Soft Vegetable Idli

Steamed idli is soft enough to squash between finger and thumb, which makes it manageable as a finger food when cut into strips and served with soft vegetables alongside.

Ingredients

• 2 small idlis
• Soft cooked vegetables

Instructions

1. 1Steam 2 small idlis for 10–12 minutes, until risen, matte on top and springy when touched lightly.
2. 2Steam soft vegetables such as carrot, green beans or pumpkin alongside, until they crush easily between your fingers.
3. 3Let everything cool until barely warm, then cut each idli into finger-length strips about as wide as your own little finger — never into coins or rounds.
4. 4Cut the vegetables into long soft sticks in the same way, so one can be held in a fist with a little poking out of the top.
5. 5Check that every piece squashes when pressed, discard any firm ends, and sit with your baby for the whole meal.

Tip. A smear of soft dal on the side gives something to dip the strips into, or plain curd if your family eats dairy.