By Shreya Sarpal
January 18, 2026
Chilli idli is a spicy Indo-Chinese snack made by tossing crispy idli cubes in a tangy sauce with peppers and spices. A perfect way to enjoy leftover idlis with a flavourful twist!
2 cups idlis (cut into cubes, use leftover idlis) 2 tbsp oil 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste 1 sliced onion 1 sliced capsicum 2-3 slit green chillies 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp red chilli sauce 1 tbsp tomato ketchup 1 tsp vinegar 1/2 tsp black pepper powder 1/2 tsp red chilli powder 1 tbsp cornflour mixed in 2 tbsp water (slurry) Salt to taste Spring onions for garnish
Heat oil in a pan, shallow fry idli cubes until golden and crisp, then remove and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté onions, green chillies, and capsicum till slightly soft.
Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
Stir in soy sauce, chilli sauce, ketchup, vinegar, black pepper, and red chilli powder, then mix well.
Add the cornflour slurry to thicken the sauce slightly.
Toss the fried idli pieces into the sauce until well coated, then garnish with chopped spring onions.