How do I ferment idlis in cold climate?!
Answers: I use 1:5 ratio (urad dhal:rice) to make idlis. The room temperature is between 60 and 70F. I have thought of using the warm setting in the oven, but I think it might be too warm (more than 120F). I have read online that the heat generated from an oven lamp is good enough. Unfortunately, our oven does not have a lamp in it. I also read about using fenugreek seeds to improve the fermenting process. If anybody has a tried and tested technique that works, I would love to hear about it. Thank you.
Well, the oven light usually works really well. But you can also do this. Preheat your oven to 350-400 F for 5 minutes and switch it off. Now keep your utensil with Idli batter in the oven overnight for fermentation. Your batter will be well fermented by morning.
i usually keep it out in the sun, on my patio. but incase u dont get enough sunlight, wrap the bowl with a kitchen towel, and leave it in the microwave.
you can even add chopped green chillies to the batter, as tht too generates heat
I agree, use a low oven (275 deg F to 300 deg F) works well.
I use more urad dal than that. I usually get better results by fermenting close to the radiator coil than the oven. Also, use kosher salt or any non-iodized salt.
Fenugreek seeds can be soaked alond with urad and ground together. Not sure if that helps in fermentation though.
Finally, this may sound strange, use your clean hand to mix the rice and urad batters instead of a spoon.
i put it in a warm cupboard like a airing cupbord,