Looking for a simple yet fun way to add a little Holi spirit to your kid’s lunchbox? This quick hack transforms a basic idli into a rainbow idli, which in the eyes of a kid makes it ten times more appetizing and fun of course!. I learned the power of colourful foods when my kids were pretty young, and have been making them multi-colour paranthe for years. This year I wanted to do something special but easy for Holi, enter rainbow idli.
When the idea first popped into my head I did a quick google search and found a few different methods for making a rainbow idli, and most of the decorative ones were made by using multiple pastry bags. I’ve tried to keep it really simple and used spoonfuls of coloured idli batter to create random patterns. My version of rainbow idli isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty!
RAINBOW IDLI: HOW TO
Start with a about 2-3 cups of idli batter. You can use a homemade batter if you have a recipe you love, or you can use a mix. (I use an instant idli mix by Gits).
Separate the batter into 3 bowls and dye each section with the colour of your choice. I used gel based food colouring for recipe.
Create random patterns using spoonfuls of batter.
Steam as usual
Plate and serve rainbow idli
The easiest way to serve idli is with a chutney. Kids usually love coconut chutney, or you can try my spicy peanut butter chutney recipe – it is my favourite! Of course, you can also serve these rainbow idli with sambar if your kids like it.
I love the idea of surprising kids with rainbow idli in their lunchbox on Holi, it’s not possible to smile after seeing these! Plus, if you live anywhere cold like I do, it might be snowing on Holi and making rainbow idli is a much easier feat than playing Holi in the snow I would think!
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What are your kid’s favourite ‘fun’ foods? Have you tried making any rainbow recipes. Share your colourful foodie experiments, leave a comment!
PS: How to make a rainbow balloon wall, thoughts on learning gardening, and a little about my blog post process
can you recommend a gel based food color? im in USA