Fried Idli is a savory and crispy snack made from leftover idlis. It’s an innovative way to repurpose them into something exciting and delicious. This dish is often served with chutney or sauce and can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Fried Idli Recipe
Fried Idli is a delightful and innovative variation of the traditional South Indian dish, idli. While traditional idlis are steamed rice and lentil cakes, Fried Idli transforms them into a crispy and savory snack or appetizer. It's a popular dish that repurposes leftover idlis into a flavorful and crunchy treat.
Ingredients
- 8-10 Leftover Idlis (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Urad Dal (Split Black Gram)
- 8-10 Curry Leaves
- 2 Green Chilies finely chopped
- 1 medium Onion finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powde
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
- to taste Salt
- Oil for shallow frying
- Fresh Cilantro (Coriander Leaves) for garnish
- 1 tablespoon (optional) Lemon Juice
Instructions
Prep the Idlis:
- Cut the leftover idlis into bite-sized cubes. If they are fresh, refrigerate them for a few hours to firm up, which makes cutting easier and reduces crumbling during frying.
Fry the Idli Pieces:
- Heat oil in a pan for shallow frying. Add the idli pieces in batches and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Prepare the Tempering:
- In the same pan, remove excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
- Heat the oil and add mustard seeds. When they start to splutter, add urad dal, chopped green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté for a minute until the dal turns golden.
Cook the Onions:
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
Seasoning:
- Stir in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
Combine Fried Idli:
- Add the fried idli pieces to the pan. Toss everything together, ensuring the idlis are evenly coated with the seasoning. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Garnish and Serve:
- Turn off the heat. Optionally, sprinkle lemon juice over the fried idlis and mix gently.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips and Information
Conclusion:
Fried Idli is a creative twist on the traditional South Indian idli, transforming it into a crispy and savory snack or appetizer. Its crunchy texture and flavorful spices make it an irresistible treat, especially when served with chutney or a hot cup of tea. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or a party favorite, Fried Idli adds a delightful crunch to the world of South Indian cuisine.Tips and Overview
- Idli Texture: Using leftover or refrigerated idlis helps maintain their shape during frying.
- Frying: Ensure the oil is hot enough so that the idlis become crispy but not burnt.
- Flavor Variation: You can add a teaspoon of pav bhaji masala or garam masala for a different flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestion: Fried idlis can be served with coconut chutney, tomato ketchup, or eaten as is.
- Healthy Alternative: For a healthier version, you can skip the frying step and just temper the idli pieces.