If you're feeling hungry and have some leftover idli in your fridge, then you’re in luck! You might not know how many dishes you can create with the classic plain idlis. Their plain flavour, soft texture and mild savoury hints serve as a perfect canvas to create amazing snacks in just minutes.
Idli snacks don't even require too many ingredients and it is also healthy as compared to other rice dishes. Additionally, idli can also be your low-carb and low-calorie food that helps you deliciously maintain your fitness goals.
From making idli stir fry to idli with cheese, these recipes are packed with flavours as well as health benefits to make a satisfying meal and curb your cravings. So don't let those leftover idlis go to waste and enjoy these delightful idli creations.
Try These Delicious Recipes With Leftover Idli
1) Masala Idli
Masala idli is the classic recipe that pops into the head when thinking of making something out of leftover idli. To make this, you will need some spices, curry leaves, chopped onion, garlic, chillies, tomatoes and chopped bell pepper. First, dice the idlis saute it in some oil and take it out, then saute all the ingredients one by one. Season the sauteed veggies and add salt then put the idlis to this mix and combine well. Your masala idli is ready.
2) Cheesy Idli
Cheesy idli combines the gooeyness of cheese with the fluffiness of idlis. To make this recipe, you need to saute idli in some oil to make the crust crispy and golden. Then transfer it to a baking tray and add sweet corn kernels, black pepper, cumin powder, and some salt and cover it with cheese shreds. Bake it till the cheese melts and eat it right away.
3) Idli Upma
Idli upma is a satisfying dish that uses crumbled idli instead of diced. You can either make this in an oven or a pan. For seasoning, you will need mustard and cumin seeds, along with ginger, green chilli and turmeric. To add a crunchy texture, use chana dal, urad dal and ground nuts. Chopped onion is also added and curry leaves give it a slightly smoky depth. Just saute all the ingredients together and your upma is ready.
4) Crispy Idli Tikki
Crispy idli tikki is a crispy and healthy snack that will make you forget about those deep-fried munchies. For this recipe, you will need to soak crumbled idli in a tablespoon of water then add grated vegetables like carrots, onions, and green peas along with spices, salt and coriander leaves. Knead this mix well and make small tikkis, then shallow fry it from both sides and serve.
5) Spicy Idli 65
Spicy Idli 65 will be the perfect answer for your spicy cravings. This recipe starts with marinating idli pieces with curd and spices then it is covered with rice flour and fried till crispy. Next up, the idlis are tempered with spicy tadka with mustard seeds, cumin, ginger, garlic, chillies, coriander, turmeric and black pepper. Then your idli 65 is ready to be served.
6) Idli Chaat
Idli chaat is a perfect savoury treat if you are craving something fun. For this, you need to fry the idli pieces to make the crust slightly crispy, then add yoghurt, chaat masala, tamarind chutney, green chutney, sev, and some boondi. Your chaat will be ready in just 10 minutes.
7) Idli Fries
Idli fries is an idli version of potato french fries. For this, you need to chop idlis into long pieces, then fry it till it turns golden and crispy. Take it out on paper and pair it with mayonnaise or chutney. You can also season it with some black pepper powder for added flavour.
These easy idli recipes only take 15 minutes or less to prepare and every recipe tastes incredibly delicious. Don't just keep it for the night and enjoy it whenever you like with your meals or as an evening snack.