Spicy Chili Idli: A Flavorful Twist on Leftover Idli
45 minutes
971 reads
About Spicy Chili Idli: A Flavorful Twist on Leftover Idli
Craving a flavor explosion? Turn leftover idli into crispy, golden-fried deliciousness with this Spicy Chili Idli recipe! Imagine tender idli cubes coated in a tangy, spicy sauce, bursting with the vibrant flavors of sautéed onions and bell peppers.This quick and easy Indian snack is built on a rich tomato base, delivering a satisfying kick that's perfect for a weekend treat or a light meal. It's the ultimate comfort food, reimagined.
Stop Thinking About What to Cook Every Day
Healthy Eating, Kids Tiffin, PCOS and Weight loss meals, all planned out for you. Just follow the plan and cook. From ₹299.
Recipe Time & More
Prep20 minutes
Cook25 minutes
Total45 minutes
Ingredients
Idli
- 5.5 Day-Old Idli cubed
Sauce
- 1 Onion chopped, large
- 2 Bell Peppers chopped, large
- 3 Tbsp Tomato Puree
- 1 Tbsp Chili Paste green
- 1 Tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 3 Chillies green, slit
- 2 Chillies dried, red
- 2 sprigs Curry Leaves
- 1 Tbsp Chili Powder
- 1/4 tsp Garam Masala
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Vinegar
- 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste
- Oil for frying
Coating
- 4 Tbsp Corn Flour
- 4 Tbsp Water
Garnish (Optional)
- Coriander chopped, fresh
- Mint chopped, fresh
- Lime Juice
Instructions
- Cube the day-old idli into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and a pleasant texture.
- In a bowl, combine the cubed idli with corn flour, water, and salt. Mix well to coat each piece evenly. The corn flour coating creates a crispy exterior when fried.
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot enough to prevent the idli from absorbing too much oil.
- Carefully add the coated idli cubes to the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally. This creates a wonderful textural contrast.
- Remove the fried idli from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Set aside.
- In a separate pan or skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, curry leaves, slit green chilies, dried red chilies, and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until the onions soften and turn translucent, releasing their aromatic flavors.
- Add the chopped bell peppers, soy sauce, green chili paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, chili powder, and tomato puree. Sauté for a minute until the spices are fragrant.
- Add water and salt to the pan. Stir well and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly and the oil begins to separate, indicating the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Gently add the fried idli cubes to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Ensure the idli is well incorporated with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve the Spicy Chili Idli hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, mint, and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired. These fresh elements add a bright counterpoint to the rich, spicy flavors.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- For extra crispiness, shallow-fry or air-fry the idli cubes until golden brown before adding them to the vegetables and sauce. This helps prevent them from becoming too soft and adds a satisfying crunch.
- If you prefer a more Indo-Chinese flavor profile, add a splash of soy sauce and a dash of vinegar while sautéing the vegetables for a subtle umami boost.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and a fresh, aromatic touch.
- To pack this as a lunchbox snack, allow the Chilly Idli to cool slightly before packing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
Expert Tips
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili sauce used. For a milder dish, use less chili sauce, or add a touch of honey or sugar to balance the heat.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, carrots, or shredded cabbage to make the dish even more nutritious and colorful.
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated ginger and garlic instead of pre-minced versions.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover Chilly Idli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.
Recipe Video
Related Posts You May Like
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 195kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.8gSodium: 684mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g
Vidya Lakshmi
Articles: 8
5 Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
What a delicious recipe! Thanks for posting.
What a delicious recipe! Thanks for posting.
Looks so wonderful! Thanks for posting.
Absolutely delicious! Thanks for sharing.
Such a tasty dish! Thanks for the recipe.