Activated Charcoal Smokey Idli - By Chef Lallan Kumar

Ingredients:

- 1 cup Urad Dal (Black Gram Dal)

- 2 cups Idli Rice or Parboiled Rice

- 1 tbsp Activated Charcoal Powder

- Salt to Taste

- Water as Needed

Preparation:

1. Wash and soak the urad dal and rice separately in water for about 4-6 hours.

2. Drain the soaked urad dal and grind it in a wet grinder or food processor. Add water gradually to get a smooth and fluffy batter. The consistency should be thick yet airy.

3. Similarly, grind the soaked rice into a slightly coarse paste. It should be finer than semolina but not as fine as flour.

4. Mix the ground urad dal and rice together in a large bowl. Add salt to taste and mix well.

5. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of activated charcoal powder in a small amount of water to form a smooth paste.

6. Add this paste to the idli batter and mix thoroughly until the charcoal powder is evenly distributed. The batter should turn a deep black color.

7. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let the batter ferment in a warm place for 8-12 hours or overnight. Fermentation is crucial for soft and fluffy idlis.

8. Grease the idli molds with oil.

9. Pour the fermented batter into the molds and steam the idlis in a steamer for about 10-12 minutes on medium heat or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Remove the idli plates from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes.

11. Carefully remove the idlis from the molds using a spoon or knife.

Serve the activated charcoal idlis hot with coconut chutney, sambar, or any other side dish of your choice.

            Chef Tips:

            - Ensure the batter consistency is right – not too thick or too runny.

            - The amount of water you add while grinding and mixing depends on the quality of rice and dal, so adjust accordingly.

            - Fermentation time may vary depending on the temperature and humidity in your kitchen.

            - Activated charcoal can stain, so use utensils and containers that are easy to clean.

            Enjoy your unique and visually striking activated charcoal idlis!