Chilli Idli: Spicy Chinese Twist To South Indian Staple

By Krati Purwar

February 19, 2025

Chilli idli is where South Indian cuisine fuses with the flavours of Chinese. It is a delicious snack to whip up in the evening and enjoy it with a few refreshing beverages. Loaded with vegetables and umami notes of soy sauce, it can also be served as a starter in a gathering.

Ingredients

2 tsp red chilli sauce 2 cups idli 1/2 tsp sugar 2 tsp garlic, ginger 2 tbsp spring onion 1 tsp vinegar 1.5 tbsp oil 1 tsp soy sauce 1/2 cup capsicum, onion 2 tsp chopped green chillies salt to taste 1 tbsp spring onion for garnish 2 tbsp tomato ketchup

Step 1

Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil and saute idli cubes until they are crispy and brown.

Step 2

Heat the remaining oil in a wok and saute ginger, garlic, and green chillies.

Step 3

Add onion to the pan and cook it for a minute on a high flame. 

Step 4

Saute capsicum in the same pan and add vinegar, ketchup, sauces, sugar, and salt.

Step 5

Once the base comes together, fold in crispy idli cubes.

Step 6

Sprinkle green onion on the top before serving the dish.