Idly Thinai’s recipe

Thinai Idli / Foxtail Millet Idli is a healthy and delicious variation of the traditional southern India Idli. It was made using a millet to poison instead of ordinary rice. The process is the same as making an ordinary idli dough but has many nutrients and health benefits compared to Idli rice. This recipe makes Idli Millet very soft like ordinary idli and no one will find differences in taste, only different colors. This is perfect for breakfast and can be served with coconut chutney and sambar.

Thina Idly

We all know that Millet is much healthier for us, but have you ever thought why we are not included in our daily diet like we put rice, vegetables, meat, and things like that. Maybe the answer is that we don’t know how to use it, what to do with them. I also like that until I plan to start a series called “Cooking With Millets”. So far I only use millet Thinai / Foxtail. I made an idli and dosai with it and simple like it. Make sure you also check the recipe Thinai Sin.

Jump to:

A few days ago my husband and I talked about healthy eating. We finally made the decision that including Millet in our diet at least once a week. And soon we went for purchases, Igot two Thinai packages, two Kambu and Barley packages. This is what I can find in my super market. But still I have explored other seeds as well as Samai, Varagu. So look forward to more millet recipes.

And to say about this idli, I am quite worried about the unclear taste. But what surprised me was pretty good. It’s a little denser than normal rice, you must remember that it makes my millet btw. And for the best taste to enjoy this with chutney tomatoes and coconut chutney.

About Thina Idli (Foxtail Millet Idly)

Idli is a popular southern Indian steamed cake made from fermented dough consisting of rice and lentils. Idli is a staple in many southern Indian households and is often served with coconut chutney and sambar … very light, healthy and easy to digest.

Foxtail Millet is an alternative nutritious and gluten free for rice. This is one of the oldest millets and is used in many dishes. Millet can be included in various recipes such as kozhukattai, upma, dosai, laddu or even make Briyani Millet.

In this recipe, I have replaced ordinary rice with poison millet. This is high in fiber, iron, and complex carbohydrates make Idli healthier and friendly diabetes.

Combination of Millet Thinai (Foxtail), Red Samba Rice, All Urad Dal, and Fenugreek Seeds Creating Nutritious and Delicious Idli, Dosai which is a healthy alternative for traditional rice idli dough. It helps to reach the hairy idli, gives a light and soft texture when steamed. No one will find differences in taste, only the color of idli varies. Every ingredient contributes a unique taste and health benefits, making this dish is a healthy choice for every food.

Similar recipe

Rava Idli

Oat Idli

Mini Idli Sambar

Varagu Idli

Why this recipe works

Gluten free: Gluten free fox millet naturally. This is packed with protein, food fiber makes it a healthy choice for a healthy diet or people who follow the gluten -free diet.

Why do I like this recipe – At first I was a bit unsure about how it feels like this Millet Foxtail. You know how we are addicted to the soft and smooth rice idlis, I’m not sure if Millet can match the taste. But what surprised me, they turned out to be very good! The texture is a little denser than ordinary idlis but still soft and satisfying. And to add that I feel very happy because my family can eat something healthy and without compromise in taste and texture.

Multipurpose : Foxtail Millet Idli recipe is so flexible so you can easily adjust based on your preferences. Like replacing other millets such as Barnyard, Jowar, Little Millet. This can be made healthier by adding grated or carrot porridge, beets. This adds color and more nutrients.

Ingredients

Thinai / Foxtail Millet: Foxtail Millet is the main basis for the dough. It replaces ordinary rice. This is free of gluten and rich in fiber. You can also replace with other millets such as Finger Millet, Barnyard Millet, Jowar Millet and Little Millet.

Cooking Rice: Rice is used as an optional co-grain. I have used red Samba rice varieties. Added to give the body to the dough. This improves the Idli texture and helps in fermentation. You can pass or replace with ordinary rice.

All Urad Dal / Ulundhu Paruppu: Urad Dal is very important in Idli’s dough. This is fermented easily and gives a smooth idli. This is also added to protein.

Fenugreek Seeds / Vendhayam: Fenugreek seeds which are also known as vendhayam are traditionally used in making idli dough which helps in the fermentation process and gives a mild aroma. They also help digestion.

Salt : Salt is used to balance the taste. The right amount of salt helps control the growth of bacteria during fermentation and also ensure that the dough rises correctly.

Hacking

Soak: Wash and soak rice and millet separately. Wash and soak Urad Dal and Fenugreek together. Soak all ingredients for 4 hours.

Ice Cold Water: Soak Urad Dal in cold water. Usually the mixture tends to get heat faster when grinding large products. If you grind the dough using a mixie, then this tip will be very helpful. You can even add ice cubes or ice water when grinding.

Grind: First, first grinded Urad Dal, Fenugreek. Grind until soft. Then move it to the container. Then roll the rice and millet into a smooth dough.

Fermentation: Mix urrad dal, rice, millet, salt and leave the fermentation mixture for 6 to 8 hours. This fermentation is the key to achieving smooth idli.

Oven for fermentation: If you live in a cooler area, the fermentation process will be difficult. Fast and easy tip is to maintain the dough container in the oven for warmth and it will make fermentation easier.

Expert tips

• Use good quality fox millet and urrad dal for smooth dough.
• Do not ferment the dough for more than 8 hours.
• Add water gradually when grinding. Too much water can cause thin dough and not produce soft idlis.
• If you live in a cooler area, ferment the dough under light or in the microwave oven.
• Bachelor can prepare the dough and store it in the freezer. Will be very helpful during working days.

STORAGE

Save idli dough that is fermented in the refrigerator. It remains good for 2 to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough in a small batch. Because it is useful during busy weeks.

PORTION

Serve this warm, soft, and smooth idli with coconut chutney, sambar. It can also be served with chicken curry, goat curry and fish curry.

You can prepare idlis using a mini idli plate and throw it at Ghee. Serve this for breakfast or lunch box for children.

FAQ

1. Does it taste that Millet Foxtail Millet is different from ordinary idlis?

It feels a little varied. Millet Foxtail offers a crazy feeling compared to ordinary idlis. The texture will be the same as ordinary idli, smooth and softer. This is just a subtle difference, surely you will enjoy this idli millet as usual.

2. Can I use the same fermentation as ordinary idli?

Yes. The process is the same as ordinary idli such as washing, soaking, grinding and fermenting for 6 to 8 hours.

3. Can I make an instant version using Foxtail Millet Flour?

Of course! You can try making the dough using Millet Foxtail flour. Add some dadih or eno for fast fermentation. This is fast and good for busy days.

4. Is it good for weight loss and diabetics?

Yes! Gluten -free millet is naturally and low in glycemic index. So it is ideal for weight loss and control sugar for diabetes patients.

Variation

Idli Millet Vegetables: Add grated or pure vegetables such as carrots, beets, spinach for additional colors and nutrients. Children who voters will enjoy this colorful and healthy idli.

Millet Chilli Idli: Make Chilli Idli Indo-China style using the remaining Idli Millet Foxtail.

Millet Rava Idli: For a fast and instant version, mixed millet rava, dadih, green chili, ginger and curry leaves. This does not require immersion and fermentation. Just prepare and enjoy instant healthy idli.

More millet recipes to try

📖 Recipe card

If you have questions that are not covered in this post and if you need help, leave me comments or send me @[email protected] And I will help as soon as possible.

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Youtube and Twitter for tummy inspiration that is better.

If you make this recipe or anything from delicious tummy, make sure to post it and give me tagged so that I can see all your creations !! #Yummytumtaarthi and @yummytmmmimaarthi on Instagram!

More idli recipes

->