How To Make Idiyappam
Idiyappam is a type of flatbread that originated in India and Sri Lanka. It is a steamed rice noodle dish that is commonly enjoyed as a breakfast item. The flatbread is made by grinding rice into a fine powder and then mixing it with water to form a dough. The dough is then pressed through a special utensil called an idiyappam press, which creates thin, noodle-like strands. These strands are then steamed until they become soft and tender. Idiyappam is typically served with curry or coconut milk, adding a savory or sweet flavor to the dish.
The history of idiyappam dates back many centuries, with its origins believed to be in the southern regions of India and Sri Lanka. It is considered a traditional dish in these countries and is often prepared for special occasions and festivals. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the dish. Today, idiyappam is enjoyed not only.
To make Idiyappam, the estimated cost is relatively low as it requires only a few ingredients such as rice flour, water, and salt. These ingredients can be easily found in most grocery stores and are inexpensive. The cost may vary depending on the brand and quality of the ingredients used. However, on average, it should cost around $5 to make a batch of Idiyappam that can serve four people.
The time required to make Idiyappam is approximately 30 minutes. The preparation time is minimal as it only involves mixing the ingredients and kneading the dough. The dough is then pressed through a special press to form the noodles, which are then steamed for about 10-15 minutes. The dish can be served immediately with curry or coconut milk. Overall, Idiyappam is a simple and affordable dish that can be made quickly and easily.
Idiyappam Ingredients
The main ingredients for making Idiyappam, a flatbread from India and Sri Lanka, are rice flour, water, and salt. Rice flour is the key ingredient that gives the flatbread its unique texture and taste. Water is used to make a dough with the rice flour, and salt is added to enhance the flavor.
To make Idiyappam, you will need a few tools. Firstly, a large mixing bowl is required to combine the rice flour, water, and salt. A steamer or idli maker is essential for steaming the flatbread. This tool allows the dough to cook evenly and become soft and fluffy. Additionally, a flat plate or idiyappam press is used to shape the dough into thin, noodle-like strands. Finally, a serving dish is needed to present the Idiyappam, which is often enjoyed with curry or coconut milk.
Idiyappam Recipe
To prepare Idiyappam, start by soaking rice in water for about 4-5 hours. Then, drain the water and grind the rice into a smooth paste. Next, take a clean cloth and spread the rice paste on it, shaping it into a cylindrical shape. Steam the rice paste for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes firm. Once it cools down, cut the cylindrical shape into small pieces and keep them aside.
In a separate pan, heat some water until it boils. Take a flat sieve or idiyappam press and place one of the small rice pieces in it. Press the rice piece through the sieve or press to form thin, noodle-like strands onto a greased plate. Repeat this process with the remaining rice pieces. Finally, steam the formed strands for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and cooked. Your Idiyappam is now ready to be served with curry or coconut milk…(full recipe on the way)
To cook Idiyappam, start by soaking rice in water for about 4-5 hours. Then, drain the water and grind the rice into a smooth paste. Next, heat a pan and add the rice paste along with some water. Cook the mixture on low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens into a dough-like consistency.
Once the dough is ready, take a portion of it and place it in an Idiyappam press. Press the dough through the small holes of the press onto a greased plate, forming thin noodle-like strands. Steam the noodles in a steamer for about 10-15 minutes until they are cooked and firm. Finally, serve the Idiyappam hot with curry or coconut milk for a delicious breakfast or snack…(full recipe on the way)
Idiyappam Flour Alternatives
1. Buckwheat flour: A gluten-free flour made from the seeds of the buckwheat plant, which has a nutty flavor and is high in protein and fiber.
2. Chickpea flour: A flour made from ground chickpeas, which is high in protein and fiber and has a slightly nutty flavor.
3. Quinoa flour: A gluten-free flour made from ground quinoa seeds, which is high in protein and fiber and has a slightly nutty flavor.
4. Almond flour: A flour made from ground almonds, which is high in protein and healthy fats and has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
5. Coconut flour: A flour made from ground coconut meat, which is high in fiber and low in carbohydrates, and has a slightly sweet, coconut flavor
Other Names For Idiyappam
1. Rice Noodles
2. Steamed Noodles
3. Rice Pancake
4. Rice Crepe
5. Rice Roll
6. Rice Vermicelli
7. Rice Strings
8. Rice Ribbons
9. Rice Sticks
10. Rice Threads
11. Rice Spaghetti
12. Rice Noodle Pancake
13. Rice Noodle Crepe
14. Rice Noodle Roll
15. Rice Noodle Vermicelli
16. Rice Noodle Strings
17. Rice Noodle Ribbons
18. Rice Noodle Sticks
19. Rice Noodle Threads
20. Rice Noodle Spaghetti
How To Make Sourdough Idiyappam
1. Prepare the sourdough starter by combining equal parts of flour and water and letting it ferment for at least 5 days.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter with rice flour and a pinch of salt.
3. Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring well until a smooth dough forms.
4. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes to allow the sourdough to work its magic.
5. Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into round balls.
6. Flatten each ball into a thin, round disc using a rolling pin.
7. Steam the flattened discs in a steamer for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become translucent and cooked through.
8. Serve the sourdough idiyappam with your favorite curry or coconut milk for a delicious and tangy twist on this traditional Indian and Sri Lankan breakfast dish…(full sourdough recipe on the way)
How To Make Gluten-Free Idiyappam
1. Start by using gluten-free rice flour instead of regular flour.
2. Mix the rice flour with water to form a smooth dough.
3. Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into balls.
4. Flatten each ball into a thin, round disc using your hands or a rolling pin.
5. Steam the flattened discs in a steamer or idiyappam maker until cooked.
6. Serve the gluten-free flatbread with your choice of curry or coconut milk.
7. Enjoy the steamed rice noodles as a delicious gluten-free breakfast option.
8. Remember to check the labels of any additional ingredients you use to ensure they are gluten-free.
9. Experiment with different toppings or fillings to add variety to your gluten-free flatbread…(full gluten-free recipe on the way)
What Next?
I’ve provided some basic tips on making Idiyappam at home above but I’ll be updating this page to include links to the best Idiyappam recipes, including sourdough and gluten-free versions. Join our waitlist above to get noticed when these recipes are available.