World Idli Day – Top 10 Unique Recipes You Need To Try

If you're a fan of South Indian cuisine, chances are you're already familiar with the beloved breakfast staple that is idli. But did you know that there are actually countless variations of this humble dish? From savory to sweet, spicy to mild, idlis come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors, making it one of the most versatile dishes around.

In this article, we're going to take a deep dive into the world of idlis and explore the top 10 varieties you need to try. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to this delicious dish, we guarantee that you're going to find something new and exciting to love about idlis. So, buckle up and get ready to embark on a culinary journey through South India's most iconic dish! Here are 10 varieties that you must try!

Kanchipuram Idli - A spicy and flavorful idli made with a mix of rice, urad dal, and spices like cumin, pepper, and ginger. It is a type of steamed rice cake made from a batter of rice, urad dal, fenugreek seeds, and spices like cumin, pepper, ginger, and curry leaves. Unlike regular idlis, Kanchipuram idlis are spicier and have a unique flavor due to the addition of these spices. They are typically served with a spicy coconut chutney or sambar, and are a popular breakfast or snack item in South India. Kanchipuram idlis are also considered to be a popular prasadam or offering in many South Indian temples.

Mallige Idli - Also known as jasmine idli, this variation is soft, fluffy, and fragrant, thanks to the addition of jasmine flowers in the batter.It is made from a batter of rice and urad dal, which is fermented overnight to create a fluffy and soft texture. The idlis are steamed in special plates lined with jasmine leaves, which impart a delicate aroma and flavor to the idlis. Mallige idlis are typically served with coconut chutney, sambar, and a drizzle of ghee. They are a favorite among locals and tourists alike, and are often found in restaurants and street food stalls in Karnataka.

Podi Idli – It is a popular South Indian dish made from idlis (steamed rice cakes) coated in a spicy and flavorful mixture of roasted lentils, spices, and sesame seeds called podi. The podi is typically made by dry roasting urad dal, chana dal, red chili, cumin, coriander, and sesame seeds, then grinding them into a coarse powder. This spicy variety is a must try! To prepare podi idli, the idlis are cut into bite-sized pieces and then coated in the podi mixture, which adds a delicious crunch and intense flavor to the soft and fluffy idlis. Podi idli is often served as a breakfast or snack item and can be accompanied by coconut chutney or sambar for added taste.

Vegetable Idli - Idlis made with a mix of vegetables like carrot, beans, and peas, which makes it a healthy and nutritious breakfast option. The vegetables not only add nutrition but also give the idlis a vibrant color and a delicious taste. To prepare vegetable idli, the vegetables are first sautéed in oil and then added to the batter made from fermented rice and lentils. The batter is then steamed in an idli mold to make soft and fluffy vegetable idlis. Vegetable idli is a perfect breakfast or snack item for those looking for a nutritious and low-calorie option. It can be served with coconut chutney, sambar, or even tomato ketchup for added taste.

Masala Idli - Idlis sautéed in a spicy and tangy tomato-based masala, making it a perfect snack or meal option. The dish is finished off with a garnish of chopped coriander leaves and grated coconut, which adds freshness and texture to the dish. Masala idli is a great way to use leftover idlis and can be prepared in just a few minutes. It is often served as a breakfast or snack item and can be accompanied by coconut chutney or tomato ketchup. Masala idli is a delicious and filling dish that is loved by people of all ages.

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- Idlis served with a generous amount of hot and tangy sambar, a lentil-based soup with vegetables. The idlis absorb the flavors of the sambar, making for a delicious and satisfying meal. To prepare sambar idli, the idlis are cut into bite-sized pieces and then soaked in the sambar, which is made by boiling lentils, vegetables, tamarind pulp, and a blend of Indian spices like sambar powder and turmeric. The dish is finished off with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and red chili, which adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish. Sambar idli is a healthy and nutritious dish that is perfect for breakfast or as a light meal. It is often served with coconut chutney and is loved by people of all ages.

Curd Idli - Idlis soaked in a mixture of yogurt and tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies, which gives it a unique flavor. The curd adds a tangy flavor to the idlis and makes them soft and fluffy. To prepare curd idli, the idli batter is mixed with curd, salt, and a pinch of baking soda. The mixture is then poured into the idli molds and steamed until cooked. Curd idli is often served with coconut chutney and sambar and makes for a wholesome and nutritious breakfast or snack option. It is also a great way to use leftover idli batter.

Thatte idli - It is a popular South Indian breakfast dish, particularly in the state of Karnataka. Made from a batter of urad dal and rice, this flat, round-shaped idli is slightly thicker than the regular idli. The name "thatte" refers to the plate on which it is served. The batter is poured onto a special plate or mold and steamed until cooked. The resulting idli is soft, spongy, and mildly tangy. It is usually served with chutneys and sambar, making it a healthy and nutritious breakfast option. Thatte idlis are low in calories and high in protein, making them a great start to the day.

Cheese Idli - Cheese idli is a delicious and innovative variation of traditional idli where grated cheese is added to the batter to give a cheesy and creamy texture to the idlis. The cheese also adds a unique flavor that makes the idlis more interesting and appealing. To prepare cheese idli, grated cheese is added to the idli batter along with a pinch of salt and baking soda. The mixture is then poured into idli molds and steamed until cooked. Cheese idli is often served with tomato ketchup or coconut chutney and is loved by kids and adults alike. It is a great way to introduce new flavors to traditional idlis and is perfect for breakfast or as a snack option.