Idli or rice cake could solve some problems of wellness and nutrition in the country.

According the the recent breakfast survey done at 4 major metros in India, Idli-sambar came out on tops as the most nutritious breakfast. This combination won over other traditional foods like Parathas and Modern additions like Bread. A mix of rice and urad dal (White Lentil) , the Idli is an ideal mix of protien, fat andcarbohydrates with the Sambar providing vitamins and minerals.

Needless to say Chennai (madras) came out tops as the city where almost 60 % of those surveyed consumed breakfast. Interestingly most of the nation did not consume breakfast or did not consume enough of it.

Food from Kolkatta was considered too high in Maida, while the one from Delhi was high in Oil. Mumbai does not have traditional breakfast and most people consume bread.

The research was sponsored by Kellogg s who have been trying for last 20 years to get some foothold in the Indian breakfast table.

Interestingly Tamilnadu chief Minister Dr Jayalalitha inaugurated a corporation run restaurant earlier this year which would serve Idli-Sambar for Rs 10. 13 such outlets were opened in February and there were plans to open 100 more in the year. For more on that story please read here.

Historically Idli was first mentioned by the Kannada historian and King Someshwara III in 1170 AD. It seems to have been influenced by the Indonesian style of steam cooking.

For those keen to learn how to cook this dish do check out this You tube video.

So can the humble idli solve our nutrition issues? Should the north adopt this super star of the south Indian kitchen ?

as always comments and concerns welcome….