Sama Rice Idli is a soft, steamed, gluten-free Indian breakfast made with barnyard millet and yogurt. During Indian fasting days like Navratri, Sama Rice Idli is commonly prepared as a light and nourishing alternative to regular rice idli.
This fasting-friendly Sama Rice Idli recipe contains no onion, no garlic, and no regular rice, making it ideal for clean eating, plant-based diets, and sensitive digestion.
📝A Gentle Bowl of Comfort
During Indian fasting periods such as Navratri, many families switch to lighter, grain-free or millet-based meals that are easy to digest and naturally gluten-free. One such ingredient is Sama rice, also known internationally as barnyard millet or little millet.
While traditional South Indian idlis are made with rice and lentils, this fasting-friendly version replaces regular rice with millet and skips onion and garlic entirely. The result? Soft, steamed cakes that feel comforting yet light on the stomach.
Whether you’re observing a fast, following a gluten-free diet, or simply exploring ancient grains, these Sama Rice Idlis are wholesome, satisfying, and beautifully simple.
🌿 What is Sama Rice?
Sama rice is not actually rice — it is a type of millet commonly consumed during Hindu fasting days. Internationally, it is labeled as:
- Barnyard Millet
- Little Millet
- Samo / Moraiyo (in some regions)
It cooks quickly, is easy to digest, and is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for sensitive digestion and clean eating lifestyles.
🥣 Ingredients
For the Idli Batter:
- 1 cup Sama rice (barnyard millet / little millet)
- ½ cup thick plain yogurt (curd)
- 1–2 tablespoons water (as needed)
- Rock salt (sendha namak), to taste
- ½ teaspoon fruit salt (ENO) – optional, for instant fluffiness
- 1 teaspoon ghee or neutral oil (for greasing moulds)
Optional Add-Ins (If allowed during fasting):
- 1 tablespoon grated coconut
- ½ teaspoon finely grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon crushed green chilli
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Method
1️⃣ Soak the Millet
Rinse the Sama rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 6–8 hours or overnight.
2️⃣ Prepare the Batter
Drain the soaked millet. Grind it with yogurt until smooth and pourable. Add a little water if needed to achieve a thick but flowing consistency (similar to pancake batter).
3️⃣ Season
Add rock salt and mix gently.
4️⃣ Add Fruit Salt (Optional Instant Method)
If you are not fermenting naturally, add fruit salt just before steaming. Mix gently without over-stirring.
5️⃣ Steam the Idlis
Lightly grease idli moulds with ghee or oil. Pour batter into each cavity.
Steam for 10–12 minutes on medium heat.
Insert a toothpick in the center — if it comes out clean, the idlis are ready.
6️⃣ Rest & Demould
Allow them to rest for 2 minutes before gently removing.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These soft millet idlis pair beautifully with:
- Fresh coconut chutney (without tempering during fasting)
- Lemon peanut chutney
- Yogurt or fox nut (makhana) raita
- A drizzle of melted ghee on top
It can also be served with:
- Mint yogurt dip
- Light tomato-free herb chutney
- Warm clarified butter and cracked pepper
🌿 Health & Wellness Benefits
✔ Naturally gluten-free
✔ Steamed, not fried
✔ Light and easy to digest
✔ Suitable for vegetarian and plant-based diets
✔ Gentle for sensitive digestion
✔ Ideal during fasting or detox-style meals
Millets like barnyard millet are also valued for being mineral-rich and sustaining energy without heaviness.
💡 Tips for Perfect Sama Rice Idli
- Do not make the batter too watery — thick consistency gives fluffy idlis.
- Steam on medium heat, not high.
- If skipping fruit salt, allow batter to rest in a warm place for mild fermentation (4–6 hours).
- For extra softness, add 1 tablespoon grated boiled potato to the batter (optional fasting variation).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. Replace yogurt with unsweetened plant-based yogurt.
Can I skip fruit salt?
Yes. Natural fermentation works well if given enough time.
Is Sama rice the same as regular rice?
No. It is a millet, not a grain like white rice.
Can I make it in a regular steamer or pot?
Yes. Any covered steaming setup works.