By Garima Johar
January 22, 2026
Idlis are the staple South Indian food that is regularly made in most households. But if your idlis are not rising or are not soft enough, here are some secrets to make the perfect idli batter.
While you choose quality ingredients, ensure that you use a 2:1 ratio of rice to dal.
Soak rice and dal for about 4-6 hours before grinding to get a smoother batter.
When you grind the batter, consistency is key. To maintain a thicker batter, using minimal water is important.
Another tip for fluffy idlis is to soak and grind some fenugreek seeds along with rice and dal.
The secret to the fluffiest idlis is to be patient and ferment the batter for 8-12 hours.