Indian · 1245 min · Medium
इडली
The cloud-soft steamed cake that South India wakes up to: a fermented batter of rice and skinned black gram (urad dal), ground, left to bubble and rise overnight, then steamed in little rounds until pillowy and light. Idli is among the healthiest of breakfasts — steamed, not fried, and naturally probiotic from the fermentation — served hot with coconut chutney and sambar to dunk. Mild, fluffy and endlessly comforting, it's a staple from Tamil Nadu to Karnataka and a gentle introduction to the magic of South Indian fermentation.