Red Rice Idlis – Soft fluffy idlis made using Kattuyanam red rice
Looking for a healthier twist to the traditional idli? These soft, fluffy Red Rice Idlis made with Kattuyanam rice, a native variety of red rice, are not just wholesome but also rich in fiber and nutrients. Serve them with your favorite chutney or piping hot sambar for a comforting, nourishing meal.
Jump to
About Red Rice Idlis
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us are trying to return to our roots — to wholesome, traditional foods that our ancestors relied on. One such recipe that brings together taste, health, and nostalgia is the Red Rice Idli made with Kattuyanam rice, a traditional red rice variety known for its rich nutrition and earthy flavor.
Whether you’re exploring healthier alternatives or simply love experimenting with ancient grains, Red Rice Idlis are a must-try. Soft, nourishing, and comforting — they’re everything a good idli should be, with an extra nutritional punch.
About Katuyanam Rice
Kattuyanam rice is an indigenous variety grown primarily in Tamil Nadu. It is unpolished, rich in fiber, and packed with antioxidants. Unlike white rice, it has a slightly nutty taste and is rich in dietary fiber, iron, zinc, and antioxidants.
When used in idlis, this rice gives a beautiful light pink hue, a soft texture, and a mild, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with coconut chutney and sambar.
Step-wise instructions with pictures
Wash and soak red rice and methi seeds for 7 hours. Wash and soak udad dal for 7 hours
Drain the water and grind udad dal to a smooth paste.
Transfer udad dal batter to a large vessel/bowl.
Next, drain the water from rice and transfer to a mixer jar. Add water as required and blend to a fine paste.
Add rice batter to udad dal batter. Add salt and mix well.
Cover the vessel/bowl and keep aside for 8 to 10 hours for fermentation. After 10 hours, the batter would have fermented and doubled in quantity. Mix the batter gently.
Grease the idli plates with oil. Pour the idli batter into idli plates.
Arrange the idli plates in idli stand. Place the idli stand in a steamer in which water is boiling. Steam for 20 minutes.
Unmould the idlis.
Serve red rice idlis with chutney and sambar.
Recipe Card
Red Rice Idlis | Kattuyanam Rice Idlis
Ingredients
- 1 cup of Kattuyanam rice
- 1 tsp methi seeds
- 1/2 cup of udad dal
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash and soak red rice and methi seeds for 7 hours.
- Wash and soak udad dal for 7 hours.
- Drain the water and grind udad dal to a smooth paste.
- Transfer udad dal batter to a large vessel/bowl.
- Next, drain the water from rice and transfer to a mixer jar. Add water as required and blend to a fine paste.
- Add rice batter to udad dal batter. Add salt and mix well.
- Cover the vessel/bowl and keep aside for 8 to 10 hours for fermentation.
- After 10 hours,the batter would have fermented and doubled in quantity. Mix the batter gently.
- Grease the idli plates with oil. Pour the idli batter into idli plates.
- Arrange the idli plates in idli stand.
- Place the idli stand in a steamer in which water is boiling.
- Steam for 20 minutes. Serve red rice idlis with chutney and sambar.
Recipe Video
Thank you for stopping by. If you like/ tried this recipe, leaving a comment below the post will enable more readers and cooking enthusiasts to discover these recipes. Also, if you are on Instagram, do share a picture of the dish and tag @vanitascorner to be featured in my stories.
Do follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Subscribe to my youtube channel for easy video recipes.
Happy Cooking!!
