South Indian cuisine is brimming with many interesting foods however, one of the most popular foods to emerge from the region has to be the Idli. Idli is a soft, steamed cake, typically made with rice batter. Sometimes, lentil-based or millet-based batters are also used. The size and shape of idli can also differ, for example Kadabu idli which is more cylindrical in shape or Thatte idli, which resembles a flat plate. In other words, there is no one ‘right’ or ‘perfect’ way of making idli, and the many delectable versions are proof. There are plenty of good and bad fusion ideas pertaining to idli, the one that caught our eye recently is this idli pizza.
Call it idlizza or idli pizza, but this ‘desi’ pizza is sure to win your heart. All you need here are some leftover idlis, grated carrots, finely chopped onions, finely chopped capsicum, cabbage, coriander leaves, olives, white pepper powder and salt. This is an excellent way to use up all your leftover idlis and give it a bit of an ‘Italian’ makeover that your kids will love. Even the grown-ups are going to get up for a second helping. You can also use fresh idlis to make it, but leftover idlis make for a firmer base, as they stiffen a bit over time.
Breakfast is dubbed as one of the most important meals of the day. One should make it as healthy as one can. Since idli is not deep-fried, but steamed, it helps you save many unwanted calories. And because it is made of fermented batter, it is gut-friendly too. Idli, the popular breakfast item is usually paired with hot sambar or chutney. But here, you do not need any additional accompaniment. Just put everything together and put the idli on the pan, cover the lid and let the cheese melt. You do not even need an oven or microwave for this ‘pizza’
To make this idlizza, here are certain things to keep in mind:
- Make the topping mixture first, take a bowl, add carrots, onions, capsicum, cabbage, coriander leaves, olives, pepper, salt and cheese.
- Mix well, until you get a paste-like mixture, leave it aside.
- Now grab the idlis, cut it horizontally from the middle and divide in two slices that will act as your ‘pizza base’.
- Spread some butter on top of the idli.
- Then add a layer of pizza sauce
- Then place the pizza topping mixture you had just prepared.
- Now add a layer of grated cheese as per your liking, if you like a lot of cheese add more, if you want to keep it healthy, then add moderately.
- Sprinkle chilli flakes and oregano.
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat till the cheese melts.
- Your idli pizza is ready. Serve hot and chomp away.
