Taushe Idli
A traditional Goan delight, Taushe Idli are sweet, steamed cakes made from cucumber, rice rava, and jaggery. Fragrant with cardamom and studded with fresh coconut, they offer a uniquely soft and spongy texture without any fermentation. Perfect for a healthy breakfast, brunch, or a wholesome snack.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Cucumber
- b.Wash, peel, and grate the cucumbers using a medium-sized grater.
- c.Place the grated cucumber in a muslin cloth or use your hands to squeeze it firmly over a bowl, extracting all the juice. Reserve both the squeezed cucumber pulp and the juice separately.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Batter
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the idli rava, grated jaggery, grated fresh coconut, cardamom powder, and salt. Use your fingertips to mix them well, breaking up any lumps in the jaggery.
- c.Add the squeezed cucumber pulp to the dry mixture and mix again.
- d.Gradually pour in the reserved cucumber juice while stirring continuously. Add just enough juice to form a thick batter with a dropping consistency, similar to regular idli batter. You may not need all the juice.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Rest the Batter
- b.Cover the bowl and let the batter rest for 30-45 minutes.
- c.This is a crucial step as it allows the idli rava to absorb the moisture and soften, ensuring the final idlis are soft and not gritty.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare for Steaming
- b.While the batter is resting, prepare your steamer. Add 1-2 inches of water to the bottom of a steamer or pressure cooker (without the whistle) and bring it to a rolling boil over medium heat.
- c.Grease the idli molds generously with ghee.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Steam the Idlis
- b.After the resting period, give the batter a final stir. If it seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water or remaining cucumber juice to adjust.
- c.Pour the batter into the greased molds, filling them about three-quarters full.
- d.If using, gently press a cashew half on top of the batter in each mold.
- e.Carefully place the idli stand inside the preheated steamer.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Cook and Serve
- b.Cover the steamer and steam for 15-20 minutes on medium heat.
- c.To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of an idli; it should come out clean.
- d.Turn off the heat and let the idlis rest in the steamer for 5 minutes before removing the stand. This prevents them from deflating.
- e.Carefully demold the idlis using a wet spoon. Serve warm, with an optional dollop of ghee on top.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use juicy, tender cucumbers for the best flavor and moisture content.
- 2The amount of jaggery can be adjusted based on your sweetness preference and the natural sweetness of the cucumber.
- 3Resting the batter is non-negotiable. It ensures the rava is well-hydrated, resulting in soft, non-gritty idlis.
- 4For a richer flavor, you can lightly roast the idli rava in a teaspoon of ghee until fragrant before mixing it into the batter.
- 5Do not over-steam the idlis, as they can become hard and rubbery.
- 6The consistency of the batter is key. It should not be too runny or too thick. Aim for a consistency where it drops easily from a spoon.
Adapt it for your goals.
Sweetener
Replace jaggery with grated palm sugar or coconut sugar for a different, caramel-like flavor profile.
TextureTexture
Add a tablespoon of chopped cashews or almonds directly into the batter for a crunchy texture in every bite.
FlavorFlavor
A pinch of nutmeg powder or a few strands of saffron can be added along with cardamom for a warmer, more complex aroma.
GrainGrain
For a different texture, you can use fine semolina (chiroti rava) instead of idli rava. The resting time might need slight adjustment.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Naturally Hydrating
Cucumber is composed of over 95% water, making these idlis a naturally hydrating and cooling food, which is especially beneficial in warmer climates.
Source of Natural Energy
The combination of complex carbohydrates from rice rava and unrefined sugars from jaggery provides a steady release of energy, making it an excellent breakfast to fuel your day.
Rich in Minerals
Jaggery is an unrefined sugar that retains essential minerals like iron and magnesium. Fresh coconut contributes healthy fats and manganese, which is important for bone health and metabolism.
Aids Digestion
The dietary fiber from cucumber, coconut, and rava supports healthy digestion and promotes gut health. As a steamed dish, it is light and easy on the stomach.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a relatively healthy dish. It is steamed, not fried, and uses natural sweeteners like jaggery. Cucumber provides hydration and fiber, while coconut offers healthy fats, making it a wholesome breakfast or snack option.