The Story of CocaCola Rice Pasta Idlis

Inspired by the crispy cakes my grandmother used to make with leftover rice pasta, I decided to put my spin on it by incorporating Coca-Cola and adding the flavors of South Indian Idlis. The result is a unique fusion of crispy texture and aromatic spices that come together in delicious harmony.

Ingredients

• 8 oz. rice pasta
• 1/2 cup Coca-Cola
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp urad dal (black lentil)
• 1 tbsp chana dal (yellow split pea)
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1/4 tsp asafoetida
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
• 2 tsp salt, or to taste
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Soak the urad dal and chana dal in separate bowls with enough water to cover them for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before use.
2. Cook the rice pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together Coca-Cola, yogurt, and water to make the batter.
4. Add the cooked rice pasta to the mixing bowl with the batter and toss until the pasta is fully coated.
5. In a small pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they start to splutter, add urad dal, chana dal, and asafoetida. Fry for a minute or two until the lentils turn golden brown.
6. Add ginger and green chili to the pan and fry for another minute.
7. Take the pan off the heat and mix in chopped cilantro.
8. Add the lentil and spice mix to the rice pasta batter along with 2 teaspoons of salt, and stir until everything is combined well.
9. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Spray some oil or non-stick cooking spray on the skillet.
10. Using a spoon, pour the batter into the rice cake molds. Fill them up to 2/3 of their capacity, leaving some room for the cakes to rise while steaming.
11. Place the molds in a steamer and steam for 10-12 minutes, or until the cakes are fully cooked.
12. Once done, remove the molds from the steamer and allow the cakes to cool slightly.
13. Use a butter knife to remove the cakes from the molds. Serve warm with coconut chutney or tomato chutney.

These Coca-Cola Rice Pasta Idlis have a crispy texture on the outside and a soft, fluffy interior packed with spicy notes of mustard, lentils, and ginger. The sweetness of the Coca-Cola adds a unique flavor that ties everything together, making them a perfect fusion of flavor and texture. Enjoy!