Hi,
While listening to a zoom presentation yesterday, I shut off my video and muted myself. I then began digging into the shelves looking for food bought with good intentions and yet unused.
I found a box of Idli mix purchased long ago for a family visit. My BIL is Indian. I once had an idli steamer, though I gave it to my niece the last time I visited. Once upon a time, I made idli from scratch to learn the process. I must have bought this packet before I ever tried it myself, but that is just a guess.
Lingering on a shelf was Punjab potatoes and in the fridge the last bits of Madras lentils. If you enjoy the sample stations at Costco, you have likely tried both. I had these from a friend who has moved and did not want to bother taking them.
The sticking point for making the idli was not having the proper steamer. I was hung up on serving them as individual portions. I saw where people use steel bowls or custard dishes to replicate this. At some point last night, I thought about the Chinese water eggs that I steam in a pie pan. Why not made the idli in a pie pan too and cut into wedges? I don't really have any obligation to make it in a mold. I just want to finish the box.
Idli is a fermented rice product. The instant idli needed 10 minutes to re-hydrate. It began stiff, then loosened and eventually bubbled from the citric acid and bicarbonate soda. I tasted it raw and did not particularly like it. After steaming for 20 minutes and resting, it was much better.
Clockwise from top: Idli, Madras lentils, Punjab potatoes and an egg easy over in the middle I served this with some Maxwell House Chai Latte bought to amuse my Mom. Supposedly there are 17 servings to this container, I think it was more like 6. You had to really add quite a bit of the mix to have any discernible taste.
Making conversation to fill the void, "I guess I served something really unique for breakfast today." Dad looked up, "We are used to eating unique food on a regular basis. It's only when we go out do we get boring food."
Four odd ball containers now off the shelves, clearing the way for future purchases!
Regards,
Cathy2