Idiyappam (South Indian steamed Rice Noodles)

Idiyappam are noodles (called string hoppers) made out of specially prepared rice flour.They are delicious when served with Veg Kurma (see the recipe HERE),sweetened Coconut Milk,any kind of South Indian Chutney,Sambar,Rasam or Gun Powder.

How to prepare the rice flour :

Soak 2 cups of rice over night and next morning drain the rice and dry it on a clean kitchen towel or muslin cloth.After completely dry,powder the rice and use this powder for making Idiyappams.

This specially prepared powder is available in sealed packages in the metro cities and can be bought from big stores or special South Indian outlets.

Other gadgets :

• Sev Press with medium hole plate
• Idli steamer/pressure cooker
• Idli plates/dhokla plates/special Idiyappam plates – greased and prepared

Preparation Time : 30 – 45 minutes

Makes : 10 – 12 Idiyappam

INGREDIENTS

2 cups rice flour (prepared as above)

3 cups water

2 tbsp Oil plus for greasing hands

2 tsp salt

2 tsp sugar

METHOD 

Put the rice flour in a large bowl.Heat water till it comes to a vigorous boil.Add the oil,salt and sugar and mix well.Add to the flour carefully as the water will be very hot.Mix with a wooden or silicon spatula till the flour absorbs the water.

Spread the dough on a plate and leave to cool for 5 – 7 minutes.Grease hands with Oil and knead the rice flour dough.It would have become flexible enough to be handled conveniently.

Roll the dough into 5 – 6 balls.Brush Idli plates with Oil.Put each ball in a sev press and press out noodles over the depressions on the Idli Plates.Pipe out 3 rounds and go to the next one.You will get approximately 10 – 12 Idiyappams.

Steam the Idiyappams in an Idli Steamer or pressure cooker for 5 – 7 minutes till cooked and done.

Remove plates from the steamer and leave to come to room temperature.Serve with an accompaniment of your choice!

Served with Veg Kurma

Close up of an Idiyappam…