Dairy-Free Idiyappam (String Hoppers)

Delight in the wholesome simplicity of **Dairy-Free Idiyappam (String Hoppers)**, a classic South Indian dish that's naturally vegan, gluten-free, and utterly versatile. Made with just four pantry-friendly ingredients—rice flour, water, salt, and a touch of oil—this recipe transforms into delicate, lace-like noodles with a silky texture that's perfect for soaking up flavorful accompaniments. Crafted using a traditional idiyappam press and gently steamed for lightness, this quick and easy dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings or relaxed dinners. Pair these soft, melt-in-your-mouth string hoppers with creamy coconut milk, spiced curries, or jaggery-sweetened coconut for a comforting meal that celebrates authenticity and dietary inclusivity.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Rice flour
• 2.5 cups Water
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 tablespoon Oil (any neutral oil or coconut oil)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring 2.5 cups of water to a boil.

Step 2

Add salt and oil to the boiling water to season and lightly grease the mixture.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to low, and slowly add the rice flour into the water, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.

Step 4

Continue stirring until the rice flour absorbs the water and forms a smooth dough, about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should pull away from the sides of the pan easily.

Step 5

Turn off the heat and cover the dough with a lid. Allow the dough to cool slightly until it's comfortable to handle.

Step 6

While the dough is cooling, prepare the idiyappam press or a regular murukku press with the idiyappam mold disc attached.

Step 7

Grease the idiyappam plates or steaming plates lightly with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Once the dough is cool enough to handle, knead it briefly to ensure it's smooth and without cracks.

Step 9

Divide the dough into small portions and fill the idiyappam press with one portion at a time.

Step 10

Press the dough onto the greased idiyappam plates in a circular motion to form thin, noodle-like swirls.

Step 11

Stack the idiyappam plates in a steamer, ensuring there is enough space for steam circulation, or arrange them in a single layer if using separate plates.

Step 12

Bring water to a boil in a steamer or idli pot, and once boiling, place the stacked plates carefully and cover with a lid.

Step 13

Steam the idiyappam for 8-10 minutes or until they are firm and cooked through but still soft.

Step 14

Once done, remove the plates from the steamer and allow the idiyappam to cool slightly before removing them from the plates.

Step 15

Serve warm with your choice of side dish like coconut milk, curry, or sweetened coconut.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(933g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1268.1

Total Fat 17.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1198mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 251.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.3g	0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 24.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 62.3mg	0%
Iron 2.1mg	0%
Potassium 200.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 12.3%

Protein: 7.9%

Carbs: 79.8%