Idli - the humble South Indian dish that has made its way into the hearts (and stomachs) of people all over the world. But have you ever wondered where this soft, fluffy, and delicious delicacy came from? Well, let me take you on a journey back in time to discover the origin of idli in a fun and quirky way.
Legend has it that idli was invented by the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu himself. Yes, you heard it right - a dish created by a god! It is said that Lord Vishnu was travelling through the universe, looking for something tasty to eat when he stumbled upon a group of people who were making something that looked like small, white cakes. Curious, he asked them what they were making, and they replied that it was a dish called "iddalige".
Impressed by the delicious aroma, Lord Vishnu decided to taste it. He took a bite of the fluffy cake and was immediately enamoured by its soft texture and unique taste. He loved it so much that he decided to bless it and declared it as his favourite food. And thus, idli was born!
Another theory on the origin of idli suggests that it was created by an ancient Tamil king named Raja Bhoj. He was known for his love for good food and was always on the lookout for new dishes to try. One day, while travelling through the forests of Tamil Nadu, he came across a group of people who were cooking something on a hot stone.
Intrigued, he asked them what they were making, and they replied that it was a dish made of rice and lentils, ground together and steamed. The king was impressed by the simplicity of the dish and asked to taste it. He found it so delicious that he decided to introduce it to his kingdom, and it soon became a popular dish among his subjects.
Whatever the origin of idli may be, one thing is for sure - it has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Today, idli is not just a South Indian dish but a beloved dish all over the world. It is a staple breakfast item in many households and is often paired with chutney, sambar, and other accompaniments.
In fact, idli has even made its way into the world of haute cuisine, with many chefs experimenting with different flavours and presentations. From truffle idlis to idli burgers, there seems to be no limit to the versatility of this simple yet delicious dish.
There are many varieties of idlis available today. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Plain Idli: This is the most common type of idli and is made with just the basic ingredients of rice and urad dal.
Rava Idli: This variety of idli is made with semolina instead of rice and is quicker to prepare as it does not require fermentation.
Kanchipuram Idli: This is a spiced version of idli that is popular in the town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. It is made with a blend of rice, lentils, and spices such as ginger, pepper, cumin, and curry leaves.
Vegetable Idli: As the name suggests, this idli is made with a variety of vegetables like carrots, peas, and beans, which are mixed into the batter before steaming.
Masala Idli: This is a spicy version of the plain idli that is topped with a mixture of sautéed onions, tomatoes, and spices like mustard seeds, cumin, and turmeric.
Podi Idli: This idli is coated with a mixture of spicy lentil powder, called podi, before serving.
In conclusion, the origin of idli can be traced back to ancient India, where it has been a popular breakfast dish for centuries. The use of fermentation and steaming in the preparation of idli not only enhances its taste and texture but also makes it a highly nutritious and healthy food. Today, idli is enjoyed all over the world, and its popularity continues to grow as more people discover its unique flavour and health benefits.