Crispy dosa, vada, and idli are the first few things that come to mind when you think of South Indian cuisine; it is a food lover's paradise. In every corner of the country, there are a plethora of shops and food carts selling mouthwatering South Indian cuisine, if you look and uncover. Additionally, it's fairly easy to make them at home. Speaking of the modest idli, this dish is smooth, fluffy, and very soft on the stomach, making it one of India's most popular breakfast options. However, let's all admit that whenever we consider preparing idli at home, we always end up producing more idli than is necessary. Some of us use them to create new recipes, while others store them in the refrigerator for later use.
Here is a tip to store them
The best way to keep cooked idli fresh is to store them in the freezer or fridge. This is mostly because it makes cooked idli last longer on the shelf. Therefore, if you frequently enjoy eating idli, you can always prepare them in advance and freeze them.
You must first allow the cooked idli to cool completely before putting them in the freezer or refrigerator. This is due to the fact that storing cooked idli in the freezer while it's still hot will change the freezer's temperature. The shelf life of other foods in your freezer will be impacted as a result. Simply put the cooked idli in an airtight container and keep it in the freezer after it has cooled down. However, you may always wrap them in aluminium foil or put them inside freezer bags if you're storing a lot of idlis. So that you can remember when they are most likely to go bad, mark the date that you are putting them in the freezer.
Only two to three days will pass if cooked idli are kept in the refrigerator (not freezer). So, in order to lower the chance of getting food poisoning, you must consume it within that time limit.
Cooked idlis can be kept for one or two days at room temperature in an airtight container. Therefore, only employ this technique if you are convinced that you will eat cooked idlis quickly.
Have you tried reheating them? If not, we'll show you a few quick ways to reheat idli at home right here.
A Microwave
Here, we'll show you how to reheat your idli in the microwave right away. All you need to do is put leftover idli on a dish that will fit in the microwave. Take a glass or a small dish and fill it with water next. Place the glass and the plate inside in the microwave. Idli should be microwaved for 45–50 seconds. Are you curious as to why we placed the water glass inside the microwave? That is due to the fact that water adds moisture to the air, preventing the idli from drying out.
A Steamer
The alternative approach is rather simple. Take an idli steamer or stove and add water to it. Put a stand or a single idli tray inside the steamer. Put the entire batch of idli on top of it. Place a lid on the steamer and consider 2-3. And there you have it—you've got the result!
Instant Pot
Put water in the container. A stainless steel strainer should be taken and set on top of the saucepan. Add the idli and cover the container with the lid after this. A few minutes will pass before it is completed.
Enjoy your hot idlis.