See Kanchipuram Idli recipe. Kanchipuram Idli is a special variety of Idli that is loaded with spices. It has the strong flavour of pepper and cumin seeds, which together with the crunch of roasted cashewnuts and chana dal makes it a real delight to devour. This recipe is named so, because it is said to have originated in the kitchens of the Sri Varadharaja Swamy temple in Kanchipuram, where it is still prepared as a daily offering.

Is Kanchipuram Idli healthy?

No, this idli is not healthy. Made from urad dal, par boiled rice, rice and spices. 

Let's understand the Ingredients.

What's good.

Urad Dal : 1 cup of cooked urad dal gives 69.30% of folic acid of your daily requirement of folate.  The folic acid in urad dal helps your body to produce and maintain new cells, especially red blood cells. Being rich in Phosphorus it works with Calcium to build our bones, high in fibre and good for heart, good for lowering cholesterol and good for diabetes. See here for 10 super benefits of urad dal. 

What's the problem?

Parboiled Rice (Ukda Chawal) : Parboiled Rice is also known as ukda chawal. The parboiled rice is made with the rice grain soaked, steamed and dried with the hull and finally the hull is removed. In the process of steaming water soluble B Vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin and niacin from the bran integrate into the grain, thus making parboiled rice superior to white rice. A smart option to use parboiled rice effectively would be to combine with a pulse to get a high quality protein. A cereal-pulse combo like in case of idli (parboiled rice with urad dal) would serve as a complete protein comprising of all the 9 essential amino acids that your body requires. And then to make up for the fiber, add veggies to your idli and serve it with coconut chutney. Read is white rice and parboiled rice good for you?

Rice : Here are the pros for rice. Rice is a great source of complex carbohydrates, which is an important source of energy for our body. Rice is low in fibre and therefore a good option for people suffering from diarrhoea. What's not good in rice. Foods like rice are high in Glycemic index are not suitable for weight loss, heart patients,  diabetics as they affect the blood sugar control levels. See details of is white rice and parboiled rice good for you?

Can diabetics, heart patients and over weight individuals have Kanchipuram Idli ?

No, this recipe uses rice and par boiled rice which will shoot up your blood sugar levels. 

Can healthy individuals have Kanchipuram Idli?

Not suggested if you want to eat clean. Too much carbohydrates in the recipe. 

What is a healthier option to Kanchipuram Idli?

Opt for a dal and vegetable idli recipe  or barley idli which has no rice. Serve it with a healthy sambar or coconut chutney. 

How to burn 89 calories that come from Kanchipuram Idli?

Walking (6 kmph) = 27 mins

Running (11 kmph) = 9 mins

Cycling (30 kmph) = 12 mins       

Swimming (2 kmph) = 15 mins

Note: These values are approximate and calorie burning differs in each individual.