Carrot Idli

Serves 2

25 mins

50 Kcal

Carrot idli is the ultimate breakfast glow-up a perfect fusion of healthy, tasty, and oh-so-aesthetic! Picture this: soft, fluffy idlis infused with vibrant, grated carrots that add a pop of color and a subtle hint of sweetness. It's like your favorite South Indian classic just got a trendy, veggie-packed makeover that your taste buds (and your IG feed) will thank you for. Crafting the perfect carrot idli recipe is a no-sweat affair. Start with your go-to idli batter—made from fermented rice and urad dal and fold in a generous helping of finely grated carrots. The result? A dish that's wholesome, flavorful, and loaded with goodness. Want to spice things up? A sprinkle of green chilies or a dash of cumin can give these beauties a subtle kick. The best part about carrot idli is its versatility. Whether you're diving into a cozy breakfast, prepping for a snack, or looking for a light, guilt-free dinner, this dish has your back. Pair it with a creamy coconut chutney, dunk it into a bowl of hearty sambar, or drizzle some ghee on top for that extra oomph. It's comfort food with a healthy twist basically the MVP of your meal rotation. This carrot idli recipe is also a sneaky way to pack in veggies for picky eaters. It's wholesome, filling, and way too delicious to resist. Whether you're meal-prepping, hosting brunch, or just treating yourself, carrot idli delivers on all fronts. Healthy, steamy, and flavorful—what's not to love?

Ingredients required for Carrot Idli

1 cup idli dosa batter
1 carrot
1 green chilli
Salt
1 tsp cooking oil
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
Curry leaves
1/2 tsp ginger
1 cup idli rice
1/4 cup urad dal
1/4 tsp methi seeds

Cooking steps for Carrot Idli

1
Let's dive into the wholesome, colorful goodness of carrot idli—the classic South Indian breakfast with a vibrant, healthy twist.
2
Soft, fluffy, and speckled with grated carrot, these idlis are a total win for your taste buds. This carrot idli recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for adding a pop of nutrition to your morning spread.
3
Start with the base: 1 cup of traditional idli dosa batter.
4
If you're going all out and making the batter from scratch, soak 1 cup of idli rice, 1/4 cup of white urad dal, and 1/4 teaspoon of methi seeds for 4-6 hours.
5
Grind them to a smooth consistency, and let the batter ferment overnight until it's airy and slightly tangy.
6
Grate 1 medium carrot (gajar) and finely chop 1 green chili.
7
Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a pan, add 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds, and let them crackle.
8
Toss in a sprig of curry leaves, minced ginger, the green chili, and grated carrot, saut ing it all until fragrant and slightly softened.
9
Mix this carrot-spice blend into the idli batter, adding salt as needed, and you've got a batter that's prepped and packed with flavor.
10
Grease your idli molds lightly, spoon the batter in, and steam for 10-12 minutes until the idlis puff up and pass the toothpick test.
11
The result? Perfectly soft idlis with a hint of spice and the subtle sweetness of carrot in every bite. Serve them hot with coconut chutney, tangy tomato chutney, or even sambar for a wholesome breakfast that hits all the right notes.
12
This recipe of carrot idli is a keeper—healthy, colorful, and so tasty, you'll want to make it on repeat.
13
Whether you're a fan of classic idlis or looking to jazz things up, carrot idlis are the ultimate breakfast upgrade!

Shop Ingredients

Carrot (1)

Green Chilli (1)

Idli Rice (1 cup)

370

380

Salt

113

105

107

125

Urad Dal (1/4 cup)

170

217

139

109

170

Curry Leaves

Mustard Seeds (1/2 Tsp)

Cooking Oil (1 Tsp)

171

148

150

160

151

152

765

151

188

332

Ginger (1/2 Tsp)

Methi Seeds (1/4 Tsp)

Idli Dosa Batter (1 cup)

454

FAQs

What's Carrot Idli, and how is it different from the regular version?

Let's talk about carrot idli, its totally different from the regular idli! We'll tell you how. Carrot idli is a fun and nutritional twist on the South Indian classic. It's made by adding freshly grated carrots to the idli batter, giving the idlis a lovely orange hue, a hint of sweetness, and an extra dose of nutrients. Unlike regular idlis, which are made with a simple fermented rice and urad dal batter, carrot idlis sneak in veggies, making them perfect for those looking to amp up their nutrition or get kids excited about eating healthy.

Why is Carrot Idli considered a healthy choice?

Carrot Idli packs a double punch of nutrition! The carrots add beta-carotene, which is great for eye health, boosts immunity, and supports glowing skin. On top of that, idlis are naturally steamed, so they're low in fat and super easy to digest.

Can I make Carrot Idli without fermenting the batter?

Absolutely! You can whip up Carrot Idli without waiting for fermentation by using instant alternatives like semolina (rava). Just mix semolina, yogurt, grated carrots, and water to form a thick batter. Right before steaming, add a pinch of Eno or baking soda to make the idlis soft and fluffy. Pour the batter into molds, steam for 10-12 minutes. And finally, enjoy the delicious carrot idli! Even though not fermented, these idlis are delicious.