Okay, confession time: I’m a total sucker for idlis. Those soft, pillowy steamed rice cakes? I could eat them all day. As a food blogger, I’m always searching for gadgets that make whipping up authentic dishes easier in my own kitchen. So, when the Tabakh IC-206 6-Rack Stainless Steel Idli Cooker popped up on my radar, my interest was definitely piqued. I mean, let’s be honest, making idlis from scratch always felt like a bit of a project. Could this cooker actually simplify things?
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First Impressions: Shiny and Solid
Right out of the box, the Tabakh IC-206 just looked like it meant business. The stainless steel has a nice, clean gleam to it, and the handles felt surprisingly sturdy. You know how some kitchen gadgets feel flimsy? This wasn’t one of them. The six racks seemed like a good amount, promising a batch of 24 idlis – perfect for Sunday brunch with the family, or even a casual get-together with friends. And the fact that it’s dishwasher safe? Huge win! Less cleanup is always a good thing in my book.
Putting it to the Test: A Steamy Situation
I used my go-to idli batter recipe – the one my grandma swore by (a simple mix of urad dal and rice, fermented overnight, of course!). I carefully greased each of the idli molds, hoping to avoid any sticking disasters. The racks slotted neatly into the cooker, and there seemed to be plenty of room at the bottom for the water to do its steaming magic. I set the timer for 12 minutes, and waited with bated breath. The result? Well, it was a bit of a mixed bag, to be honest.
The upside? The idlis were wonderfully soft and fluffy – exactly what you want. And I was relieved that the stainless steel didn’t leave any weird metallic taste. Plus, the size of each idli was spot-on – just the right amount to soak up all that delicious sambar and chutney.
Now for the downside… despite my best greasing efforts, a few of the idlis decided to cling stubbornly to the molds. Maybe my batter was a tad too thick, I don’t know. But it’s definitely something to keep in mind. Also, those sturdy handles? They got HOT. Like, “grab an oven mitt immediately” hot.
Final Verdict: A Qualified Thumbs Up
So, where does that leave us? Overall, the Tabakh IC-206 is a pretty solid idli cooker. It’s well-made, easy enough to clean, and definitely capable of churning out some tasty idlis. But it’s not perfect. The sticking issue and those scorching handles are things to consider before you buy.
The Good Stuff:
- Feels strong and durable, thanks to the stainless steel.
- Makes a decent-sized batch of 24 idlis.
- Dishwasher safe – hooray!
- Delivers that soft, fluffy idli texture we all crave.
Watch Out For:
- Idlis might stick, so grease those molds like your life depends on it!
- Handles get seriously hot – oven mitts are your friend.
Would I tell you to buy it?
If you’re an idli fanatic and you’re looking for a more convenient way to make them at home, the Tabakh IC-206 is worth a look. Just be prepared to play around with your batter and greasing techniques to avoid any sticking situations. And seriously, don’t forget the oven mitts! Trust me on this one.