12 Easy Pressure Cooker Recipes India Loves (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

9. Steamed Idli: Fluffy Rice Cakes Using Your Pressure Cooker

Use your pressure cooker as a steamer to make soft, pillowy idli—South India’s breakfast classic. Prepare a well-fermented batter of parboiled rice and urad dal using a standard 3:1 or 2:1 rice-to-urad ratio depending on regional preference. Grease idli molds, pour batter about three-quarters full, and fill the cooker base with a couple of cups of water. Steam the idlis on a trivet with the cooker lid closed but without the pressure weight (use the cooker as a closed steamer) for about 8–12 minutes depending on mold size and batter fermentation. Let them cool briefly before unmolding to preserve texture. Serve with coconut chutney and sambar. For North American kitchens, use an Instant Pot’s “Steam” mode or the stovetop cooker with a rack. Idli are light, toddler-friendly, and pair well with a simple tomato or coconut chutney for a satisfying breakfast or snack.