The Art of South Indian Fermentation: Transforming Rice and Lentils Into Traditional Idli

London
Idli are one of South India’s most beloved examples of natural fermentation. With just a few ingredients and the right process, rice and lentils are transformed into soft, nourishing steamed cakes that are a daily staple across the region.

While making Idli at home can seem tricky, in this course Julius Fiedler shares the practical techniques and fermentation knowledge he developed through his travels and research, helping you achieve consistently light and fluffy results.

During this hands-on session, participants will:

  • Learn how to prepare a naturally fermented Idli batter from scratch
  • Understand the principles of successful fermentation
  • Master the techniques for steaming perfectly soft Idli 

To complete the dish, Julius will also demonstrate two classic South Indian accompaniments:

  • Sambar – a fragrant lentil and vegetable stew
  • Coconut Chutney – a fresh, cooling chutney that perfectly balances the warm sambar and soft Idli

This course is ideal for anyone interested in plant-based cooking, fermentation, and South Indian cuisine, whether you're new to fermentation or looking to refine your skills.

Julius' award-winning book Naturally Vegan is also available to purchase at Le Cordon Bleu London. 

Included in the price:

  • 3-hour group practical lesson
  • Recipe booklet
  • Apron
  • Tea towel
  • All ingredients
  • All cooking equipment and teaching resources are provided in our kitchen for use on the day.

What you need to bring:

  • Sensible, flat-soled shoes. Open toes are not advised
  • Tupperware to transport your products home


Purchasing as a gift?

Are you looking to purchase this course as a gift for someone, but you're not sure if the dates are suitable or whether this is the right course for them? You can alternatively purchase a Gift Card to the value of this course or a value of your choosing. The Gift Card can be redeemed against this course, any of our other short courses (subject to availability), or at La Boutique and Café Le Cordon Bleu London.

Price: 165.00£

Duration: 3 hours

After moving to the UK from Germany in 2017, Julius’ career in food began to take flight during the Covid pandemic, when he hosted free online sourdough baking classes under the name “Baking Hermann” (German bakers often call their sourdough starter Hermann in tribute to the namesake friendship cake). He then went on to become one of Jamie’s food stylists at Jamie Oliver HQ, before deciding to focus on his own food channels. His videos now attract millions of views across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and explore traditional dishes from around the world that just happen to be vegan, many of which he learns directly from local cooks in his well-documented travels for his YouTube series. Fuelled by the premise that everything we eat affects nature, he is hopeful that these dishes, having stood the test of time and being in tune with nature, will lead us towards a more sustainable vegan diet. He is a proud ambassador for Slow Food, and has recently written his award-winning debut book Naturally Vegan.
   
 
  
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