Quick & Easy Kerala Irda (Steamed Semolina Cakes)

1 hour

981 reads

4.67 from 3 votes

About Quick & Easy Kerala Irda (Steamed Semolina Cakes)

Experience the vibrant flavors of Kerala with these incredibly easy and quick semolina Irda, a delightful twist on traditional rice cakes. Imagine fluffy, gently tangy cakes, perfect for a busy morning or a comforting afternoon treat.
This simplified recipe swaps rice for semolina (suji), creating a lighter, healthier version that's ready in a flash. Enjoy them warm with a vibrant green chutney for an explosion of authentic Kerala taste.
Craving a taste of South India without the fuss? This Irda recipe is your shortcut to deliciousness!
30-Day Indian Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan

Stop Thinking About What to Cook Every Day

Weight loss, PCOS, and Healthy Eating, all planned out for you. Just follow the plan and cook. From ₹399.

Explore Meal Plans

Recipe Time & More

Prep35 minutes
Cook25 minutes
Total1 hour
Calories290 kcal
Serves6

Ingredients
 

For the Irda

For the Green Chutney

For Garnish

Start Focussed Cooking Mode →

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the semolina and yogurt. Mix well.
  • Cover the bowl and let the mixture rest for 30 minutes. This allows the semolina to absorb the yogurt and soften, resulting in a lighter texture.
  • Heat the oil in a small pan over medium heat.
  • Add the asafoetida, peanuts (if using), and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
  • Add half of the tadka to the semolina mixture. Reserve the remaining tadka for garnish.
  • Add the baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the batter. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Pour the batter into a greased steamer or idli mold. Steam for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • While the Irda is steaming, prepare the chutney. Combine the coriander, green chilies, onion, rock salt, yogurt, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor.
  • Blend until smooth. Adjust seasonings as needed.
    Quick & Easy Kerala Irda (Steamed Semolina Cakes) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Heat the oil for the chutney tadka in a small pan. Add the cumin seeds, mustard seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté until the mustard seeds splutter.
  • Pour the tadka over the chutney and stir to combine.
  • Once the Irda is cooked, let it cool slightly before cutting into desired shapes.
  • Garnish with the reserved tadka, cherry tomato halves, sliced green chilies, and coriander leaves.
  • Serve the Irda warm with the green chutney.

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • You can add grated coconut to the batter.
  • This dish is delicious served with green chutney.
  • For a more authentic Kerala touch, sprinkle a few cumin seeds and chopped green chilies into the batter for an extra hit of aroma and subtle heat.
  • If you prefer a crisper crust, pour a teaspoon of ghee or coconut oil into each mold before adding the batter and let the cakes cook undisturbed until golden on the edges.
  • To make this recipe vegan, substitute the yogurt with a thick, unsweetened plant-based yogurt and add a splash of lemon juice for tanginess.

Expert Tips

  • Soaking the rice for at least 30 minutes before grinding will result in a smoother batter and lighter, fluffier Irda.
  • Don't overfill the molds, as the batter will rise slightly during steaming. Fill them about ¾ full.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover Irda in an airtight container.
  • To reheat, steam for a few minutes or briefly microwave with a damp paper towel to restore their soft texture.
Explore Recipes by Tags kerala recipessouth indian recipes

Please appreciate the author by voting!

4.67 from 3 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 10gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.6gSodium: 593mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g

Chandu Pugalia
Chandu Pugalia
Articles: 23
30-Day Indian Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan

Guest Post / Advertise on Plattershare

Writers, food bloggers & brands - collaborate with us

See Details

3 Comments

4.67 from 3 votes

Leave a Reply