Idli-fry is the perfect snack to enjoy in between meals or serve with evening tea or coffee on the side. The dish is often spicy, boasting earthy notes, and an irresistible aroma, making it palatable among all age groups. The best aspect of cooking this delight is you can experiment with the recipe.
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Every household in India has its version of idli-fry, each equally flavour bomb and satiating. If you are looking to make a new variant of it, you have landed on the right page. From sauteing idli with garlic to tossing the pieces in Indo-Chinese sauces, check out a few recipes.
Podi Fried Idli
Podi is gunpowder popularly used in South Indian cooking to add oomph to rather bland dishes like plain idli. The earthy aroma and balance of spices make this blend a must-have in every Indian pantry. Toss idli bites in hot sesame oil for toasted flavour. After 4-5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle podi powder on top and turn off the flame after a couple of minutes of tossing. This recipe is zero effort and the best result.
Honey-Chilli Fried Idli
Can you imagine a recipe bringing South Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisines together? There was none until someone tried the honey-chilli fried idli variant. While deep-fry or shallow-fry idli until crispy, prepare a lip-smacking melange of olive oil, chilli flakes, soy sauce, and honey. Add toasted idli pieces into the mix and coat them well before turning off the heat. Sprinkle spring onion and sesame seeds on top for a boost of freshness and crunch.
Also Read: 7 Must-Have South Indian Dishes
Masala Fried Idli
If you have leftover idli in the refrigerator, you just need 10 minutes to prepare this fiery snack. Cut the round rice cakes into four triangles and toss them in a blend of oil, mustard seeds, green chillies, curry leaves, turmeric, and red chilli powder. You can also first roast onion and tomatoes with coriander and garam masala before adding idli. This will pair well with creamy dips and coconut-based chutney.
Cheese Fried Idli
Cheese and idli is a unique combination that every foodie must explore. First, saute garlic in butter and toss bites in it until they are slightly brown. Sprinkle a few herbs and spice mixture on the top before folding in grated cheese. Once the cheese melts, serve the dish hot with a drizzle of olive oil and black pepper. It will uplift your mood instantly if you have been craving fat.
Garlic Butter Idli
Idli infused with the robust aroma of garlic is the best snack to whip up when you are hangry and everything around you seems irritating. Use a wok to saute garlic in butter for a minute. Drop idli cubes, oregano, chilli flakes, and salt. Toss on hit heat so that ingredients create a symphony of notes that will convey to the neighbours that something delicious is being cooked at your home.
Tandoori Masala Idli
Do you have plans to catch up with friends over drinks? A snack that you can prepare is tandoori masala idli. It is spicy, tangy, and slightly creamy making it a perfect accompaniment to cocktails. Marinate idli in a spiced yoghurt mixture comprising red chilli powder, ginger garlic paste, and coriander powder. Shallow-fry the rice cakes until golden brown and serve with a drizzle of lemon juice and mint chutney on the side.