Oondi
A traditional Mangalorean breakfast delicacy, Oondi are soft, savory steamed rice dumplings. Made from coarsely ground rice, tempered with classic South Indian spices, and enriched with fresh coconut, they offer a light yet satisfying meal. Typically served warm with a side of spicy coconut chutney or sambar.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Soak and Grind the Rice
- b.Wash the dosa rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in ample water for at least 4 to 6 hours.
- c.After soaking, drain all the water completely.
- d.Transfer the soaked rice to a grinder or mixie jar. Add approximately 1/2 cup of fresh water and grind to a coarse, semolina-like (rava) texture. It's crucial not to make a smooth paste.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Tempering
- b.Heat coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter, which should take about 30 seconds.
- d.Add the urad dal and chana dal. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn a light golden brown.
- e.Add the finely chopped green chilies, curry leaves, and hing. Sauté for another 30 seconds until the curry leaves turn crisp and aromatic.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Dough
- b.Lower the heat and carefully pour the coarse rice batter into the pan with the tempering.
- c.Immediately add 2.5 cups of water, the grated coconut, and salt. Stir everything together quickly to ensure there are no lumps.
- d.Cook on a medium-low flame, stirring continuously. The mixture will begin to thicken.
- e.Continue cooking and stirring for about 8-10 minutes. The mixture will form a single, thick, non-sticky dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shape the Dumplings
- b.Turn off the heat and transfer the dough to a plate. Let it cool for 5-7 minutes, until it's just cool enough to handle.
- c.Grease your palms with a little oil. Take a small, lemon-sized portion of the dough.
- d.Roll it between your palms to form a smooth, crack-free ball.
- e.Gently press your thumb in the center of each ball to create a small indent. This unique shape helps in even steaming. Repeat for all the dough.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Steam the Oondi
- b.Grease a steamer plate or idli molds with oil. Arrange the shaped dumplings on the plate, ensuring they have some space between them.
- c.Place the plate in a steamer with boiling water. Cover and steam for 12-15 minutes on medium heat.
- d.The oondi are perfectly cooked when they appear glossy and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- e.Turn off the heat and let them rest in the steamer for 2-3 minutes before removing.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the Oondi hot, accompanied by a traditional coconut chutney, sambar, or a spicy pickle.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The key to perfect Oondi is the texture of the ground rice – it must be coarse like semolina (rava), not a fine paste.
- 2Stir the batter continuously while cooking the dough to avoid lumps and ensure it cooks evenly.
- 3The dough is ready when it forms a single mass and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the pan.
- 4Greasing your palms with a little oil or ghee makes shaping the dumplings easy and prevents sticking.
- 5The small indent in the center of the oondi is characteristic and helps them to steam evenly and thoroughly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Quick Version
Instead of soaking and grinding rice, use 1.5 cups of coarse rice rava (idli rava). Mix it with 2.5 cups of hot water, coconut, and salt, let it rest for 15 minutes, then add the tempering and proceed with shaping and steaming.
Vegetable OondiVegetable Oondi
Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped vegetables like carrots, French beans, or peas to the dough before cooking for added nutrition and color.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies or add 1-2 chopped dried red chilies to the tempering for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Sustained Energy Release
The complex carbohydrates from rice provide a steady supply of energy, making it an excellent breakfast to start your day without causing sharp blood sugar spikes.
Gut-Friendly & Easy to Digest
Being steamed and made from simple ingredients, Oondi is light on the digestive system. The soaking process for the rice also makes it easier to digest.
Source of Healthy Fats
Fresh coconut is a good source of Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), which are healthy fats that are easily metabolized by the body for energy.
Naturally Gluten-Free
Made entirely from rice, this dish is a safe and delicious option for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Oondi (about 5 pieces) contains approximately 350-400 calories, primarily from the complex carbohydrates in rice and healthy fats from the coconut.