Mini Pesto Idlis with Olive Cream Cheese Dip

by Tarla Dalal

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A totally off-beat use for idli batter! The Mini Pesto Idlis are made by combining idli batter with the famous Italian pesto sauce, made of basil, garlic and walnuts.

The pesto sauce gives the mini idlis a nutty and herby taste, which we have perked up further with a dash of chilli flakes.

This unique and super-tasty snack is served with a lusciously creamy dip made of olives, cream and cheeses. The olives add a zesty dimension to an otherwise creamy dip.

You can prepare the dip and refrigerate it before, but serve the Mini Pesto Idlis with Olive Cream Cheese Dip immediately after you steam the idlis.

You can try other variations also like Mini Idlis in Coconut Sauce , Moong Dal and Spinach Idli , Oats Rava Idli , Idli Curry , Nutritious Vegetable Idli , Idli Chilli and Stuffed Potato Idli .

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Mini Pesto Idlis with Olive Cream Cheese Dip recipe - How to make Mini Pesto Idlis with Olive Cream Cheese Dip

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Preparation Time: 10 mins Cooking Time: 25 mins Total Time: 35 mins 8Makes 8 servings
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Ingredients

For The Pesto Sauce
1 cup basil leaves , torn into pieces
2 tbsp walnuts (akhrot)
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic (lehsun)
salt to taste

For The Olive Cream Cheese Dip
2 tbsp finely chopped black olives
1/2 cup grated paneer (cottage cheese)
1 tbsp fresh cream
1 tbsp milk
2 tbsp cheese spread
salt to taste

Other Ingredients
1 cup readymade idli batter
1/2 tsp dry red chilli flakes (paprika)

Method

For the olive cream cheese dip

Combine the paneer, fresh cream, milk, cheese spread and salt in a mixer and blend till smooth.
Transfer the mixture into a bowl, add the black olives and mix well.
Refrigerate till use.

For the pesto

Combine all the ingredients along with approx. 1 tbsp of water in a mixer and blend till smooth.

How to proceed

Combine the idli batter, pesto sauce, chilli flakes and salt in a deep bowl and mix well.
Pour a little batter into each greased mini idli moulds and steam in a steamer for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool, demould.
Repeat step 2 to steam more idlis in 1 more batch.
Serve immediately with olive cream cheese dip.

Nutrient values per serving

Energy	103 cal
Protein	2.8 g
Carbohydrates	3.9 g
Fiber	0.4 g
Fat	8.3 g
Cholesterol	3.7 mg
Vitamin A	74.9 mcg
Vitamin B1	-0.1 mg
Vitamin B2	-0.1 mg
Vitamin B3	0 mg
Vitamin C	0.3 mg
Folic Acid	2.8 mcg
Calcium	56 mg
Iron	0.2 mg
Magnesium	0 mg
Phosphorus	0 mg
Sodium	45.9 mg
Potassium	19.4 mg
Zinc	0.2 mg