Cucumber Idli:

This is a very easy to make idli, which does not require grinding. Once prepared, the batter does not require to be fermented. It could be used after a resting period of an hour or so.
The addition of grated cucumbers in the batter gives us the benefits of hydration, in addition to being a good source of some minerals like magnesium, potassium etc.

Ingredients:

Idli rava-2 cups
Organic cucumber-grated amounting to 1/2 cup
Green chillies-1 no chopped to small pieces
Cilantro-  a handful finely chopped
Oil for greasing the idli moulds
Salt-as needed

Preparation:

Wash the idli rava under running water. In a container, soak the idli rava for atleast an hour.

Drain the rava. Squeeze out the excess water from the rava. In a large mixing bowl, add in the rava, grated cucumber, chopped green chillies and cilantro. Add salt, as needed. Give a good stir to make sure all the ingredients are well blended together.

 Set aside the batter for an hour or so.Take care not to add water, as the cucumber will release water, which will be absorbed by the rava.

Grease the idli moulds. Spoon the batter in the moulds. Steam over a medium flame for 15-20 minutes.

Once done, wait for the idlis to cool down a bit. Remove the idlis from the moulds.

Healthy and delicious cucumber idlis are ready to be enjoyed with your choice of chutney/sambar.

Notes:

1. Soaking the idli rava for a longer period will make the idlies softer. Take care to squeeze out the water from the idli rava before making the batter. The batter will turn out very watery, once the cucumber is added.
2. If using conventional(non organic) varieties of cucumber, peel the skin before grating the cucumber, because pesticides tend to be concentrated in the skin.

Cucumber Idlies with sambar