🍜 String Hoppers (Idiyappam)

🍜 String Hoppers (Idiyappam) – Step-by-Step Recipe

📌 Introduction

String Hoppers (known as Idiyappam in Tamil) are a soft, steamed noodle-like dish made from rice flour.
They are light, healthy, and usually served with coconut milk, dhal curry, or pol sambol.

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📝 Ingredients (for 4 people)

• Rice flour – 2 cups

• Boiling water – about 1 to 1 ½ cups (adjust as needed)

• Salt – ½ teaspoon

• Grated coconut – optional (for extra softness)

• Oil – 1 teaspoon (optional, prevents sticking)

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🥣 Preparation Steps

Step 1 – Roast Rice Flour (Optional but Recommended)

1. Heat a pan on low flame.

2. Dry roast the rice flour for 3–4 minutes (until slightly warm).
   👉 This makes the string hoppers soft and prevents stickiness.

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Step 2 – Make the Dough

1. Place rice flour in a mixing bowl.

2. Add salt.

3. Gradually pour in hot boiling water while mixing with a spoon.

4. When slightly cooled, knead with clean hands until a smooth, non-sticky dough forms.
   👉 Dough should be soft but not watery.

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Step 3 – Shape the String Hoppers

1. Grease the string hopper press (sev maker / idiyappam maker) with a little oil.

2. Place a portion of dough inside.

3. Press out thin noodle-like strings onto round string hopper mats (or banana leaf / idli plates) in a circular motion.

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Step 4 – Steam the String Hoppers

1. Heat water in a steamer.

2. Place the prepared mats/plates with string hoppers inside.

3. Steam for 5–7 minutes until cooked.
   👉 You can test by touching – they should not feel sticky.

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Step 5 – Serve Hot

• Remove string hoppers carefully from mats.

• Serve with:

  • Kiri Hodi (coconut milk curry)

  • Dhal Curry

  • Pol Sambol

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🍽️ Tips for Perfect String Hoppers

• Always use boiling water (not warm) to make soft dough.

• If dough is too dry → add a little more hot water.

• If dough is too sticky → sprinkle some roasted rice flour.

• Cook in small batches for best texture.