Authentic Sri Lankan String Hoppers Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of rice flour
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • Hot water as required
  • 1 cup of freshly grated coconut
  • String Hopper maker (tool for shaping the dough)
  • String Hopper trays or steamer

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by placing the rice flour in a large bowl.
  2. Add salt to the flour and mix well.
  3. Gradually add hot water to the flour, mixing regularly, until you form a smooth and pliable dough.
  4. Let the dough rest for about 10 minutes.
  5. After resting, place a portion of the dough into the String Hopper maker.
  6. Press the dough through the String Hopper maker onto the String Hopper trays, forming a nest of rice noodles.
  7. Repeat this process until all the dough is used up.
  8. Place the String Hopper trays into a steamer.
  9. Steam the String Hoppers for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become firm and glossy.
  10. Once done, carefully remove the String Hoppers from the trays and place them on a plate.
  11. Sprinkle the freshly grated coconut over the String Hoppers before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use brown rice flour instead of white rice flour for a healthier alternative.
  • Add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers to the dough for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Replace grated coconut with coconut milk for a creamier taste.
  • Add spices like cumin, coriander, or chili powder to the dough for a spicier version.
  • For a meat-free option, serve the String Hoppers with a vegetable curry or lentil stew.
  • Top the String Hoppers with a fried egg or a poached egg for a protein-rich twist.
  • Instead of steaming, pan-fry the String Hoppers in a little oil for a crispy texture.
  • Add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to the dough for a fragrant flavor.
  • For a sweet variation, serve the String Hoppers with jaggery syrup or a fruit compote.
  • Experiment with different toppings like roasted peanuts, cashews, or sesame seeds.

Recipe overview

String Hoppers, also known as Idiyappam, are a delightful culinary tradition originating from South India and Sri Lanka. These delicate nests of steamed rice noodles are a versatile staple that can be paired with a variety of curries, stews, or even enjoyed with a sprinkle of freshly grated coconut. Creating String Hoppers at home is a rewarding process that involves forming a dough from rice flour and hot water, pressing it through a String Hopper maker to create the noodle shape, and then steaming to perfection. This recipe is a simple guide to making your own String Hoppers, opening up a world of delicious dishes you can enjoy with this unique and tasty food.

Common questions

  1. Can I use any other type of flour?
    Yes, this recipe specifically calls for rice flour. Using any other type of flour may not yield the desired consistency and texture.
  2. Do I need to soak the rice flour before using it?
    No, there is no need to soak the rice flour for this recipe. Simply mix it with hot water to form the dough.
  3. How do I know if the dough is the right consistency?
    The dough should be smooth and pliable, not too dry or too sticky. Add hot water gradually while mixing until you achieve this texture.
  4. Can I make String Hoppers without a String Hopper maker?
    While it is traditional to use a String Hopper maker, you can try using a piping bag with a small round tip to shape the dough into noodles. However, the results may vary.
  5. What can I substitute for freshly grated coconut?
    If you don't have freshly grated coconut, you can use desiccated coconut or coconut flakes as a substitute. However, the taste and texture may differ slightly.
  6. Can I freeze the String Hoppers?
    Yes, String Hoppers can be frozen. Once cooked, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer. Thaw and steam before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

String Hoppers, or Idiyappam as they're traditionally known, hail from the vibrant kitchens of South India and Sri Lanka. This delicate and flavorful dish is an integral part of the local cuisine and is often enjoyed for breakfast or dinner. The mastery of making String Hoppers lies in the technique of pressing the dough through the Idiyappam maker into fine noodle-like strings, which are then steamed to perfection. This artistry, passed down through generations, reflects the rich culinary history of the region. Interestingly, despite its humble ingredients of rice flour and coconut, String Hoppers have found a place in the heart of haute cuisine. They've traveled far from their humble South Asian origins, now featuring in the menus of high-end restaurants worldwide—proving that simplicity and tradition can indeed meet sophistication and innovation in the world of food.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.