An idli stand can be used for more than just making idlis. The small moulds and stacked plates make it useful for steaming many other foods at home. You can use it to steam vegetables, momos, and dhokla, or prepare rice noodles and traditional sweets. It can also help you cook small portions without using a large steamer. This makes an idli stand useful for quick snacks, light meals, and everyday cooking. You do not need to keep it in the cupboard after making breakfast. With a few simple changes, the same stand can be used for several dishes. It can help save kitchen space and reduce the need for extra cooking tools. From steamed vegetables to homemade momos, there are several easy ways to give an old kitchen favourite a new purpose. So, the next time you take out your idli stand, think beyond idlis and try using it for something different.
8 creative ways to use an idli stand at home
Make soft and fluffy dhokla
Dhokla is easier to make with an idli stand. Pour the prepared batter into lightly greased moulds and leave some space for it to rise as it steams. Once cooked, the small pieces can be taken out easily and served with chutney. The idli stand also saves you from making one large dhokla and cutting it into pieces later. Each mould gives you a ready-to-serve portion, making it a simple option when you want to prepare a quick snack for family or guests.
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Prepare homemade momos
An idli stand can also be used to steam homemade momos without using a momo steamer. Grease the moulds lightly and place the momos inside, leaving some space between them. This keeps the dumplings from sticking together as they cook. Cover the stand so the steam stays inside and cooks the momos evenly. You can use vegetable, paneer, or other fillings based on your choice. Once the momos are cooked, carefully take them out and serve them hot with spicy chutney or chilli sauce.
Steam soft kozhukattai
The same steaming setup can be useful for traditional sweets and snacks such as kozhukattai. Place the prepared pieces in the moulds, keeping some space between them. Steam them until the dough is soft and cooked through. You do not need to fry them, which helps keep the texture soft. Lightly grease the moulds before adding the dough so the pieces are easier to remove after cooking. The small moulds also make it easy to prepare several portions at once. You can make a small batch for an evening snack or steam more pieces when you have guests at home.
Prepare soft idiyappam with steam
Idiyappam can also be prepared in an idli stand. Divide the rice noodle mixture into small portions and place them in the moulds. Cover the stand and let the steam cook the noodles until they are soft and ready to serve. Since the food stays above the boiling water, it cooks without being in direct contact with it.This makes the idli stand useful when you want to prepare a small batch at home. Once cooked, serve the idiyappam with coconut, curry, or your preferred side dish. The separate moulds also keep each portion together, making it easier to lift and serve without breaking the noodles.
Give puttu a different setup
Puttu is usually made with a special puttu maker, but you can also use an idli stand for smaller portions. Place the prepared mixture in the moulds and steam it until cooked. The small moulds make it easy to prepare individual portions at the same time. This can be useful when you want to make a small batch at home. Once the puttu is ready, remove the portions carefully and serve them warm with your favourite side dishes. You can enjoy them as part of breakfast or serve them as a light snack.
Make small vegetable snacks
You can also use an idli stand to make small steamed vegetable bites. Mix finely chopped vegetables with grains or lentils and add herbs and spices for flavour. Add the mixture to the moulds and steam until the bites are cooked through. This is also a simple way to use leftover vegetables and turn them into a new snack. The small portions are easy to serve as a snack or side dish. If you like a crispier texture, cook the steamed bites in a pan for a few minutes before serving.
Make mini cakes with an idli stand
You can also use an idli stand to make small steamed cakes at home. Prepare your favourite cake batter and lightly grease the idli moulds before filling them. Do not fill the moulds completely because the batter will rise as it cooks. Add water to the lower vessel, place the stand inside, and cover it with a lid.Steam the cakes until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Let them cool slightly before removing them from the moulds. You can make simple vanilla, chocolate or banana cakes this way. The small portions are easy to serve and work well when you want cake without using an oven.
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Prepare sweet corn with steam
You can also use an idli stand to steam sweet corn. Place the corn kernels in the moulds and steam them until they become soft. Once cooked, transfer the corn to a bowl and add your favourite seasonings. You can mix in salt, black pepper, butter, chilli flakes, lemon juice, or chaat masala for extra flavour. This is a simple way to prepare steamed corn without boiling it separately.
