Idli (also spelled idly, but not Italy), a traditional South Indian dish, is a savory steamed rice cake with a light and fluffy texture made from fermented rice and lentil batter. It is a staple breakfast item in many South Indian households. Idlis are most often served with coconut chutney, red chutney and sambar.

Coconut and red chutneys are flavorful condiment served alongside idli. Made from freshly grated coconut, green chilies, ginger, and other spices blended together to create a creamy texture, they often appear on the side of the plate.

Sambar is a tangy and spicy lentil-based vegetable stew that pairs perfectly with idli and coconut chutney. It's made from pigeon peas (toor dal), vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes, and a blend of spices including tamarind, coriander, and cumin.

Typical Idli Ingredients

Idli Batter

• Urad dal (black or white lentils)

• Basmati rice

• Poha (flattened rice)

• Fenugreek seeds

Coconut Chutney

• Grated coconut

• fresh coriander

• Gram (chickpea/garbanzo bean)

• Ginger

• Green chili

• Tamarind

• Cumin

• Mustard seeds

• Curry leaves

• Hing (compounded asafoetida)

Red Chutney

• Red chilis

• Dal (lentils) or gram (chickpea/garbanzo)

• Onions

• Coconut

• Tamarind paste

• Garlic

• Mustard seeds

• Cumin seeds

• Curry leaves

• Garlic

• Hing (compounded asafoetida)

Basic Sambar

• Dal (lentils)

• Chili

• Coriander seeds

• Fenugreek (methi) seeds

• Cumin

• Onion

• Drumsticks (other name?)

• Bhindi (okra)

• Carrot

• Tomato

• Brinjal (eggplant)

• Hing (compounded asafoetida)

Potential Allergens

• Gluten: Idlis are generally a gluten-free are rarely contaminated. Since the batter is steamed in individual molds, it has a low risk of cross contamination.

  

  ✅ Nima test for a sample of idli; no gluten found

🚨 Chutneys and Sambar served on the side may contain gluten if compounded asafoetida/hing is an ingredient. Hing is usually made with wheat flour. When inquiring about gluten-free preparation, hing is a commonly forgotten ingredient. See our post on asafoetida/hing for important information.

🚨🚨 Nima test for a sample of chutney; gluten found

• Dairy: Traditional idli recipes do not contain any dairy ingredients. Note: the molds used to steam idlis may be greased with butter or ghee.

• Soy: Traditional idli recipes do not contain any soy ingredients.

• Egg: Traditional idli recipes do not contain any egg ingredients.

• Nuts: Traditional idli recipes do not contain any peanuts, tree nuts, or sesame.

• Vegetarian & Vegan: Idlis, chutneys, and sambar are vegetarian. Note: the molds used to steam idlis may be greased with butter or ghee. Sambar can be vegan if vegetable oil is used instead of ghee.

Substitutions & Adaptions

Idlis, chutneys, and sambar can be made at home if you have the proper equipment and experience.

Pre-made idli batter can be purchased in Indian grocery stores; be sure to check the ingredients for potential allergens.

Recipe Links

Idli Recipe by Swashi's Recipes

Coconut Chutney Recipes by Swasthi's Recipes

How to Make Sambar by Swasthi's Recipes

Gluten-Free Resources

Singapore Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Singapore? Ensure a stress-free journey with The Gluten-Free Traveler's Guide to Navigating Singapore. This essential guide is packed with vital information you'll need before you arrive. Get your copy now and discover where gluten hides, empowering you to enjoy your travels to the fullest.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided in this blog post is intended to be helpful and informative based on our understanding and experience as gluten-free educators living in Singapore.

However, ingredients and preparation methods may vary among different restaurants and regions. It is essential to exercise caution and conduct due diligence when ordering food, especially if you or your loved ones have specific dietary requirements such as celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Always communicate your dietary needs clearly to restaurant staff and inquire about ingredients and potential cross-contamination risks.

While we strive to provide accurate information, we cannot guarantee the absolute safety of any dish, and individual experiences may vary. We encourage you to make informed decisions and prioritize your health and well-being when enjoying Singaporean cuisine.