Ragi Idiyappam / Finger Millet String Hoppers / Idiyappam Upma | Upma Recipes

I love Idiyappam or anything steamed. They are so light on your tummy and healthy for your body. And to make it more healthy I use whole grains in my steamed items. This Ragi idiyappam is one such thing which I totally enjoyed making. This tastes so good and is totally guilt-free. Also check out the other steamed entries I made and loved like Idli, Fenugreek Idli, Pidi Kozhukattai, Poorna Kozhukattai.

For the Idiyappam:
Ingredients:
Makes - about 16 Idiyappams
Ragi flour - 1/2 cup
Rice flour - 1/2 cup
Water - 1 cup
Salt - a pinch
Oil - 1/4 tsp
Needed: Idiyappam press
Method:
Boil water with salt and oil in a covered vessel. Sieve/mix the ragi flour and rice flour together. When the water comes to a rolling boil pour slowly to the flour mixture and mix continuously with a wooden spoon until all the flour comes together as a rough dough. Now sprinkle warm water if needed and mix so that there is no dry flour in the dough. Take the Murukky press/Idiyappam press with the idiyappam attachment. Stuff balls of this dough to the idiyappam maker and press away on a oiled idli plate. Repeat with the remaining dough and steam the idiyappam for 8-10 minutes.

For the Idiyappam Upma:
Ingredients:
Serves - 2
Idliyappam - 10
Onion - chopped - 1 cup
Green chilli - 1 or 2 - based on spice level
Oil - 2 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
Urad dhal - 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves - a twig
Salt - to taste
Method:
Allow the steamed idiyappam to cool to room temperature. Scramble with your fingers. Heat oil in a non-stick kadai and add the mustard seeds and urad dhal. When the mustard seeds splutter add the the curry leaves and green chilli. After about a minute add the chopped onions and saute until it is soft. Now add the salt to taste and the scrambled idiyappams. Mix gently in medium heat until the idiyappam is heated through and absorbs the flavor from the onion mixture, about 5 mins. Remove from heat and serve hot with coconut chutney. Tastes great without any accompaniment too. This makes a healthy and quick to make breakfast or evening snack.

Other Possible Ideas to serve Idiyappam:
After the idiyappams are steamed, allow them to cool a little and try these varieties.
1. Idiyappam with coconut milk and sugar
2. Idiyappam with grated coconut, sugar and ghee - My childhood favorite
3. Idiyappam with Idli podi and gingelly oil - DH's favorite
4. Idiyappam with coconut chutney or Spicy Tomato chutney
5. Idiyappam with Vegetable Kurma or Paya