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Home » Cuisine » Indian » South Indian

Steamed Idli (Savory Rice Cakes) - Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

Published May 21, 2017 Updated March 1, 2022 By Meeta Arora 52 Comments | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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instant pot idli recipe

Idli is the quintessential south indian breakfast.  This savory rice cake made by steaming a batter consisting of lentils and rice, is the most comforting healthy indian breakfast. Learn how to make perfect soft and fluffy idli in the instant pot!  

Idli, Sambar and Chutney in a plate

This recipe makes steamed Idli in the Instant Pot.  Idli is typically enjoyed with sambar and chutney.  This combination has rightly been touted as one of the most nutritious indian breakfast.

Being a north indian and not growing up making idli's from scratch at home, I used to have a hard time getting the batter right. Sometimes it would not ferment and rise enough.  But guess what...the instant pot  comes to the rescue here too.

How to make Idli Batter in the Instant Pot?

The idli's will be soft and fluffy if the batter is fermented well. It does take some practice to get the batter right.

I have shared all my tips and tricks to make the perfect batter in this detailed Idli Dosa Batter post.

Idli batter fermented in instant pot

Do check out the detailed tips when making the batter.

How to make Steamed Idli in Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker?

Once the batter is ready.  You grease the idli molds with ghee or oil.  Then add small amount of batter in each mold.  While you are doing this, add 1.5 cups of water to the instant pot and let it boil in Saute mode.

steps to make instant pot idli

Place the idli stand in the instant pot and cook it in steam mode in venting position. The thing to note is that the time on the instant pot does not work in the venting position, so you have to use a separate timer.  In 12 minutes, the idli will be ready.

A stack of 3 fluffy spongy idli's

The idli's are so soft and fluffy. These are my family's favorite meal.

close up of a soft idli in hand

Enjoy the idli's with sambar and chutney.

I also use the same batter to make perfect crispy dosa. Just thin out the batter to a thick flowing consistency by adding some water. Adjust salt and make crispy dosa!

Dosa with sambar and chutney in a steel plate

Hope you enjoy these soft idli's. Do share how they turn out in comments or on Instagram with #pipingpotcurry

Tried this recipe?Give a rating by clicking the ★ below
Idli served with sambar and chutney

Instant Pot Idli

Meeta Arora
Idli is the quintessential south indian breakfast, which is also popular across India.  Learn how to make the perfect soft and fluffy idli in the instant pot!
4.91 from 20 votes
Print Save Saved! Pin
Servings: 6
Course: Breakfast, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: South Indian
Diet: Gluten-free, Vegan
Method: Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins

Equipment

  • Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker
  • Idli Stand

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 cups Idli Batter
  • 1 ½ cup Water
  • Ghee or Oil for greasing

Instructions
 

  • Make idli batter following the instructions in the post.
  • Add water to the instant pot and heat it in saute mode until it boils. The press cancel.
  • While the water is heating, grease the idli molds with oil or ghee. Add small amount of batter in each mold.
  • Place the idli stand in the instant pot. Close lid and keep in steam mode in venting position, and press start. The thing to note is that the time on the instant pot does not work in the venting position, so you have to use a separate timer. (Some new models of instant pot have a no pressure setting for steam mode, which can be used)
  • In 12 minutes, idli's will be ready. Press Cancel and wait for the pin to drop (so that any pressure is released), then open the instant pot.
  • Idli's can be served with sambar and chutney. You can make multiple batches of idli with the same batter.

Notes

Idli Batter Recipe: Here is the link to the details batter recipe. Do check out for all tips and tricks to make the perfect batter. 
Mixing: Do not mix the whole batter after it has risen to make soft idli's. Take the required amount of batter into a separate bowl for use. Prepare idli's within 1-2 days of making the batter. Use the rest of the batter for making dosa's.

Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

Keyword idli recipe, instant pot idli batter, steamed idli
Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @PipingPotCurry or #pipingpotcurry

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tara says

    May 26, 2022 at 10:01 am

    I’m sure the recipe is good but it didn’t work for me for some reason.
    I followed instructions and switched the steam valve off so the steam would release . Steamed for 12 minutes and it’s still runny 🤷‍♀️
    Did I do something wrong?

    Going to put it on pressure mode I guess

    Reply
  2. Netra Nitin Amrale says

    February 14, 2022 at 12:15 pm

    I have instant duo plus which do not have steam option. Can you please help how to cook idlis in instant pot duo plus

    Reply
    • Meeta Arora says

      February 14, 2022 at 1:23 pm

      Hi Netra - You can use the pressure cook option, but remember to keep the valve in venting position.

      Reply
  3. Moiz Master says

    December 31, 2021 at 2:27 am

    An excellent recipe that has made idli cooking look super easy.

    Reply
  4. Anna says

    December 17, 2021 at 6:44 am

    Very confused about Instant pot instructions…. So when I make them I have to switch off the sauté mode and only then close the lid than press steam where it asks me for how long to steam… do I skip it and just keep Idlis there for 12 minutes?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Meeta Arora says

      December 23, 2021 at 6:58 am

      Hi Anna - Great question. Yes, once the water has boiled, cancel the saute mode. Then you want to place the idli stand, and steam the idli. If your instant pot allows, move the valve to venting mode, and press steam mode, and start the instant pot. It will keep releasing steam while the idli's cook.
      Some newer models of instant pot have a setting for "No pressure" on steam mode. This setting can be used to steam idli too.

      Reply
  5. Nikita says

    April 06, 2021 at 2:24 pm

    Hi I have the ultra version of the instantpot, i cannot manually make it in venting mode, since it automatically goes to that mode...what can i do?

    Reply
  6. Harsha Golla says

    December 22, 2020 at 1:20 pm

    Please do mention not to remove lid even until the complete pressure is released even though that vault is in venting position.

    Reply
    • Meeta Arora says

      December 28, 2020 at 11:14 pm

      Hi Harsha - Done. Thanks for the suggestion!

      Reply
  7. Sonal says

    December 21, 2020 at 5:09 am

    Do you have a recommendation for which idli stand to buy for a 6 quart instant pot?

    Reply
    • Meeta Arora says

      December 28, 2020 at 11:21 pm

      Hi Sonal - I got mine from India. But someone has recommended that this one fits in the 6qt instant pot (aff) - https://amzn.to/34Q83YD. Please do check the size and make sure it fits before buying. You might also be able to find the stands at your local Indian grocery stores.

      Reply
  8. Sku says

    December 03, 2020 at 11:50 am

    Is this website copying your recipes? https://www.indianveggiedelight.com/steaming-idlis-instant-pot/

    Reply
    • Meeta Arora says

      December 07, 2020 at 7:09 am

      Hi Sku - There are so many recipes that are similar, so I wouldn't say that. And as Oscar Wilde said, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" 🙂

      Reply
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