Masala Idli elevates the humble idli to a flavorful, savory delight. This popular South Indian snack takes the soft, steamed rice cakes and transforms them into a spicy and aromatic treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. Forget bland, boring idlis; prepare yourself for a burst of tantalizing spices and textures that will leave you wanting more. The vibrant blend of chutneys and seasonings creates a complex flavor profile that's both comforting and exciting, making it a crowd-pleaser for both seasoned Indian food enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.
This recipe simplifies the process of making Masala Idli, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results at home. We’ll guide you through each step, from preparing the idli batter to creating the perfect masala topping, ensuring you achieve perfectly spiced and incredibly delicious Masala Idlis. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide!
Tools Needed
- Pan
Ingredients
- Idlis: 8-10
- Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Mustard seeds: 1/2 teaspoon
- Chana dal: 1/2 teaspoon
- Urad dal: 1/2 teaspoon
- Curry leaves: 10-12
- Green chilies: 4-6
- Onions: 2
- Turmeric powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Red chili powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Tomatoes: 2
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Sambar powder: 1 tablespoon
- Water: 1-2 tablespoons
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- Coriander leaves: to garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Masala
- Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, chana dal, and urad dal. Saute until the mustard seeds splutter and the dal turns brown.
- Add curry leaves and green chilies. Saute briefly.
- Add chopped onions and saute until slightly browned.
- Add turmeric powder and red chili powder. Mix well.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until softened, stirring occasionally.
- Add salt and sambar powder. Mix well.
- Add water and cook the masala for 8-10 minutes on low to medium flame, stirring occasionally and adding more water as needed.
Step 2. Cut and Cook the Idlis
- Cut the idlis into four pieces each.
- Add the idli pieces to the masala and coat them well, stirring gently to avoid breaking.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes, adding a little water occasionally to keep the idlis soft.
Step 3. Rest and Finish
- Add 1 tablespoon of water, cover, and turn off the heat. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, add lemon juice and garnish with coriander leaves.
Read more: Easy Indian Bread Pudding Recipe: A Simple Dessert
Tips
- You can use leftover idlis for this recipe.
- Serve as breakfast or pack for lunch.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought idli batter?
Absolutely! Using store-bought batter saves time. Just ensure it's fresh and follow the recipe's instructions for cooking the idlis.
2. What can I substitute if I don't have a particular spice?
Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you're missing one, you can either omit it or try a close substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Masala Idlis! This recipe is a fantastic way to use leftover idlis or create a quick and flavorful snack or meal. Now go forth and impress your family and friends with this simple yet extraordinary dish!