Idli Disaster

We all have good days, bad days and "the usual routine" days. But sometimes bad days hits you in a way as if it was designed to be the worst - whatever you do has a negative impact. I have had bad days at work - I even remember the date November 27, 2006 - Monday : every thing I did , talked , reported was error ! Well.. you learn, and move on.

Last night was a disaster. I made the worst idlis in the world. May be I could have been awarded - " Best prize for the most awful idlis anyone can make". Well... we all have disasters in the kitchen, especially when we start a fresh. I have had my bad days in kitchen but I shrug those off because of the excuse " It is my first time". First time it was for me with idlies. But my ego doesn't allow me to shrug this one - Hello... Iam a South Indian for God's sake ! How can a " thachi mammu" (curd rice) like me go wrong with idlies ? This is like a North Indian making bad phulkas or Italian making bad tasting pasta !

To be honest, in my 2 years of cooking record, I have not made Idlis. I did not have idli cooker / moulds at home till now. Yesterday I wanted to try my new idli cooker. Try I did - and ended up with half cooked idlis. Well , all I can think of now that may have gone wrong is my urad dal quantity and the consistency of batter. Hmmm... even a chocolate cake that R got for me at 11 PM last night to compensate did not pamper me. Anyway now that I have returnted to my sanity, I will surely give my try until I make idlies like my amma - soft , fluffy like a " mulla poo" ( Jasmine Flower) without any baking soda added ! I promise to follow up with a post. :)

We all write about the fancy dishes that we make, proudly showcase artwork, achievements, but c'mon... we are human beings and we make mistakes ! I thought why not vent out my frustration.

So much for my first post after blogging break !

Cartoon Credits: http://www.feebleminds-gifs.com

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Update:

Tip to use the leftovers:

As I mentioned the reason for my disaster was slightly more urad dal which made the dough overly fluffy. In case that happens to you, just add some roasted rice flour (or any rice flour) and make either dosa or Uttapam. I added some rice flour, grated carrots, onions , green chillies, made some mini uttapam, gave it a new look and the dough was over in 30 minutes !

Also I disguised the half cooked idlis too - you wanna know ?! - I cooked them for a longer time in the cooker, till they were holding their idli shape, then I put them in the fridge overnight. Next day, I mashed them, took a nonstick skillet, seasoned it with a teaspoon of oil, mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, sauted some chopped onions, added the mashed idlis, a teaspoon of molagai podi (spice powder), sauteed for a while and devoured it with a dollop of yogurt!

Did you think I will give up and waste food ! Sorry, No wasting entertained . :)