Idli is a crucial part of the South Indian food landscape, but you must not be confused that other parts of the country do not cherish this rice-based delight. North, Central, West, and Central India prefer to consume it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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While idli with sambar is the traditional and best combination, dishes like idli fry, masala idli, idli tikki, etc. taste better when served with lip-smacking chutneys. This festive season, serve guests idli-based snacks along with flavourful dips to complete the spread.
Tomato Chutney
Tomato chutney with garlic and onion or without them is an excellent choice to serve with idli snacks. It can also be paired with plain steamed idlis if you have run out of sambar and rasam at home. While grinding the ingredients, add asafoetida, tamarind paste, green chillies, and salt to the mixture. Do not forget to add the tempering of curry leaves, mustard seeds, red chillies, and roasted urad dal.
Garlic Chutney
Imagine a spread of masala idli and garlic chutney in front of you. If the mere mention of it makes you drool, you should immediately head to the kitchen to prepare this combination for guests. Infuse garlic with flavours using tamarind paste, roasted chana dal, coriander, mint leaves, and red chillies. You can either temper it or serve it as is with any of the idli or fried finger foods.
Ginger Chutney
The earthy notes of ginger amplify the flavour profile of any recipe. It adds a zingy touch to spreads and dips. Combine it with grated coconut, red chillies, roasted chana and urad dal, green chillies, and lemon juice. If you have never tried it, get ready to add another staple to your refrigerator. Without onion and garlic, ginger chutney can stay in your refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Classic Coconut Chutney
If you don’t like to experiment in the kitchen and stay with classics, nothing can beat the pairing of idli snacks and coconut chutney. It is creamy, delicious, and nutritious. You can add a hint of sourness by mixing it with fresh curd. It will also increase the volume and make your recipe a hit among your friends and family. It is the safest option to serve with masala idli.
Vegetable Chutney
Have you tried combining a few vegetables and making a delicious spread out of it? This festive season will be all about you exploring new recipes like these. Add beetroot, spinach, grated coconut, ginger, carrots, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh coriander leaves in a food processor. Combine these into a thick paste and add olive oil on top to pair with idli snacks. You can also temper it with mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves to take the taste up a notch.
Onion-Tomato Chutney
One of the Indian chutneys that pair with every snack is onion-tomato chutney. Blend an onion, a tomato, 50 grams of coriander leaves, 1-2 green chillies, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice, and a teaspoon of mango pickle masala. This unique yet classic recipe will leave your tongue salivating.
Peanut Chutney
In several parts of India, peanut chutney is also counted among staple spreads for its rich contrast. You grind roasted peanuts with salt, green chillies, garlic cloves, salt, tamarind pulp, ginger, and water. Not just idli snacks, it can also be paired with kebabs, cutlets, tikkis, and a few other roasted, toasted, shallow-fried, and deep-fried finger foods.