Split green Moong Dal Idli is a protein-rich, vegan, gluten-free and healthier diabetic-friendly breakfast or a meal. It is a good alternative to the typical Idli with fewer carbs as it does not use any rice.
Split Green Moong Dal Idli or a Rice Free Idli is made using only lentils. The lentils used in this Idli have Split Green Moong and Urad Dal (Split Black Gram lentils).
What is Idli?
Idli’s are steamed cakes, traditionally made using Rice and Black gram dal. Many variations exist to this Idli and my love for this healthy Idli’s can be seen on the different Idli recipes I have on my blog.
A little about Split Green Moong Dal
Moong or green gram are small olive-green bean that has a sweet flavour, soft texture and are easy to digest. Green gram is available in many forms. They are whole, split, the de-husked (yellow moong dal) and this split green moong dal with the husk intact.
A little about Split Urad Dal (Black Gram)
Black gram or Urad dal is rich in iron and protein and acts as an excellent energy booster. Skinned and split urad dal is creamy white in texture. When boiled it forms a sticky texture, but when tempered with the right spices it is one of the best accompaniment to rotis and rice. It is one of my favourite dal’s.
Split Green Moong Dal Idli (Rice Free Idli)
Split Green Moong Dal idli is a favourite of my dad and a favourite of mine too. These idlis are less in carbs than compared to the normal Idli. This Split Green Moong Dal Idli are rich in protein and dietary fibre. Loaded with essential vitamins and is vegan and gluten-free.
The idli’s come out very soft. You can check the texture for yourself. They are very light on the tummy and can be enjoyed with some spicy chutney and sambar or just plain with some Idli podi and ghee or Vellulli Karam podi (Spicy Garlic & Red Chilly Powder) and oil.
Texture of Moong Dal Idli
Just like regular idlis, green moong dal idlis are steamed, giving them that signature light and airy texture. You can see the texture below.
If you’re used to the mild, neutral taste of traditional rice idlis, green moong dal idlis bring a refreshing change. The dal lends a nutty, slightly earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with spicy chutneys or tangy sambars.
Fermenting Idli Dosa Batter
Idli dosa batter can be made at home. It is not rocket science, but a few tips and tricks and you would get the perfect fermented batter every time. Even if you are staying in a cold climate. I live where the weather is below 0 or at the max 10 throughout the year, except for the summer season if we are fortunate. But still, I do make my batter at home successfully. Follow the tips and tricks mentioned in this post on how to Successfully Ferment the Batter in Cold Climate.
Serving Suggestions
Green moong dal idlis, with their earthy and nutty flavor, complement a variety of traditional and modern accompaniments. Pair them with classic Coconut Chutney, Tomato chutney, Coriander Chutney, Spicy Red chutney, Sambhar or podi.
A simple drizzle of warm ghee over freshly steamed idlis is a simple yet indulgent way to enjoy their natural flavours.
Idli Recipes on my blog:
Split Green Moong Dal Idli | No Rice Idli
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Urad Dal
- 3 cup Split Green Moong Dal
- Salt (Around 4-5 teaspoon)
- 1-2 tbsp Oil (For greasing Idli Moulds)
Instructions
Idli Batter
- Wash the Dal's nicely 3-4 times until the water runs clear.3 cup Split Green Moong Dal, 1 Cup Urad Dal
- Soak them in enough water (Double the quantity) for 4-5 hours.
- Drain the water and give the dal a good rinse again.
- Traditionally people use to use the same water and not discard it.
- I discard the water to remove traces of pesticides if at all.
- Grind the dal's to a fine consistency.
- Pour the batter in a large container/pot, as the batter needs space to ferment.
- Add Salt and mix it nicely in circular motion, for 2-3 minutes.Salt
- Keep it in a warm location for 8-9 hours, preferably overnight in a warm location.
- The next morning the batter is well fermented.
- If you are struggling to get your batter fermented, follow this tips and tricks.
Preparing of the Green Split Moong Dal Idli’s
- Fill a large pot Fill pot with water, or your Idli pot with water.
- Make sure that the base of idli stand is well above the water level when kept inside it.
- Keep the water to boil.
- In the mean time grease the Idli Stand with little oil (just rub it with your fingers). I use just a drop of oil for each.1-2 tbsp Oil
- If you have not added salt, add salt in the batter.
- Adjust the consistency of the batter if required. Idli batter is of dropping consistency but not runny.
- With the help of a spoon fill the moulds of the Idli Stand.
- Once the water starts boiling, immerse the Idli stand in it, and close the lid.
- Cook the idli’s for a minimum of 10-12 minutes.
- Idlis should be done.
- To test prick a knife or a toothpick, it should come out clean. If not let it cook for another 4-5 mins.
- Remove it from the pot, and separate each of the stand layers, and let it cool for minute.
- Remove them with the help of a spoon, they come out easily.
- Yummy Green Split Moong Dal Idli’s are ready.
- Enjoy it with Coconut Corainder Chutney and Sambar.
Notes
- 1 Cup = 235 ml, 1 tablespoon= 15 ml, 1 teaspoon = 5 ml
- Any size cup can be used. Just use the same ratio of lentils.
- For people in cold climate or facing issues with fermenting the batter, check out my detail post here on how to Successfully Ferment the Batter in Cold Climate
Heading
This post first appeared on my blog on 8th May 2019. Today 2nd Feb 2025, I am updating the pics and a bit of content. Recipe remains the same. I will upload the video soon on my YouTube channel.
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Jayashree T Rao
Sunday 2nd of March 2025
Nice idlis without rice. I too make these but in a different proportion. Will try this version sometime soon.
Priya Vj
Wednesday 12th of February 2025
A very nice option for diabetic people .I liked the texture and sponginess in the idlis when I made it last week.
Priya Srinivasan
Thursday 6th of February 2025
Idli's are my favorite, love this No rice idli with green moong! Great texture on the idli renu, looks soft and fluffy. Very good alternative for diabetics and calorie conscious!
Seema
Thursday 6th of February 2025
The idlies ith split moong dal turned out so fluffy and soft. I as quite pleased with the result.
Kalyani
Thursday 6th of February 2025
No rice idli and loaded with proteins looks so good, Renu. This is going to be loved at home when I try it soon