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Idiyappam (String Hoppers)

South Indian · Main

A popular South Indian and Sri Lankan breakfast dish consisting of delicate, steamed rice flour noodles served with coconut milk or spicy curries.

IntermediateVeganVegetarian
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Idiyappam (String Hoppers) — recipe cover
35 minA little patience, a lot of flavor
Prep time15 min
Cook time20 min
Servings4 people
DifficultyIntermediate
Let's make something good

How to make it

6 steps. Take it one step at a time.

  1. Bring the water, salt, and coconut oil

    In a saucepan, bring the water, salt, and coconut oil to a rolling boil at 100°C (212°F).

    5 min
  2. Place the rice flour

    Place the rice flour in a large mixing bowl. Gradually pour the boiling water into the flour, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft dough forms.

  3. Knead it briefly

    Once the dough is cool enough to handle, knead it briefly until it is smooth and non-sticky. Keep it covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.

    2 min
  4. Grease the idiyappam steamer plates or idli plates

    Grease the idiyappam steamer plates or idli plates with a little oil. Sprinkle a small amount of grated coconut on each plate if desired.

  5. Fill the idiyappam press

    Fill the idiyappam press with the dough. Squeeze the dough in a circular motion onto the greased plates to form small noodle nests.

  6. Steam the hoppers

    Steam the hoppers in a preheated steamer for 8-10 minutes over medium-high heat. Let them sit for a minute before removing them from the plates.

    10 min

A little kitchen wisdom

Ensure the water is boiling hot when adding it to the flour to ensure the dough is soft. If the dough is too dry, it will be difficult to press through the idiyappam maker.

What you'll need

Idiyappam press (string hopper maker)SteamerMixing bowlSaucepan
Keep the good going

For now. And for later.

Make it ahead

The dough must be used immediately while warm. Cooked idiyappam can be steamed briefly to reheat.

Store & enjoy

Store in an airtight container to keep them soft. Steam for 2 minutes to restore texture; do not microwave as they may become rubbery.

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An AI-created recipe from the EZdish collection. Ingredient quantities and techniques have not been independently kitchen-tested. Published on this website . Updated . First published in the EZdish collection .

Idiyappam (String Hoppers)
Step 1 of 6

Bring the water, salt, and coconut oil

In a saucepan, bring the water, salt, and coconut oil to a rolling boil at 100°C (212°F).

5 min