Fried Idli or Masala Idli is a yummy breakfast dish made with leftover Idlis. This is a mildly spiced dish made by sauteing vegetables and idlis in a pan.
This gives a twist to the traditional Idli recipe. If you have any leftover Idlis, then you should definitely try making this recipe. You can adjust the spice level as per your taste.
I try to experiment with different spices when making Fried Idli or Masala Idli. Sometimes I prefer South Indian spices like Madra Curry Powder, and other times prefer to add Garam Masala Powder and also Pav Bhaji Masala.
I'm a big fan of Idli and can eat it day or night with some Sambhar and filtered Coffee. A simple idli recipe is so delicious that you could not get bored of it. Because of its plain flavor, you can experiment by adding different spices.
WHAT IS IDLI?
Idli is a savory rice cake that is a popular breakfast food in southern India. These cakes are made by steaming the batter (made by fermenting the de-husked black lentils and rice). You can also make Instant Idli using Rava/Semolina.
I have made Idli using Rava Idli, but you can use leftover Idli for making the recipe.
WHY MAKING FRIED IDLI OR MASALA IDLI USING LEFTOVER IDLIS IS BETTER?
Fresh Idlis are usually very soft. When they are cooked for making Fried Idli or Masala Idli, they usually break and leave crumbs. So it is best to use leftover idli. These get a bit hard after getting stored in the refrigerator. This prevents them from leaving crumbs.
You can also pan-fry or deep-fry idlis to make them crisp. If if you want to add less oil, then I would recommend that you use leftover idli as they tend to give a nice texture to the dish.
HOW TO MAKE FRIED IDLI
- MAKE IDLIS: You can make Idli using freshly grounded batter or you can also make Rava Idli for the recipe. You can also make using leftover Idlis. Cut the idlis into bite-size pieces.
- MAKE MASALA: Make masala by preparing the tempering of mustard seeds & curry leaves. Then add veggies of your choice, I have added onions, bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage in the recipe.
- ADD IDLIS: Add idlis in prepared masala along with some spices and mix until combined properly.
- ADJUST & SERVE: Adjust the seasoning (if needed) and serve hot with Spiced Chai.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Fried Idli Healthy?
Idlis are made by steaming the fermented batter of rice & lentils. So that makes idli a healthier treat. They are considered light & has not fat in them. They are high in protein and fiber so are easy to digest too. Fried Ildi has lots of veggies so it is healthy to have it any time of the day.
Is Fried Idli Deep Fried?
Even though the name says Fried Idli but still they are not deep-fried. They are just sauteed in 1-2 tablespoon of oil to get beautiful color in them. You can also make them oil-free if you're diet conscious.
Does Fried Idli help in weight loss?
Not exactly Fried Idli but plain Idlis do help in weight loss. Being high in protein & fiber they keep you full for a longer time.
FRIED IDLI OR MASALA IDLI
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 Idlis Fresh or Leftover, cut in bite size
- 2 tablespoon Oil
- 2 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
- 10-15 Curry Leaves
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala Powder
- Red Chili Powder
- 3-4 tablespoon Ketchup (or as needed)
- Salt
Vegetables:
- 1 Onion thinly sliced
- ½ Green Bell Pepper thinly sliced
- 5-6 Baby Carrots thinly sliced
- 1 cup Cabbage thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup French Beans chopped
Instructions
- Add oil to the skillet. When the oil is hot, add mustard seeds. When they splutter, add curry leaves and onions and fry until the onion starts to changecolor.
- Then add rest of the vegetables (green bell peppers, carrots, french beans, and cabbage) and saute for 2-3 minutes until they turn soft.
- Add garam masala, red chili powder, and salt and saute for 1-2 minutes.
- Add Idli cut in bite-size and stir with vegetables until properly combined. Continue to cook and keep stirring for 2 more minutes.
- Lastly, add Ketchup and continue stirring until all the Idlis are covered with ketchup. Serve immediately.
Notes
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