Masala idli recipe - QUICK and EASY recipe using leftover idlis. The tasty masala is made from onion, capsicum and tomatoes with flavor of pav bhaji masala. This masala is coated to the idli pieces. The PERFECT way to use leftover refrigerated idlis.
Whenever we make idli, it is sure that we will have some leftover. This is true in my case. I make many other recipes using leftover idlis (like idli fry) but for sure this one is our favorite.
The method for making masala idli and taste are almost similar to the tawa pulao.
It has slightly spicy taste with flavor of pav bhaji because pav bhaji masala powder is added. I got this idea from Tarla Dalal’s recipe about 5 years ago. Since then I am making this as a snack.
NOTE: This recipe was published on 25th April 2012, Now it is updated with new photos.
How to make Masala Idli Recipe?
1) First cut the each idli into 9 pieces and keep it aside. Also prep rest ingredients.
2) Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat. Once hot add chopped onion and capsicum. Sprinkle salt over it to speed up the cooking process.
3) Mix well and let it cook. Do stir in between.
4) Let them cook till onion becomes soft and light pink in color.
5) Now add green chili and garlic paste.
6) Mix and saute for 30 seconds or till the raw smell of garlic goes away.
7) Add tomatoes.
8) Mix well and continue cooking.
9) As it gets cooked, it will be soft. That time mash them using spatula and make it pulpy.
10) Add 2 tablespoons of water and mix.
11) Add remaining salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder and pav bhaji masala.
12) Mix well and cook for a minute.
13) Now add chopped idlis.
14) Mix properly so the masala is coated to each and every pieces.
15) Lastly squeeze the lemon juice and add chopped coriander leaves.
16) Stir well and serve.
Serving suggestion: Enjoy this masala idli as a snack or breakfast.
Check out more snack recipes
Batata poha // Oats cheela // Rava upma
Masala Idli Recipe (Using leftover idlis)
Ingredients
- 6 no. Idli regular medium sized
- 2 tablespoons Oil
- ½ cup Red onion finely chopped
- ½ cup Capsicum (Green bell pepper)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic paste or freshly grated
- 1 Green chili finely chopped or paste
- ¾ cup Tomato finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon Red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon Pav bhaji masala
- 2 tablespoons Water
- ½ teaspoon Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Cilantro or coriander leaves chopped finely
Instructions
- First cut the each idli into 9 pieces and keep it aside. Also prep rest ingredients.
- Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat. Once hot add chopped onion and capsicum. Sprinkle salt over it to speed up the cooking process.
- Mix and let them cook till onion becomes soft and light pink in color.
- Now add green chili and garlic paste. Mix and saute for 30 seconds or till the raw smell of garlic goes away.
- Add tomatoes. MIx well and continue cooking.
- As it gets cooked, it will be soft. That time mash them using spatula and make it pulpy.
- Add 2 tablespoons of water and mix.
- Add remaining salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder and pav bhaji masala. Mix well and cook for a minute.
- Now add chopped idlis. Mix properly so the masala is coated to each and every pieces.
- Lastly squeeze the lemon juice and add chopped coriander leaves.
- Stir well and serve.
Excellent recipe and easy too!. Probably can increase the amount of masalas by wee bit. I used millet idlis to make this dish.
Thank you
Very glad to know that recipe is helpful.
True, one can adjust the spices as per the liking
Mmmm, Mouthwatering, Loved it. Thanks for sharing, will make it.
Sure. Happy cooking!!
Hi Kanan,
I have tried not only this but many of your recipes and i must say your pictures, method, recipe, everything the way you present it , is so so beautiful and mouth watering.
I wanted to ask you if you reside in the UK?
It would be lovely if you can arrange a meet up of all your readers.
youre doing a great job .
thank you Neha. nice to hear that recipes are helpful you.
I am in USA.
Great Snack idea.. thanks for the recipe
yummy snack....best way to use left over idlis