A forgotten Indian breakfast brought back Nostalgic memories.

I'm a total foodie, always up for trying new kinds of food. I've got my go-to favorites, depending on how I'm feeling.

When it comes to breakfast, my all-time top pick has to be IDLY.

After settling in Canada and diving into the Western way of life and global cuisine, I searched for where I could get Idly batter.

Why am I talking about IDLY so much? What is so interesting about this that you want to continue reading?

It depends on who is reading and what interests you.

I sat down to write something today and stared at a blank page for god knows how long.

I wanted to write about something close to my heart and sprinkle love and awareness about my culture and food.

How it all started?

Let me introduce you to idli, a scrumptious rice cake from South India. The exciting part is that there's a mystery about where idli comes from.

Idli, a savory rice cake from South India, has gained popularity as a breakfast dish in Southern India and Sri Lanka.

The origins of idli remain a subject of debate among culinary historians. According to K. T. Achaya, a notable food historian, idlis might have made their way to India from Indonesia during the period of 800-1200 CE, originating in regions governed by Hindu rulers. Interestingly, idlis bear a resemblance to Indonesia's Kedli as well.

Lizzie Collingham, another food historian, proposes an alternate theory that Arabian traders could have introduced idlis to the southern regions of India during their settlement.

Nonetheless, the earliest documented recipe for idli dates back to the 9th century in the Kannada writings of Shivakotiacharya's journals.

However, the idli of that era significantly differed from the modern version in terms of preparation and ingredients.

According to a description from the 10th-century poet Chavundaraya, the historical idli was crafted using a batter composed of black gram flour, buttermilk, and an array of spices such as cumin, coriander, asafoetida, and black pepper.

Notably absent from this ancient rendition were the three crucial elements of contemporary idli preparation: rice, fermentation, and steaming.

The process of fermentation in idli offers several noteworthy health advantages, which encompass:

1. Enhanced Digestion: The fermentation process in idli acts as a pre-digestion method for the intricate starches present in rice and dal, rendering them more easily digestible and permitting efficient absorption of nutrients by the body.

2. Fosters Beneficial Gut Microbes: Idli, a fermented food, contains probiotics that contribute to cultivating a healthy array of gut microorganisms. Consuming fermented foods facilitates the optimal breakdown of minerals and vitamins, aiding the digestive process.

3. Amplifies Mineral Absorption: Fermentation heightens the body's ability to absorb minerals from food, increasing their bioavailability.

4. Enriched Vitamin B Content: The fermentation process elevates the accessibility of proteins and augments the Vitamin B content within the food, further enhancing its nutritional value.

5. Anti-Diabetic Properties: Idli is an anti-diabetic food with antioxidant properties.

6. Low-Calorie, Low-Fat Option: Idli is a low-calorie and low-fat culinary choice, positioning it as a valuable addition to heart-healthy dietary regimens.

The fermentation process inherent in idli offers a spectrum of health merits, encompassing improved digestibility, the cultivation of beneficial gut flora, heightened mineral absorption, elevated Vitamin B presence, and anti-diabetic attributes.

Let's dive into the health advantages of consuming idli:

1. Calorie-Conscious Choice: Idli's steamed preparation results in modest calorie content, making it an ideal option for individuals aiming to shed weight.

2. Protein Enrichment: Idli is a notable protein source, crucial for tissue repair and growth within the body.

3. Nurtures Beneficial Gut Flora: Being a fermented food, idli boasts probiotics that cultivate a healthy gut microbiome.

4. Heart-Healthy Addition: Idli seamlessly integrates into heart-conscious diets due to its low calorie and fat content. The peptides in fermented foods like idli contribute to cholesterol and blood pressure management.

5. Anti-Diabetic Traits: With antioxidant properties, idli earns recognition as an anti-diabetic food.

6. Abundant in Fiber and Iron: Idli offers a wealth of fiber and iron, both vital for sustaining overall well-being.

In summation, idli emerges as a wholesome culinary choice, teeming with nutrients and an array of health benefits.

Happy Reading!