Instant Pot RecipesDurban Indian

Instant Pot No Yeast Idli

Instant Pot No Yeast Idli is a great way to make this delicious treat. Idli is a steamed rice cake which originated in South India.

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By DenisiyaPublished on July 17, 2020
Instant Pot No Yeast Idli
⏱️
Prep Time15 mins
🍳
Cook Time87 mins
⌛
Total Time102 mins
🍽️
ServingsMakes 7 Idlis
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This Recipe Makes 7 Idli’s

Instant Pot No Yeast Idli is a great way to make this delicious treat. Idli is a steamed rice cake which originated in South India.

These little pillows are usually made with yeast & a combination of rice flour & black lentils (urad dhall). Another method consists of using semolina in batter to create rava idlis. However, in South Africa, we tend to omit the urad dhall in this recipe & have come up with our own easier way of preparing them.

Unfortunately, I am not a lover of yeast in my Idli’s so this recipe was actually given to me by my mum, she has omitted the yeast & has substituted it with baking powder instead.

Traditionally, these idli’s are steamed in an Idli pot, with moulds on stainless steel racks that interlock & stacked upon each other. They are steamed in a pot on the stove top. This recipe uses the Instant Pot & I have used their silicone moulds to prepare these delicious idli’s.

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Ingredients

Scale:
Base Yield: Makes 7 Idlis
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Step-by-Step Instructions

36 Steps
  1. Step 1

    This is the silicone mould that I have used from the accessory kit.

    Step 1 visual guide
  2. Step 2

    To a mixing bowl, add in the rice flour.

    Step 2 visual guide
  3. Step 3

    Add in the all-purpose flour.

    Step 3 visual guide
  4. Step 4

    Next, add in the baking powder & the white sugar.

    Step 4 visual guide
  5. Step 5

    Mix well.

    Step 5 visual guide
  6. Step 6

    Gradually pour in the milk & mix.

    Step 6 visual guide
  7. Step 7

    It should result in a pancake like batter not to runny & not too thick.

    Step 7 visual guide
  8. Step 8

    Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap & allow it to rest on the counter for 1 hour.

    Step 8 visual guide
  9. Step 9

    After an hour of resting the batter, melt the butter for a few seconds in the microwave.

    Step 9 visual guide
  10. Step 10

    Pour the melted butter into the batter.

    Step 10 visual guide
  11. Step 11

    Mix well.

    Step 11 visual guide
  12. Step 12

    It should become a creamy & smooth batter.

    Step 12 visual guide
  13. Step 13

    Next, grease the silicone moulds with cooking spray.

    Step 13 visual guide
  14. Step 14

    Add about 3 tablespoons of the batter to each mould until all the batter is used up.

    Step 14 visual guide
  15. Step 15

    Try not to fill them up to the top as they will rise once steamed.

    Step 15 visual guide
  16. Step 16

    Thereafter, bring out the trivet & place the silicone mould over it.

    Step 16 visual guide
  17. Step 17

    Plug in your Instant Pot, the display should read “OFF”.

    Step 17 visual guide
  18. Step 18

    Open the Instant Pot Lid & pour the 1 cup of water into the stainless steel inner pot.

    Step 18 visual guide
  19. Step 19

    Place the trivet with the silicone mould into the Instant Pot – over the water.

    Step 19 visual guide
  20. Step 20

    Secure the lid on the Instant Pot.

    Step 20 visual guide
  21. Step 21

    Turn the anti-blockage vent (steam release handle) to “SEALING”.

    Step 21 visual guide
  22. Step 22

    Press the “Steam” button. Press the button again to set the pressure level to “NORMAL” on the display.

    Step 22 visual guide
  23. Step 23

    Next, use the “- or +” buttons & set the cooking time to 00:12 (12 minutes).

    Step 23 visual guide
  24. Step 24

    The Instant Pot should display “ON” until the pressure builds up.

    Step 24 visual guide
  25. Step 25

    Once the pressure builds up, the “float valve” will pop up – when it pops up, do not attempt to open the lid! Thereafter, the 12 minute timer will count down on the screen.

    Step 25 visual guide
  26. Step 26

    After the 12 minutes are over, Press the “Cancel” button on your Instant Pot.

    Step 26 visual guide
  27. Step 27

    Turn the anti-blockage vent (steam release handle) to “VENTING” to allow the excess steam to release. Once the “float valve” sinks in, it is safe to open the lid.

    Step 27 visual guide
  28. Step 28

    Carefully take out the trivet from the Instant Pot.

    Step 28 visual guide
  29. Step 29

    Allow the idli’s to cool for 3 minutes.

    Step 29 visual guide
  30. Step 30

    Thereafter, push the silicone mould one at a time from the bottom using your thumb/fingers & watch these idli’s pop out effortlessly.

    Step 30 visual guide
  31. Step 31

    Add the desiccated coconut to a bowl.

    Step 31 visual guide
  32. Step 32

    Roll the idli’s into the desiccated coconut.

    Step 32 visual guide
  33. Step 33

    They aren’t the authentic flat shaped idli’s due to them being in these silicone moulds, but they’re still super yum.

    Step 33 visual guide
  34. Step 34

    These Instant Pot No Yeast Idli can be served as is.

    Step 34 visual guide
  35. Step 35

    Alternatively, slice them & slather on some butter.

    Step 35 visual guide
  36. Step 36

    Store in an airtight container for up to a week. They can even be stored in those same silicone moulds as it comes with it’s very own lid.

    Step 36 visual guide
Video Tutorial

Watch How It's Made

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Instant Pot No Yeast Idli.

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Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Instant Pot No Yeast Idli

Can I adjust the spice and chilli levels in Instant Pot No Yeast Idli?

Absolutely! You can easily tailor the heat by increasing or reducing the chili powder and fresh chilies to suit your family’s palate without compromising the authentic flavor profile.

Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?

Yes, you can freeze Instant Pot No Yeast Idli in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.

How do I reheat leftovers for best flavor?

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water, or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes
About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

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