Fermented foods have long been praised for their health benefits, especially for gut health, due to their high probiotic content. Adding these fermented foods into your diet can aid digestion, boost metabolism, and even support weight loss. People often think of yogurt, kimchi, or sauerkraut when they hear fermented foods, but a lesser-known one is idli.
Idli is a fermented rice and lentil dish from India. It’s low in calories, rich in probiotics, and supports gut health.
It’s usually made with fermented batter of rice and black lentils. Originating from South India, it’s gaining widespread popularity for being a filling and nutritious breakfast item for those looking to lose weight. Read on to learn more about this underrated fermented food!
@bakinghermann Fluffy rice cakes made with a fermented rice & lentil batter Full recipe via link in bio #idli #indian #learnontiktok original sound – Julius Fiedler
Idli For Weight Loss
A medium-sized idli has around 70 calories, 15 grams of carbs, and around 2-5 grams of fiber.
Although recipes can vary, idli is also loaded with various vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin B1, and more.
The reason this simple fermented food can be beneficial for weight loss is because it’s generally low in calories.
Idli is also steamed instead of fried, which makes it a smart low-fat option. Due to their rice and lentil content, it provides a nice balance of protein and fiber. Protein can help boost metabolism and reduce appetite, while fiber helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer. The fermentation process of idli introduces good bacteria that can support gut health.
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Simple Idli Recipe
Julius Fiedler, a chef who shares plant-based dishes with his over 800K followers on the app, shows us how to make idli from scratch in the TikTok above.
Idli is usually served with sambar (a lentil-based veggie stew), coconut chutney, or yogurt, but as it makes its way into western cuisine, the possibilities can be endless!
