Idiyappam is a kind of breakfast dish popular in Kerala. It is also called as "Noolappam" or "Noolputtu" which is a culinary speciality in Kerala. Kerala food is healthy, quick to make with minimal ingredients. One such Kerala style dish for breakfast is Idiyappam or String Hoppers. Idiyappam is a steamed rice noodles that is prepared using rice flour, salt and water. It is generally served as the main course at breakfast or dinner together with a curry and coconut chutney. It is not usually served at lunch. Another popular way to serve Idiyappam is with a dollop of ghee, grated coconut and sugar or with sweetened coconut milk known as "Thengai Paal" in Malabar region of Kerala. This combination is popular among children.
Ingredients:
•Rice Flour or Idiyappam Flour - 2 cups, dry roast for 7-8 mts on low flame
•Salt - a pinch
•Ghee - 1 tsp
•Water - as needed
•Grated coconut - 1/2 cup (optional)
Method:
•First in a sauce pan, add 2 cups of water, pinch of salt and ghee and bring it to boil. Once it starts boiling switch off the flame.
•In a wide bowl, add flour and now add water little by little and using a back of a wooden spatula mix water with the flour.
•After all the flour have mixed, now grease hand with oil and knead the dough gently to a smooth and soft dough.
•If the dough is sticky, add 1 tsp of flour and if it is dry and hard add couple of tbsp of hot water and knead it to a soft and smooth dough.
•Then divide the dough into 2 or 3 portions, depending on the size of our Murukku press.
•Grease the Murukku press and the Idli plates for making Idiyappam.
•Sprinkle little grated coconut into each depression of the Idli plate and keep aside.
•Fill the press with dough and squeeze into swirls on the greased Idli plates.
•Steam and cook it for 10-12 minutes.
•Once done, transfer the Idiyappam to plate and serve with stew.
Tips to make Idiyappam Flour
Idiyappam flour can be prepared at home. Soak 2 cups rice in water for 4 hours. Drain the water and spread the rice on a thin cloth or newspaper. Allow to dry for half an hour to an hour. Once it is almost dry, grind to a fine powder. Sieve the powder and dry roast it on low flame for 7-9 minutes. Keep this home made Idiyappam flour in an air tight container.
