Easy Sama Chawal Idli Recipe: Sama Chawal Idli is a light, nutritious, and gluten-free South Indian-style steamed cake made from barnyard millet (sama rice) and yogurt. Perfect for fasting days like Navratri, Ekadashi, or Maha Shivratri, this dish is not only easy to digest but also fits well into a sattvic diet. Soft, fluffy, and mildly tangy, these idlis pair wonderfully with fasting-friendly chutneys or aloo sabzi.
Why Choose Sama Chawal Idli?
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Gluten-Free & Healthy: Ideal for those avoiding wheat or grains during fasting.
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Light & Digestible: Made with yogurt and sama rice, it’s gentle on the stomach.
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Versatile: Can be served with coconut chutney, mint dip, or potato curry.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
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1 cup sama rice (barnyard millet)
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½ cup fresh, thick yogurt
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1 tsp rock salt (sendha namak)
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½ tsp cumin (optional)
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Water (as needed for batter)
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1 tsp fruit salt or baking soda (optional, for fluffiness)
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Ghee/oil (for greasing idli molds)
Step-by-Step Recipe:
1. Soak & Grind the Rice
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Rinse sama rice 2-3 times and soak for 2-3 hours.
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Drain and grind into a coarse batter, adding minimal water.
2. Prepare the Batter
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Transfer the batter to a bowl, add yogurt, rock salt, and mix well.
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Adjust consistency with water—it should be thick yet pourable.
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Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
3. Steam the Idlis
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Grease idli molds with ghee.
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Just before steaming, add fruit salt (or baking soda) and mix gently.
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Pour batter into molds and steam for 10-12 minutes on medium heat.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
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Let the idlis cool slightly before removing them from the molds.
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Serve warm with coconut chutney or aloo curry for a fulfilling meal.