Idlis are steamed rice and dal dumplings that are generally served with a chutney and sambar accompaniment. This is the main staple of many South Indian houses and is a wholesome breakfast when served with some chutney and some sambar. The Idli is seemingly a very humble dish that is packed with nutrition and very flavorsome when accompanied with the right combination of a chutney or a sambar to go with it.
But you can get creative with Idlis!! A slight variation to this native dish can give you flavors to savor in every bite. This could also give you a new perspective to look at how you can modify the Idli to make it more kid friendly!! Come let’s explore all that you can do to give Idlis a different touch and taste!!
IDLI KOSOMBARI:
Kosombari is a South Indian Style salad from the state of Karnataka and is made with freshly cut veggies. The Idli Kosombari or the Idli Kismuri is a quick recipe that you can dish out just the way you make normal salads!!
How to make Idli Kosombari:
Crumble the Idlis, add some onions, grated coconut, slit green chillies and for the salad dressing, use a spoon of coconut oil. Garnish the dish with chopped coriander leaves.
IDLI UPMA:
The good old Idli Usli or Khotte Usli as we know it in the Konkani cuisine is a simple upma that is made by seasoning crumbled Idlis with a variety of spices.
How to make Idli Upma:
A simple Idli upma is made by seasoning crumbled Idlis with mustard, urad dal, curry leaves and asafetida. You can choose to even add vegetables to your Idli Upma to make it a complete balanced meal!!
PODI IDLI:
Coating the simple idli with Idli Podi or Milagai podi which is a coarse spice powder is a savory dish that will leave your tingling taste buds wanting for more!! Surprisingly, this also has a very interesting name which is GUN POWDER Idli!!
How to make Podi Idli:
Milagai Podi is a spice powder that is made with ground dry spices that contains dried chillies, black gram, chickpeas, salt and sesame seeds.
You can also make a simple pudi for your idlis by putting together chilli powder, thaniya-jeera powder, salt and a pich of hing powder.
All you have to do is coat the idlis with this powder and fry them crisp using coconut oil on both sides on a tawa.
IDLI SANDWICH:
As the name suggests, you can make sandwiches using idlis!! Slit and Idli, and sandwich all that your heart desires, to make an Idli Sandwich.
How to make an Idli Sandwich:
Slit an Idli to divide it into two equal and thin halves. You can apply pudi (from the previous recipe) to one half, some chutney or pudina chutney to the other half. Close the two and fry the sandwich crisp on both sides.
You can even get creative: Add veggies, cheese and anything that you wish to into your Idli sandwich!!
DAHI IDLI CHAAT:
The Dahi Idli Chaat is a chatpata enhanced version of the humble Idli which you must try. This is also a healthier version for those who wish to have Dahi Vadas!!
How to make Dahi Idli Chaat:
You need to start off with a simple Idli Sandwich. Add some curd and then season the dish with spices: mustard, urad dal, curry leaves and asafetida. You can even choose to garnish the Idli Chaat with Pudina Chutney, Tamarind Chutney and Sev or Boondi!!
We also have a process video to make Dahi Idli Chaat on our KasturiUdyavara YouTube Channel:
IDLI MANCHURI:
The Idli Manchuri is a very very flavorsome dish and which needs no recommendation especially since Manchuris are a big favorite among Indians!! We are all so fond of Gobi, Mushroom, Paneer manchuris and we couldn’t be less in awe of how this version of an Idli or a manchurian for that matter would be. This is definitely a match made in heaven!! The outer spice of the manchurian makes up for the simple taste of the Idli. Likewise, the inner plain Idli offers respite from the outer burst of spices used in making a manchuri.
How to make an Idli Manchuri:
Cut the idli into pieces. Coat the Idli pieces with a slurry made from rice flour and salt and fry them. Make your manchurian sauce by tossing in all that you generally use to make your favorite manchuri at home: oil, garlic, ginger, green chilli, onion, spring onion, capsicum and variety of sauces. Toss in the fried Idlis and your Idli Manchuri is ready to be savored.
Kasturi to make these dishes:
You can make all of these dish from scratch with Kasturi products!!
We also have a couple of Idli-related dishes and process videos that you would love to have a look at!!
How to make Idli Batter:
IDLI BATTER
Variety of Idlis:
ONE BATTER MANY IDLIS
You can make and enjoy these delicious dishes with your family for lunch or as a snack between meals. Thes dishes are full of flavour and perfect to relish during the rains!!!
If you have any other favorite versions of the Idli, then do share it with us!! we would love to hear from you!!
KASTURI 