Idli is a popular South Indian dish consisting of soft, fluffy, steamed rice cakes made from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal (split black gram). The preparation starts with soaking rice and urad dal separately, then grinding them into a smooth batter and mixing them. The batter is left to ferment overnight or until it doubles in volume, resulting in a slightly tangy flavor and airy texture. The fermented batter is poured into idli molds and steamed until the cakes are cooked through and spongy. Idli is typically served hot with coconut chutney, sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew), and sometimes with spicy tomato chutney or sambar powder. It is a staple breakfast dish in South India, known for its light and nutritious qualities.