Quinoa Batter for Idli, Dosa, Uttapam, Dhokla, and Appe | Instant Pot Quinoa Idli | 1 Batter, and 6 Breakfast Recipes

How to Make Quinoa Idli Batter and Soft, Healthy, and Airy Idlis | | Low Carb, High Protein Quinoa Idli

Hello Foodies,

Soft and fluffy Quinoa Idlis, yummy, and crispy Quinoa Dosas, flavorful and spicy Quinoa Appe, and delicious and soft Quinoa Uttapam made using one healthy and well-fermented batter, i.e. Quinoa-Brown Rice Idli-Dosa Batter. The batter fermented to perfection in an instant pot and made fresh Idlis, Dosas, Appe, and Uttapam from scratch. This is a healthy way of eating traditional Indian dosa with quinoa, brown rice, and lentils.

This is the best low carb, vegan, protein-rich quinoa Idli-dosa batter Recipe! I wanted to create a healthier version of these idlis and hence I came up with easy and healthy addition of quinoa and brown rice to make these healthy quinoa idlis.

Video Recipe:

So, here I am sharing a quinoa batter and quinoa idli recipe. Idlis came out super soft, airy, and fluffy. Served with Coconut Chutney and piping hot Temple style No-Onion No-Garlic Sambar, this healthy meal is sure to be on your repeat menu.

What is Idli?

Idli is a traditional South Indian breakfast of fermented lentils and rice batter which is steamed in shallow, round containers. It looks like small white pillows, the flavor is mildly tangy and the texture is spongy, airy, and soft.

What is the use of Fenugreek seeds(Methi seeds) in the batter?

Fenugreek seeds help in fermentation and help in giving the dosa a nice brown color and crisp texture. The addition of some fenugreek seeds (methi dana) to the batter is my MIL’s tip.

Why do I use flattened Rice/Poha?

Poha/Flattened rice that helps to make fluffy and soft idli(but if you cannot find it you can skip it). I have used thick poha, but thin poha works well too.

Is Washing the grains required?

Yes, it is one of the most important steps. Always, always wash quinoa, brown rice, and dal for 3 to 4 times or until the water runs clear.

Can we use any other type of rice instead of brown rice in this recipe?

Absolutely yes! You can use idli rice, and Sona masoori rice too instead of brown rice.
But don’t use long grain basmati rice for this recipe.

Which Urad dal to use and why is Urad dal an important Ingredient?

Urad dal is an important ingredient in making the idli-dosa batter. Urad dal helps to create the culture for fermentation and leavening. So use whole skinless urad dal, or split urad dal.

Quinoa Uttapam Recipe

Quinoa Appe Recipe

More South Indian Recipes to Try:

Prep Time: 30 Minutes; Fermentation Time: 9 hours.

Ingredients:

1 Cup Quinoa
½ Cup Brown Rice
½ Cup Skinless Whole Black Gram/Urad Dal
¼ Cup Poha
1 Tsp Fenugreek seeds
1 Tsp Black Salt(Rock Salt / Saindhav Meeth / सेंधा नमक,)
Water as needed

Instructions:

To Make Quinoa-Brown Rice Idli-Dosa Batter:

Wash and soak Quinoa, Brown rice, Black Urad dal, and Fenugreek seeds together for at least 6-8 hours(If possible, soak it overnight).
Wash grains(Quinoa, Brown rice, Urad dal, and Fenugreek seeds) under tap water until water runs clear.
After 8 hours of soaking the grains, discard the water.

Add the drained urad dal and fenugreek seeds in a blender jar and blend with ½ cup of water(Always use cold water for grinding the batter) to make a smooth and fluffy paste, blend for 6-7 minutes(The batter should have a nice flowing consistency, and it should not be runny though).
Once you have a smooth, thick, and flowing batter, pour it into a steel bowl and keep aside.

Now, add the drained quinoa in a blender jar and blend with ½ to ¾ cup of water to make a smooth paste, blend for 3-4 minutes.
Transfer the ground quinoa to the same pot as the urad dal in a steel bowl and keep aside.

Add the drained brown rice, and flattened rice/poha(Soaked flattened rice in water for 2-3 minutes before grinding) in a blender jar and blend with ½ to ¾ cup of water to make a smooth paste, blend for 3-4 minutes(Grind the brown rice to a smooth but slightly coarse paste).
Transfer the ground rice to the same pot as the urad dal and quinoa in a steel bowl and keep aside.
Now, add the black/rock salt(Saindhav Meeth) and mix it with the hand for 5-10 minutes. The batter should thick but free-flowing batter.

To Ferment Quinoa Batter in the Instant Pot:

Transfer the blended batter to the inner pot of the instant pot.
Cover the pot with the glass lid/plate.
I have used my Ultra 6 qt instant pot, but 8 qt works well too.
Turn on the yogurt function of the Instant Pot and set the time for 9 hours.
Let the batter rest inside the instant pot with the yogurt button switched on.
(You can set the yogurt mode low for 12-hours or in regular for 9 hours).
After 9 hours the batter will be all frothy and bubbly, but if it doesn’t ferment, then increase the time by 2-3 hours.

To Ferment Quinoa Idli-Dosa Batter in the Oven:

Place the batter in the oven with the light on.
The batter ferments in 9 to 10 hours(Don’t turn on the oven).

To Ferment Quinoa Idli-Dosa Batter Without Oven/in a warm place:

Keep the batter on the kitchen countertop or in a warm place, covered, and it will ferment in 10-12 hours.

To Make Quinoa-Brown rice Idli in the Instant Pot:

Instructions:

Grease the Idli mold/plates with oil.
Now, pour the fermented Idli batter into oil greased Idli mold and stack the plates.
Add 2 cups of hot water into the instant pot and place the Idli stand into the pot.
Close the lid and place the knob on venting(not the sealing) to get a soft airy, and fluffy idlis.
Steam the idlis using the steam function of the instant pot for 15 minutes.
Take out the idli plate and let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes before spooning out the idlis.
Using a spoon remove Idli from the Idli mold and serve hot.
Tadaa, healthy, soft, and fluffy Idlis are ready to serve, serve hot with sambar, and coconut chutney. Enjoy!!!

To Make Quinoa- Brown Rice Idli in the Steamer:

Instructions:

Add 1 glass(2 cups) of water to the idli cooker or steamer and let it come to a boil.
Meanwhile, grease the idli plates with oil and pour the idli batter.
Place the Idli stand into the pot and cover with the lid.
Steam it for 10-12 minutes over medium heat
After 10 minutes turn off the flame and take the idli stand out.
Let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes before spooning out the idlis.
Using a spoon remove Idli from the Idli mold and serve hot.
Tadaa, healthy, soft, and fluffy Idlis are ready to serve, serve hot with sambar, and chutney. Enjoy!!!

To Make Quinoa Dosa

Heat pan or a dosa tawa.
Now use a ladle to pour half a cup of batter and spread evenly by moving the ladle in a circular motion.
Now drizzle some oil on the dosa.
Let the dosa cook till golden brown.
Serve this quinoa dosa immediately with chutney and sambar.

Pro Tips to Make Quinoa Idli-Dosa Batter:

The amount of water to grind the grains and rice will depend on the type of rice/dal you use, so don’t add all water at a time, add it little by little.
If your blender jar is small, then blend the grains into batches.
Use Organic quinoa and make sure to massage and wash quinoa at least 2 to 3 times.
Grind the brown rice to a smooth but slightly coarse paste.
If you are making Idlis then the consistency of the batter should be thick and free-flowing, but it shouldn't be runny.
But if you are making dosas then the runny batter should work, so don’t discard it.
Always ferment batter in a large pot, so it will get enough room to rise.

To Store the Quinoa Idli-Dosa Batter:

Fermented Idli batter can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week.
Leftover cooked idlis can also be refrigerated for up to a week.
Reheat in the microwave for 30-45 secs of time covered with a wet paper towel.
Or re-steam in the Instant Pot for 3-5 minutes in an oven-safe/instant pot safe container.

Health Benefits of Quinoa Idli:

Quinoa is rich in protein, fiber, and iron and is the best grain to consume.
One of the healthy and protein-packed breakfast.
It is a good source of fiber and helps in digestion.
It's a good plant-based source of iron.
High in Antioxidants
Quinoa is high in fiber, protein and has a low glycemic index. These properties may help in weight loss and improve health.

Dietary Comment:

The calorie count is based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Per serving contains 43 calories, along with 8.6 g carbohydrates, 1.2 g dietary fiber, 0.5 g fats, and 2 g protein.
Portion size can always be increased or decreased depending on your health goals and activity level.
(Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is calculated using a nutrition facts calculator. It is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on products used.)

Good Time To Eat:

It is good to eat Quinoa Idli for Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner.

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