Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Boil Water and Add Salt

   In a pot, boil 1 1/4 cups of water. Once the water starts boiling, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt (or a little more, to taste).

2. 2.Mix Flour into Hot Water

   Turn off the flame. Add 1 1/2 cups of rice flour to the hot water in the pot and mix it well with a wooden spatula until combined.

3. 3.Rest the Dough

   Cover the pot with a lid and let the flour mixture rest for 15 minutes.

4. 4.Knead the Dough

   After resting, mix the dough once with a spatula. Transfer the mixture to a glass bowl and knead it lightly until it forms a soft dough. If the dough is too soft, add a little rice flour. If your hands become sticky, wash them or grease your palms with a little water before continuing. Knead the dough once more in the middle to prevent it from drying out and hardening.

5. 5.Shape the Kudumulu

   Take a small portion of the dough and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. Gently press the ball with your palm to flatten it slightly in the middle, creating a disc-like shape.

6. 6.Steam in Instant Pot (Option 1)

   Add water to the Instant Pot inner pot. Place the idli plates with the shaped kudumulu directly into the Instant Pot without using the stand. Close the lid and set the pressure valve to 'Sealing'. Select 'Pressure Cook' mode for 5 minutes at high pressure (ensure 'Keep Warm' is off) OR use 'Steam' mode for 10-12 minutes. After cooking, allow the Instant Pot to rest for 10 minutes or until the pressure valve naturally sits down.

7. 7.Steam in Idli Cooker (Option 2)

   Add water to an idli cooker pot on the stovetop. Insert the idli plates with the shaped kudumulu onto the idli stand, then place the stand into the cooker. Close the lid. Cook on high flame for 10 minutes or until the cooker whistles. After cooking, let it rest for 10 minutes.

8. 8.Serve Kudumulu

   Once steamed and rested, carefully remove the non-sticky kudumulu from the idli plates. Serve them hot with your choice of tomato or peanut chutney for an enhanced taste.