Indian Steamed Rice Cakes

Called idli, these little steamed breads are often served for breakfast alongside lentil sambar in southern India. Idli are made with a variety of ingredients—from complicated fermented rice and lentil concoctions to simple preparations like this one, made with plain farina (such as Cream of Wheat). Idli are traditionally steamed in purpose-built metal molds, but it’s much easier to microwave them in ramekins.