Thinai Idly Recipe

Thinai idli / foxtail millet idli is a healthy and delicious variation of the traditional South Indian idli. It is made using foxtail millet instead of regular rice. The process is the same as regular idli batter making but it has a lot of nutrients and health benefits compared to rice idli. This recipe makes the excellent millet idli that is so soft like regular idli and no one will find the taste difference, only color differs. It is perfect for breakfast and can be served with coconut chutney and sambar. 

Thinai Idly

We all know millets are so much healthier for us, but have you ever thought why we have not included in our daily diet like we include rice, vegetables, meat and stuff like that. Probably the answer would be we don’t know how to use them, what to do with them. I too was like that until I planned to start a series called “cooking with millets”. So far i have used only thinai / foxtail millets.  I made idli and dosai with it and simple loved it. Make sure you check out the thinai dosa recipe too.

Few days back me and hubby were talking about healthy eating. We finally came to a decision that including millets in our diet atleast once a week. And immediately we went for a purchase, igot two packets of thinai, two packets of kambu and barley. This is what i could find in my super market. But still i have explore other grains too like samai, varagu.  So stay tuned for more millet recipes.

And to say about this idli, i was quite worried about the taste of the idly. But to my surprise it turned out quite good actually. It was little denser than normal rice idlies, you have to keep in mind that it is made my millets BTW. And for best taste enjoy this idly with tomato chutney and coconut chutney.

About Thinai Idli (Foxtail Millet Idly)

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

Foxtail millet is a nutritious and gluten free alternative to rice. It is one of the oldest cultivated millet and is used in many cuisines. Millets can be incorporated in various recipes like kozhukattai, upma, dosai, laddu or even to make millet briyani. 

In this recipe, I have substituted the regular rice with foxtail millet. It’s high in fibre, iron and complex carbs making the idli healthier and diabetic-friendly. 

The combination of thinai ( foxtail ) millet, red samba rice, whole urad dal, and fenugreek seeds creates a nutritious and delicious idli, dosai that is a healthy alternative to traditional rice idli batter. It helps to achieve fluffy idli , providing a light and soft texture when steamed. No one would find the difference in taste, only the color of the idli varies. Each ingredient contributes unique flavours and health benefits, making this dish a wholesome choice for any meal.

Similar Recipes

Rava idli

Oats Idli

Mini Idli sambar

Varagu Idli

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS 

Gluten free : Foxtail millets are naturally gluten free. It is packed with proteins, dietary fibre making it a wholesome choice for a healthy diet or people who are following a gluten free diet. 

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE – I was a bit unsure at first about how these foxtail millet idlis would taste. You know how we are addicted to those soft, fluffy rice idlis, I wasn’t sure if millet could match that taste. But to my surprise, they turned out really good! The texture is a little denser than regular idlis but they’re still soft and satisfying. And to add on that I’m so feeling happy because my family gets to eat something healthy and without any compromise in taste and texture. 

Versatile : Foxtail millet idli recipe is so versatile that you can easily customize based upon your preference. Like substituting with other millets like barnyard, jowar, little millet. It can be made more healthier by adding grated or pureed carrot, beetroot. It adds color and more nutrients. 

Ingredients

Thinai / Foxtail millet : Foxtail millet is the main base for the batter. It replaces the regular rice. It is gluten free and rich in fibre. You can also substitute with other millets like finger millet, barnyard millet, jowar millet and little millet. 

Cooking rice : Rice is used as an optional co-grain. I have used a red samba rice variety. It is added to give body to the batter. It enhances the idli texture and helps in fermentation. You can skip or substitute with regular rice. 

Whole urad dal / Ulundhu paruppu : Urad dal is essential in idli batter. It ferments easily and provides the fluffy idli. It is also added for protein.

Fenugreek seeds / Vendhayam : Fenugreek seeds also known as vendhayam is traditionally used in the idli batter making which helps in the fermentation process and gives a mild aroma. They also aid in digestion. 

Salt : Salt is used to balance the taste. The right amount of salt helps in controlling the growth of bacteria during fermentation and also ensures the batter rises properly. 

Hacks

Soaking : Wash and soak the rice and millets separately. Wash and soak the urad dal and fenugreek together. Soak all the ingredients for 4 hours. 

Ice cold water : Soak the urad dal in ice cold water. Usually mixies tend to get heat sooner when grinding large products. If you’re grinding the batter using mixie, then this tip will be really helpful. You can even add ice cubes or ice water while grinding. 

Grinding : First grind the urad dal, fenugreek. Grind until it is fluffy. Then transfer them to the container. Then grind the rice and millets into a smooth batter. 

Fermentation : Mix the urad dal, rice, millets, salt and let the batter ferment for 6 to 8 hours. This fermentation is the key to achieve fluffy idli. 

Oven for fermentation : If you live in a colder region, the fermentation process will be tough. A quick and easy tip is to keep the batter container inside an oven for the warmness and it will make the fermentation easier. 

Thinai Idly Recipe (Step by Step Pictures)

Take all your ingredients

This is how thinai looks like

Urad dal and fenugreek seeds

Rice , I used Samba Red Rice

Wash them very well and soak them in water

Cover and leave them for 4 hours

When they are soaked

First grind urad dal and fenugreek mix

Grind till they are foamed up and fluffy

Transfer to a large bowl

Now in the same blender, add rice

add thinai along with rice

Grind them to a smooth paste

Add it to urad dal mix

Add in salt

Mix well

Cover and let it ferment

Look it is fermented

grease your idly plates

All greased

Pour it into idly moulds

Place them on idly stand

Cover and cook

Cook till done

Remove with a spoon

Serve

Expert Tips

• Use good quality foxtail millet and urad dal for a fluffy batter.
• Don’t ferment the batter for more than 8 hours.
• Gradually add water while grinding. Too much water can lead to thin batter and doesn’t yield soft idlis. 
• If you live in a colder area, ferment the batter under a light or inside the microwave oven. 
• Bachelor’s can prepare the batter and store them in the freezer. It will be helpful during work days. 

STORAGE 

Store the fermented idli batter in the refrigerator. It stays good for 2 to 3 days. You can also freeze the batter in small batches. As it comes handy during busy weeks. 

SERVING 

Serve these warm, soft and fluffy idli with coconut chutney, sambar. It can also be served with chicken curry, mutton curry and fish curry. 

You can prepare the idlis using mini idli plates and toss them in ghee. Serve these for kids breakfast or lunch boxes. 

FAQ 

1.Will foxtail millet idli tastes differ from regular idlis? 

Slightly the taste may vary. Foxtail millets offer a nutty flavour compared to regular idlis. The texture will be the same as the regular idli, fluffy and softer. It’s just a subtle difference, definitely you will enjoy this millet idli like regular ones. 

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

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

3.Can I make an instant version using foxtail millet flour? 

Definitely! You can try making the batter using foxtail millet flour. Add some curd or eno for quick fermentation. It is quick and great for busy days. 

4. Is it good for weight loss and diabetics ? 

Yes! Foxtail millets are naturally gluten free and low in glycemic index. So it is ideal for weight loss and controls the sugar for diabetic patients. 

Variations

Vegetable millet idli : Add grated or pureed vegetables like carrot, beetroot, spinach for added color and nutrients. Kids who are picky eaters will enjoy this colorful and healthy idli. 

Millet chilli idli : Make an Indo-chinese style chilli idli using the leftover foxtail millet idli. 

Millet rava idli : For a quick and instant version, mix foxtail millet rava, curd, green chilli, ginger and curry leaves. This does not require any soaking and fermentation. Just whip up and enjoy instant healthy idli.

More Millet Recipes to Try

📖 Recipe Card

Thinai Idly Recipe (Foxtail Millet Idli)

Thinai idli / foxtail millet idli is a healthy and delicious variation of the traditional South Indian idli. It is made using foxtail millet instead of regular rice. The process is the same as regular idli batter making but it has a lot of nutrients and health benefits compared to rice idli. This recipe makes the excellent millet idli that is so soft like regular idli and no one will find the taste difference, only color differs. It is perfect for breakfast and can be served with coconut chutney and sambar. 

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

fermenting time: 8 hours hours

Total Time: 8 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 10 servings

Calories: 281kcal

Nutrition

Serving: 1servings | Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 102mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 0.02g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 3mg

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