Sama chawal is not actually rice but a seed and is a very popular ingredient in India. It is used in recipes for many dishes eaten during religious fasting seasons. Just like Sama Chawal Idli or Vrat Ki Idli – a unique variation of South Indian idlis. These are not made with regular rice but sama. Therefore, this is the perfect dish choice for your fast or fast or even on weekdays. Vegan, gluten-free and nutritious recipes.
What is Sama
While you may see this ingredient in many recipes as sama chawal or sama rice, this is definitely not rice but a healthy grain.
These tiny round grains are known as “barley” or “Japanese millet” in English and as “vari”, “samo”, “sanwa”, “varai”, “swang” or “japanese millet” in other regional Indian languages. ‘samwa’, these small, round grains are packed with health benefits. Plus, it's rich in natural fiber, gluten-free, and a vegan option.
The grain is grown in several regions of India, China, Japan and Korea and is suitable for both human consumption and animal feed. Its origins are believed to date back to 2000 BC during Japan's Jomon period.
Given its composition, it is best suited for making dishes suitable for the vrat season in India. Like this Sama Chawal Idli, there are many other delicious dishes that can be prepared using sama. In addition to being an excellent source of fiber, sarma is rich in protein and low in calories, making it ideal for diabetics.
About Sama Chawal Idli Hotel
This Vrat Ki Idli is a fermented idli recipe using sama/vari rice or barnyard millet, which is a commonly used grain during fasting in India. I have made these idlis many times during Navratri too and I serve them with onion-free, garlic-free coconut chutney. The meal was delicious and filling.
Apart from samo or sama chawal, I have also added sabudana or sago/tapioca pearls in this Sama Chawal Idli recipe. So these are not your usual idlis. So, you can't really expect them to be soft and fluffy like regular idlis. Not hard either, just not comparable to the softness of the idlis made with rice and urad dal.
On fasting days, I prefer to eat foods that are filling, but also light, healthy, and provide energy. Sama Chawal Idli is one of the best options. The batter is left to ferment overnight. This will give off a pleasant aroma the next day. For fermentation, I added baking soda, which made the idli rise while steaming.
More information about Sama Chawal Idli
Variation of the Vari Rice Idli recipe can be made by adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of curd (yoghurt) and then baking soda before making the idlis.
You can also make khatta dhokla using the same batter. To make dhokla, you have to add ½ cup of sour curd to the grated batter, mix well and let it ferment overnight. Before preparation, add 1 teaspoon fruit salt (Eno) and leave the batter to steam. With this you will have a lovely Dokra.
Since I don't like the soapy smell of baking soda in Sama Chawal Idli, I always add less; that is, just a couple of pinches into the batter. You can even add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon baking soda if that's okay with you.
Apart from this specialty idli, you can also make various other dishes with sama – Sama Kyle, Fra K Utapam, Sama Chichidi and even Samapurao.Also, if you are planning to fast during Navratri, you can refer to this helpful compilation Navratri recipes and vrat rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Low moisture in the water may be one of the reasons. The batter should be of medium consistency or slightly thick like idli batter, but not too thick. Make sure to soak the sabudana well. You can also slightly increase the amount of baking soda for softer, fluffier idlis.
You can also make these idlis without baking soda. However, in this case, the idlis are slightly thicker but still taste good. If you can use fruit salt (Eno), it is also a substitute.
Yes, of course you can do it.
More fasting recipes to try!
Navratri and fasting recipes
Navratri and fasting recipes
Perfect Sabudana Khichdi Recipe (Suitable for Fasting or Vrat)
Navratri and fasting recipes
Navratri and fasting recipes
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Samak Chavalki Idli
Vrat ki idli recipe – idli is made without rice and you can make it during fasting or on weekdays.
Preparation time 9 Hour
cooking time 10 minute
total time 9 Hour 10 minute
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Place sama ke chawal and sabudana in a bowl.
Then rinse well and soak in enough water for 3 hours.
Drain and grind in a wet grinder.
No need to add water as the sago grains will absorb enough water to aid grinding. But if you can't grind it in a grinder, just add 2-3 teaspoons of water.
The consistency of the batter may be a little grainy.
Put the batter into a bowl and ferment for 8-9 hours or overnight.
Before preparing, add salt to the batter and mix well.
Heat water in a steamer or rice cooker.
Add the baking soda to the batter and mix well.
Pour the batter into a greased idli mold.
Place in a steamer or rice cooker.
Steam the idlis for 8-10 minutes or until cooked.
Serve sama ke idlis hot or warm with your favorite coconut chutney
This Sama Chawal Idli recipe from the archives was first published in February 2013. Updated and republished in March 2024.
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