28th June 2014 was the 100th anniversary of an event of great importance for the world. It
evidenced technological and scientific breakthroughs, changes in population structures, and
widespread re-alignment of the human geography of the world. This day also marks the end
of several empires and also resulted in the deaths of millions worldwide.
One of the less-appreciated but popular consequences of the events of that fateful Sunday in
1914 is the Rava idly… soft, pillowy roundels that can be made instantly with minimalistic
ingredients.
The Austro-Hungarian Empire was a collection of ethnic groups and nationalities that were
mutually hostile. The collection had many factors to contend with – many different
languages, religions, and ethnicities. Each group wanted power over its own land, but these
forces were somehow pushed to the background.
The historical resentments blew up on 28 June 1914 when a 19-year-old Serb, Gavrilo
Princip, and a group of his friends, under an organization called Black Hand, assassinated
Archduke Franz Ferdinand (heir to the Austria-Hungary throne) and his wife Sophie. This
triggered a whole lot of events that culminated in the Great War (also known as World War I)
of 1914-1918.
Eventually, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was dissolved, and a defeated Germany was
further humiliated by having to pay reparations for the losses it inflicted on its neighbors’
who were members of the Allied nations.
Most of Germany’s wealth production went towards payments for the reparation. Alongside
these happenings, the world economy exploded resulting in worldwide loss of money
overnight. Poverty and hunger were widespread.
This led to large-scale human migrations and Germany, already under economic stress,
suffered badly. There was widespread anger, resentment, and a call to return to national
dignity. It was in this climate that Adolf Hitler rose to power.
World War II (1939-1945) re-shaped the human geography of the world in very complex
ways. During this time, India was under British rule. The Indian troops fought for the British
in this war. India, as a colony, bore a lot of the brunt of the conflict resulting in a severe
economic slowdown.
Rice was rationed. Wheat and wheat products were available which spurred a young
restaurateur of the time, Yajñanārāyana Maiya (founder of Mavalli Tiffin Room, popularly
called MTR) to experiment with semolina. He discovered a method of idly preparation using
semolina and curd. His experiments yielded excellent results and the Rava idly was born.
Rava Idli/Idly Recipe
Ingredients for Rava Idli:
To mix:
- Semolina /suji/Bombay rava 1 cup
- Thick Curd ¾ Cup
- Grated carrot 2 tbsp
- Finely chopped coriander 2 tbsp
- Enos fruit salt/cooking soda ¼ tsp
- Salt as required
For tempering:
- Oil 1 tbsp
- Mustard seeds ½ tsp
- Bengal gram dal/channa dal 1tsp
- Black gram dal/udad dal 1tsp
- Ginger finely chopped 1 tsp
- Curry leaves few
- Green chilly 1 finely chopped
- Cashew broken few
Preparation Method:
- Mix all the ingredients except the enos fruit salt/soda into a smooth pouring thick batter.
- Set aside for 1 hour.
- Now mix again and check for consistency. If too thick add some water and beat well.
- Heat oil in a tempering ladle or a heavy-bottomed pan. Add mustard and when it splutters add the dals.
- When the dals become brown add asafoetida, cashew, curry leaves, chilly, and ginger. Switch off the flame.
- Add to the batter and mix well. Pour the batter into greased idly moulds and steam for 15 minutes.
NOTE
- You can increase the quantity of carrots and coriander.
- Steaming time is more than normal fermented idlies.
- Use fresh curd for white idlies. Sour curds could make the idlies creamy yellow in colour.
Vegetable Sagu Recipe
Ingredients for Vegetable Sagu:
- Vegetable cubed 1 cup(beans,peas,carrot,potato)
- Onion chopped 1/2 cup
- Oil 1 tbsp
- Mustard seeds 1tsp
- Udad dal /black gram dal ½ tsp
- Cumin/jeera 1 /2 tsp
- Turmeric ¼ tsp
- Salt to taste
To grind:
- Cashews-10 Pcs
- Toasted Gram 1 Tbsp
- Coconut grated 2 tbsp
- Green Chilly 3
- Ginger 1 Inch Piece
- Onion 1 Medium
- Clove 3
- Cinnamon 1 Inch Piece
- Black Pepper ½ Tsp
- Coriander Leaves Finely Chopped 2 Tbsp
Preparation Method:
- Grind all ingredients listed above for grinding into a smooth paste
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan.
- Temper with mustard seeds, urad dal, cumin seeds & curry leaves
- Add finely chopped onions and fry till they turn translucent.
- Add the cubed vegetables and sauté lightly. Sprinkle little water, cover, and
- Cook till soft with turmeric.
- Add the ground paste, mix well, and bring to a slow boil stirring constantly.
- Add the required salt and simmer for 5 minutes. If too thick add little water.
- Serve hot with rava idlies.
