Idli

Ingredients:

1. 3 cups parboiled rice (washed and soaked overnight),
2. 1 cup urad dal (washed and soaked overnight),
3. 1/2 tsp. soda bicarb,
4. salt to taste

Preparation:   Having soaked both rice and dal separately, wash well with plenty of water. Grind dal to a very fine paste. Grind rice till fine grains are left (like very fine semolina). Mix both rice and dal together after grinding. Add soda bicarb and salt and beat well. Add a little water if necessary. The batter should be fairly thick. Cover and keep aside for 7-8 hours, undisturbed. To make idlies, do not eat the batter again. Spoon batter onto an idli stand. Heat water in idli cooker, and place stand in. Steam for 5-7 minutes. Insert a clean matchstick (back end) or a skewer. The skewer should come out clean if the idlis are done.