Button Idli
Soft, pillowy mini idlis made with store-bought batter and steamed in a button-shaped mold. Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for breakfast or snacks.
- Total time
- 18 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 92
- Protein
- 3g
Ingredients
- 2 cups store-bought idli batter (or fresh homemade)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or ghee, for greasing
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 whole green chilli, minced (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Pour the idli batter into a medium mixing bowl and add 0.5 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon minced ginger and the minced green chilli if using, stirring until evenly mixed, about 30 seconds.
- 2
Brush each cavity of the button idli mold generously with vegetable oil or ghee, coating the inside of all 8–12 button-shaped compartments so the idlis slide out easily.
- 3
Gently pour the batter into each oiled mold cavity, filling it to just below the rim — the batter will rise slightly as it steams.
- 4
Place the idli steamer or pot with steamer insert on the stove and fill it with 2 cups of water, then place the steamer basket or stand inside so the button mold sits above the water without touching it.
- 5
Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the water to a boil, watching for steam to rise from the pot, about 3–4 minutes.
- 6
Carefully place the filled button idli mold onto the steamer basket, then cover the steamer pot with its lid and steam for 6 minutes without lifting the lid.
- 7
After 6 minutes, carefully open the lid away from your face to avoid steam burns and check that the idlis look set and spring back slightly when poked with a fingertip.
- 8
Remove the button idli mold from the steamer using tongs or oven mitts and set it on a heat-safe surface to cool for 2 minutes, then run a thin knife around each button and gently push each idli out onto a serving plate.
- 9
Serve the warm button idlis with coconut chutney, sambar, or tomato chutney for dipping on the side of the plate.
Tools you’ll need
- medium mixing bowl
- button idli mold (8–12 cavity stainless steel mold)
- idli steamer or pot with steamer basket or stand
- tongs or oven mitts
- thin knife or butter knife
- serving plate
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