Soft Idli

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1. 1Step 1: Pick and rinse both the regular rice and parboiled rice.
2. 2Step 2: Rinse the poha and add to the rice.
3. 3Step 3: Add water. Mix well. Cover and keep the rice and poha to soak for 4 to 5 hours.
4. 4Step 4: In a separate bowl, rinse the urad dal and methi seeds a couple of times.
5. 5Step 5: Soak the urad dal with methi seeds separately in water for 4 to 5 hours.
6. 6Step 6: Drain the soaked urad dal. Reserve the water.
7. 7Step 7: First, grind the urad dal and methi seeds with 1/4 cup of the reserved water for some seconds. Then add another 1/4 cup and continue grinding until the batter is smooth, fluffy, and light.
8. 8Step 8: Transfer the urad dal batter to a bowl.
9. 9Step 9: Drain and grind the soaked rice and poha with water in batches to a smooth, slightly grainy consistency.
10. 10Step 10: Mix both the batters together in a large bowl or pan. Add salt and mix well using clean hands or a spatula.
11. 11Step 11: Cover and let the batter ferment in a warm place for 8 to 12 hours or until it doubles in volume.
12. 12Step 12: Before you begin steaming, heat 2 to 2.5 cups water in an idli steamer, or a pot or pressure cooker until the water comes to a light boil or simmer.
13. 13Step 13: Grease or brush the idli moulds lightly with oil.
14. 14Step 14: Gently stir the fermented batter. Pour it into the moulds.
15. 15Step 15: Once the water in the idli steamer, pot or pressure cooker comes to a light boil, place the idli mould stand.
16. 16Step 16: Steam in a steamer or pressure cooker (without the vent weight/whistle) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the batter is cooked firm.
17. 17Step 17: To check doneness, insert a toothpick and it should come out clean. The surface should look set and feel springy.
18. 18Step 18: Let the idlis rest for 2 to 3 minutes, then gently remove with a spoon.
19. 19Step 19: Serve the steaming hot idli with coconut chutney and sambar.
20. 20Step 20: Store leftover idli batter in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Idlis can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated by steaming or microwaving with a sprinkle of water.