If you're looking for creative ways to enjoy leftover idlis or want a twist on the classic steamed dish, here are five delicious recipes that highlight the versatility of idli. Each recipe transforms idlis into a whole new culinary experience. Let’s dive in!
# Idli Upma
Ingredients for Idli Upma 6–8 idlis (crumbled)
1 tbsp oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp urad dal (optional)
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1 green chili (chopped)
Curry leaves
Salt to taste
Chopped cilantro for garnish
How to Make Idli Upma To make idli upma, start by heating oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, allowing them to splutter. Add a bit of urad dal if you like, and fry it until it turns golden. Next, add finely chopped onion, green chili, and curry leaves, and sauté until the onions become translucent. Then, crumble 6–8 idlis into the pan, sprinkle some salt, and mix everything well. Garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve hot for a comforting take on idli upma.
# Idli Manchurian Ingredients for Idli Manchurian 6–8 idlis (cut into cubes)
2 tbsp oil
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1 small onion (diced)
1 small capsicum (diced)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp chili sauce
1 tsp tomato ketchup
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions for garnish
How to Make Idli Manchurian For idli Manchurian, cut 6–8 idlis into cubes and heat oil in a pan, frying the idli cubes until golden and crispy, then set aside. In the same pan, sauté ginger-garlic paste for about a minute, then add diced onion and capsicum, cooking until they soften slightly. Stir in soy sauce, chili sauce, and a bit of tomato ketchup, mixing well. Add the fried idli cubes, season with salt and pepper, and toss everything until the idlis are well coated. Garnish with green onions and serve to enjoy an Indo-Chinese fusion snack.
# Idli Tikka Ingredients for Idli Tikka 6–8 idlis (cut into cubes)
3 tbsp yogurt
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp red chili powder
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp cumin powder
Salt to taste
Skewers
How to Make Idli Tikka To make idli tikka, mix 3 tablespoons of yogurt with turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, cumin powder, and a little salt in a bowl. Add idli cubes to the yogurt mixture and coat them well, allowing them to marinate for 15–20 minutes. Thread the marinated idlis onto skewers, and grill them on a stovetop grill or bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10–15 minutes until golden. Serve your idli tikkas hot with mint chutney or ketchup for a flavorful appetizer.
# Idli Chaat Ingredients for Idli Chaat 4–5 idlis (cut into cubes)
1/2 cup plain yogurt (whisked)
1/4 cup tamarind chutney
1/4 cup green chutney
Chaat masala to taste
Salt to taste
Sev (for garnish)
Chopped coriander leaves
Pomegranate seeds for garnish
How to Make Idli Chaat To prepare idli chaat, start by toasting idli cubes in a pan until they’re slightly crispy, then set them aside to cool. Place the toasted idlis on a serving plate, and pour some whisked yogurt over them, followed by a drizzle of tamarind chutney and green chutney. Sprinkle a bit of chaat masala and salt to taste, and garnish with sev, chopped coriander leaves, and pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and flavor. This idli chaat offers a tangy, refreshing twist on the traditional dish.
# Idli Pizza Bites Ingredients for Idli Pizza Bites 6–8 idlis (halved horizontally to create thinner rounds)
1/4 cup pizza sauce
1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Toppings: diced capsicum, onions, olives, and tomatoes
Italian seasoning or oregano
Red chili flakes
How to Make Idli Pizza Bites For idli pizza bites, cut idlis horizontally to make thinner rounds and place them on a baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on each idli, then sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese and add your favorite toppings, such as diced capsicum, onions, olives, and tomatoes. Season with Italian herbs and red chili flakes for extra flavor, then bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve your mini idli pizzas warm for a fun snack that kids and adults alike will love.