India\’s popular steamed dishes unveiled

Easy to make & delicious to taste.

Steamed Indian food is the healthiest considered against the dishes of other cuisines, and we are proud of it!

The reason being steaming uses very less oil and locks in nutrients, boosts antioxidants, enhances flavour, and is a versatile & eco-friendly cooking technique.

In simple words, it makes the food healthier and easier to digest.

This ancient cooking technique not only preserves the dish’s nutritional value but also enhances its flavour and texture.

These Steamed dishes have a special place in traditional Indian cuisine and are widely enjoyed by Indians globally.

Let us have a look at some of India’s most popular steamed dishes.

Idli: The signature dish of South Indian cuisine!

From Bengaluru to Bengal, Idli has made its mark throughout the whole country.

Lately, with the idea of eating healthy after covid pandemic, Idli has become the universal breakfast in every household for obvious reasons.

It’s easy to make

Tastes amazing &

Is the healthiest breakfast of all!

This soft, spongy savoury cake is made from fermented rice and urad dal batter and is usually served with coconut chutney or sambar.

If you are staying in Amsterdam and missing some good round Idly, then our “Thattu Idly” might be able to make you miss your home a little less.

At The Madras Diaries, this is one of our signature dishes and consists of melt-in-your-mouth rice cakes (Idly). We also have one more variation of this called Mini Sambar Idly. 

This dish consists of steamed Idly’s (steamed rice cakes) served with piping-hot, spiced sambar – roasted, and spiced dal with a drizzle of aromatic homemade ghee.

Mouth just watered, right?

Do check them out; thank us later!

Dhokla: An all-time favourite!

Remember when guests came over, and you would wait for one piece of these tasty Dhoklas.

Well, all of us need to thank the Gujaratis for blessing us with this amazing treat.

This favourite snack is made using fermented rice and gram flour batter, steamed and tempered with flavoursome spices.

Dhoklas can be relished any time, and most of us love having them as evening snacks with a cup of tea or coffee.

It is also the best party popper, trust us!

Usually garnished and served with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies, this fluffy and spongy treat will just melt in your mouth.

Momos: The Life saver!

How can we forget momos when talking about steamed food?

Loved by all age groups, Momos have recently become the hero of steamed dishes in India.

A delicacy from Northeast India, these dumplings are made using a combination of flour and water, filled with minced meat, vegetables, or cheese, and steamed.

They are soft, juicy, and flavorful. Besides the traditional meat Momos variety, there are various vegetarian options as well.

The spicy tomato and sesame chutney take these Momos’ tastes to the next level.

There are two types of Momo eaters,

One who waits for it to cool down and then eats it, &

the other who does fufu & hahsbhoshhasbosh gobbles it up.

Which one are you?

Idiyappam: Healthy & tasty at the same time!

Also known as string hoppers, this traditional South Indian delicacy is a simple yet amazing dish made from just rice flour & water.

Can you imagine that something so tasty can be made with just flour & water?

Amazing…. Right!

It is a popular breakfast item and tastes best when served with coconut chutney or sambar.

If you haven’t tried Idiyappam yet, hop on to our restaurant and indulge yourself in the rich flavours of South Indian cuisine.

At The Madras Diaries, our idiyappam is famous for its soft, fluffy texture and authentic taste and is best enjoyed with our traditional curries.

Patra: An overwhelming mix of spices! 

Also known as ‘Arbi ka Patta’ in Hindi, Patra is a popular dish from Gujarat and is made using colocasia leaves and chickpea flour. 

This is a famous evening snack in every Gujarati household, and the best part is that it is very easy to make.

Let’s say you are busy for a few days; then you can also make Patra in advance & eat them for 1 or 2 days by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

It rules as breakfast or evening snacks.

Also, for the healthy child in you, remember Patras is a nutritious dish with a rich source of iron, calcium, and fibre.

So, next time you are in the mood for a crispy snack, Go Patra!

Corn – Plain, Simple & Healthy!

Well, it’s true to say that an evening walk is incomplete without this!

This delicious and nutritious dish is so simple yet so satisfying at the same time.

The sweet flavour and texture make steamed or boiled Corn an amazing side dish that is easy to prepare and great to taste.

Another reason to try steamed Corn is its versatility.

This dish can be enjoyed in various ways, such as simple boiled Corn with some salt as a side dish or as an ingredient in soups, stews, and salads.

It can also be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices to enhance its flavour.

And obviously, who can say “NO” to Butter-Salt mixed Steamed Corn?

Did you know?

Corn has several potential health benefits, including eye and heart health.

India is a land of mystery and wonder, and so is our food culture.

All in all, our popular steamed dishes are not just healthy but also nutritious and flavorful.

If you haven’t tried steamed dishes yet, be sure to give them a try the next time you come across one. Our streets, hotels, and even households have these in plenty.

In simple words, steaming foods guarantees you 100% nutrient content with zero fat and is immensely healthy.

If you are a health-conscious person looking for some good options, then these Indian dishes can be a lifesaver.

Happy Steaming!