Introduction: 

Butter Idli is a delightful South Indian dish that brings together the simplicity of idlis with the richness of butter. This fusion results in a dish that is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly flavorful. Whether you're a fan of traditional idlis or looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to please your taste buds.


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Ingredients:

Idli Batter - 2 cups
Butter - 4 tablespoons
Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon
Urad dal (split black gram) - 1 teaspoon
Chana dal (split chickpeas) - 1 teaspoon
Curry leaves - 1 sprig
Green chillies - 2, finely chopped
Ginger - 1 teaspoon, finely grated
Cashew nuts - 2 tablespoons, chopped
Salt - to taste
Fresh coriander leaves - for garnish


Instructions:

1. Prepare Idlis:

If you don't have ready-made idli batter, prepare it by soaking 2 cups of rice and 1 cup of urad dal separately for 4-6 hours. Grind them into a smooth batter, mix them, and let the batter ferment overnight.

2. Steam Idlis:

Grease the idli moulds with a little oil and pour the batter into each mould.
Steam the idlis in a steamer for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.

3. Tempering:

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan.
Add mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, and let them splutter.
Add curry leaves, chopped green chillies, grated ginger, and chopped cashew nuts. Sauté until the cashews turn golden brown.

4. Combining Butter and Idlis:

Cut the steamed idlis into bite-sized pieces.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the tempering mix in the pan.
Gently toss the idli pieces in the buttery tempering until well-coated.

5. Garnish and Serve:

Garnish the Butter Idlis with fresh coriander leaves.
Serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar for an authentic South Indian experience.


Tips:

Adjust the quantity of green chillies according to your spice preference.
You can also add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the tempering for extra flavor.
Experiment with different types of butter for varied tastes.


Conclusion: 

Butter Idli is a delightful twist on the classic idli recipe. The softness of idlis combined with the richness of butter and the aromatic tempering creates a dish that is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe for a delicious breakfast or snack that will transport you straight to the heart of South India. Enjoy your culinary adventure!