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paneer moong dal no rice idli in idli plate

Paneer Moong Dal Idli (No Rice, High Protein Instant Idli Recipe)

Jyoti Behrani
Soft, fluffy, and protein-rich paneer moong dal idlis made without rice or fermentation. This healthy instant idli recipe uses moong dal, paneer, and a flavorful tempering for a light yet satisfying breakfast or snack.
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Soaking Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine Indian
Servings 12
Calories 124 kcal

Ingredients
  

For Idli Batter

  • 1 cup yellow moong dal split, skinless
  • ½ cup paneer grated or crumbled
  • ½ cup yogurt curd
  • 1-2 green chilies
  • 1 teaspoon ginger grated
  • handful of fresh coriander stems
  • 10-12 fresh curry leaves (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon fruit salt eno or ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1-2 tbsp water as needed

For Tempering

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
  • 1 tablespoon grated carrots
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped spinach

For Garnish

  • 10-12 roasted cashews halved

Instructions
 

  • Wash and soak yellow moong dal for 3-4 hours, until double in volume.
  • Drain and grind dal with paneer, yogurt, ginger, green chilies, coriander stems, and curry leaves(optional) into a smooth yet slightly coarse batter.
  • In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons oil. Add mustard seeds, chana dal, urad dal, cumin seeds, and a pinch of asafetida. Let the seeds splutter and the dals turn lightly golden and aromatic.
  • Transfer the batter to a bowl. Now pour the prepared tempering into the batter and combine gently.
  • (Optional) Stir in vegetables like carrots, spinach, or coriander.
  • Grease the idli molds and place roasted cashews at the bottom of each mold.
    Bring water to a rolling boil in an idli steamer.
  • Just before steaming, add eno (fruit salt) or baking soda. Sprinkle about a tablespoon of water over it to activate, then gently fold it into the batter without overmixing.
    Pour batter into prepared molds. Steam for 6-8 minutes in an idli steamer or pressure cooker (without whistle) until cooked through.
  • Let the idlis rest for 2-3 minutes before demolding.
    Serve warm with chutney or sambar.

Notes

  • Add eno just before steaming for best fluffy texture
  • Do not overmix after adding eno
  • Batter should be thick but pourable
  • Slightly coarse batter gives soft yet structured idlis
  • You can skip yogurt and add 1-2 teaspoon lemon juice instead

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Paneer Moong Dal Idli (No Rice, High Protein Instant Idli Recipe)
Amount per Serving
Calories
124
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
5
g
8
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Trans Fat
 
0.01
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Cholesterol
 
7
mg
2
%
Sodium
 
25
mg
1
%
Potassium
 
30
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
 
12
g
4
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
7
g
14
%
Vitamin A
 
361
IU
7
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
66
mg
7
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

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