How To Cook Idli In Instant Pot

Okay, let's talk about Idli, those fluffy, steamed rice cakes that are basically breakfast clouds of happiness. You know, the ones you usually need a special steamer for, the kind that looks like a contraption Doc Brown might have used in Back to the Future.

Forget all that! We're going to cheat. We're going to use the Instant Pot. Yes, that kitchen gadget that's been judging you from the countertop, silently demanding you finally learn how to use it.

The Instant Pot Idli Adventure Begins

First, grab your Idli batter. Either the homemade kind, if you're feeling particularly virtuous, or the store-bought stuff – no judgment here. Honestly, sometimes I think the store-bought ones secretly have magic in them.

Now, pour a cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot. That's it. Seriously.

Setting the Stage (Er, The Racks)

Next, you'll need a trivet. It's that metal stand that probably came with your Instant Pot and has been languishing in a drawer ever since. Rescue it! It's its time to shine!

Place the trivet into the Instant Pot. This is where we'll stage our Idli molds.

Grease your Idli molds! Just a light coating of oil. Think of it as giving them a spa treatment before their big steaming session. If you don't grease them, you'll be chipping away at the Idlis with a tiny spoon and cursing the heavens.

Fill each mold with the Idli batter. Don't overfill them, or you'll end up with Idli volcanoes erupting all over your Instant Pot.

Steaming to Perfection

Carefully stack the Idli stands on top of each other inside the Instant Pot. Be mindful of the order. You do not want a tower toppling over in your Instant Pot. That is just... mess.

Lock the lid on. Make sure the steam release valve is set to 'sealing'. This is important, or you'll just have a sad, lukewarm puddle and dreams of fluffy Idlis dashed.

Now, set the Instant Pot to 'Steam' mode for 12 minutes. Yes, just 12 minutes! Aren't you amazed by the magical abilities of this device?

Walk away. Do a little dance. Read a book. Stare blankly at the wall contemplating the meaning of life. It is your time now. Let the Instant Pot work its magic.

The Grand Reveal

When the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Don't rush it! Patience, grasshopper. If you force it, your Idlis might deflate like a sad balloon.

After 10 minutes, release any remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid. Behold! Fluffy, perfect Idlis await you!

Gently remove the Idli stands from the Instant Pot. Let them cool slightly before you attempt to pry out the Idlis. Trust me, you don't want to burn your fingers.

Use a spoon or a butter knife to gently loosen the Idlis from the molds. They should pop out easily, thanks to your greasing efforts. Ta-da!

Serve with Sambar and Chutney. Or just eat them plain, because they're delicious. You are now an Instant Pot Idli master! Go forth and spread the breakfast cloud joy.