Recipe: Traditional South Indian Breakfast Delight
23 mins
Cooking Time
Intermediate
Difficulty
4
Ingredients
Veg
Diet
Idiyappam, also called string hoppers, is a light and healthy South Indian breakfast made from rice flour. The thin noodles are soft, non-sticky, and steamed to perfection. A staple in Kerala households, Idiyappam is usually served with vegetable stew, kurma, or sweetened coconut milk, making it both versatile and satisfying.
Take 2 cups of roasted rice flour in a large mixing bowl. Add ½ teaspoon of salt and mix well. Roasting the flour beforehand helps keep the Idiyappam soft and prevents it from turning sticky after steaming.
Description - Step 2
Boil Water
In a saucepan, add 3 cups of water along with 1 teaspoon of oil. Bring it to a rolling boil. The oil ensures that the dough does not dry out or turn too tight when kneaded.
Description - Step 3
Prepare Dough
Pour the boiling water gradually into the rice flour mixture. Mix with a spoon at first, then continue adding water in batches until all the flour becomes moist. Once it cools slightly, knead with your hands for about 5 minutes to make a smooth, non-sticky dough.
Description - Step 4
Shape Idiyappam
Grease the Idiyappam press (string hopper mould) with oil. Fill it with the dough and press into spiral shapes directly onto greased idli plates or banana leaves. Make sure the strings are even and not broken.
Description - Step 5
Steam Idiyappam
Place the plates inside a steamer and cook for 7-10 minutes. Once steamed, the Idiyappam should appear glossy and non-sticky. Remove gently and serve hot.