yet is the story behind the origin. According to MTR’s official website, since rice was in short supply during World War II, MTR found it difficult to make idlis for its patrons. That’s when he experimented with rava/semolina (instead of rice) and invented the soft and fluffy rava idli. MTR’s Rava Idlis are “steamed semolina cakes made with a mixture of curd, coriander, cashew nuts, curry leaves and mustard seeds,” reads the website. “Invented by MTR during World War II when rice was in short supply, Rava Idli is our most popular dish till date,” he added.
Looks tempting enough? So, we thought of looking for the recipe that can help us replicate the MTR special Rava Idli at home. What else? We’ve got the recipe! It has been shared by food vlogger Parul on her YouTube channel ‘Cook with Parul’. So, without further ado, let’s go through the recipe.
Read also: Is there leftover idli? Give it a tasty makeover with 5 snack recipes under 30 minutes
MTR-Style Rava Idli Recipe: How To Make Bengaluru Special Rava Cashew Idli:
Ingredients to make Rava Idli:
To make this dish, you need ghee, mustard, cumin, urad dal, chana dal, ginger, green chillies, curry leaves, cashews, asafoetida, rava/semolina, salt, coriander leaves and curd.
Method: Method for making Rava Idli:
- Start by heating some ghee in a pan. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, urad dal, chana dal and fry them. After this add green chilies, ginger, curry leaves, cashews and asafoetida. Fry everything well. Add semolina to it and fry it again on low flame.
- Take out the mixture in a plate and let it cool. Add salt, chopped coriander, curd and mix everything well. Cover the batter and keep it for some time. After this, prepare the batter of idli by adding baking soda and some water to this mixture.
- Take an idli mould, grease it and place a cashew in each hole. Then add idli batter to it. Place the plates in a pot of boiling water. Close the lid and cook for 15 minutes. Check idlis and serve hot with coconut chutney and sago.
Parul further shared with you the recipe of Rava-Cashew Idli with Coconut Chutney and Potato Sago.
Watch the detailed recipe video below:
(Also Read: We know what makes idli a healthy breakfast!,
Prepare a meal today and enjoy it to the fullest. Tell us how you liked it.