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    Home » Breakfasts / Snacks

    Masala Idli (Using Leftover Idlis)

    Published: Feb 23, 2017 · Last Modified: Aug 22, 2022 by Kanan Patel / 10 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe

    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.

    Masala Idli served in 2 plates.

    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.

    Step By Step Photo Instructions:

    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.

    cubes of idli and cooking onion, capsicum

    3) Mix well and let it cook. Do stir in between.

    4) Let them cook till onion becomes soft and light pink in color.

    onion, bell pepper cooked

    5) Now add green chili and garlic paste.

    6) Mix and saute for 30 seconds or till the raw smell of garlic goes away.

    adding ginger and green chili

    7) Add tomatoes.

    8) Mix well and continue cooking.

    adding tomatoes

    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.

    adding water and mashing mixture

    11) Add remaining salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder and pav bhaji masala.

    12) Mix well and cook for a minute.

    adding spice powders

    13) Now add chopped idlis.

    14) Mix properly so the masala is coated to each and every pieces.

    adding and mixing idli pieces

    15) Lastly squeeze the lemon juice and add chopped coriander leaves.

    16) Stir well and serve.

    adding cilantro and lemon juice

    Serving suggestion: Enjoy this masala idli as a snack or breakfast.

    2 plates of masala idli.

    Check out more snack recipes
    Batata poha // Oats cheela // Rava upma

    Did you try this masala idli recipe? I’d love to hear about it! Leave a review in the comment section below.

    Step by Step Photos AboveWant to make it perfect first time? Don't forget to check out Step-by-Step photo instructions and helpful Tips & Tricks !!
    Masala Idli Recipe (Using leftover idlis), How to Make Masala Idli Recipe
    Print Pin Save Saved!

    Masala Idli (Using Leftover Idlis)

    4.50 from 10 votes
    Tried this recipe? Leave a comment and/or give ★ ratings
    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.
    Author: Kanan
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: Indian
    Calories: 405kcal
    Servings 2
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 25 minutes
    US measuring cups are used (1 cup = 240 ml) See details

    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
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 820mg | Potassium: 484mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 779IU | Vitamin C: 45mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 4mg
    *Nutrition information is a rough estimate for 1 serving
    Did you make this recipe?Snap a pic, mention @spice.up.the.curry or tag #spiceupthecurry. I would love to see.

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    1. Mirandamom

      May 01, 2021 at 11:42 pm

      We enjoyed this recipe very much. Thank you!5 stars

      Reply
      • Kanan Patel

        May 11, 2021 at 12:20 am

        Good to hear it.

        Reply
    2. Dr. Usha. R

      April 15, 2019 at 10:10 am

      Excellent recipe and easy too!. Probably can increase the amount of masalas by wee bit. I used millet idlis to make this dish.
      Thank you5 stars

      Reply
      • Kanan

        April 16, 2019 at 11:45 am

        Very glad to know that recipe is helpful.
        True, one can adjust the spices as per the liking

        Reply
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    Hi, I'm Kanan Patel. I share easy, delicious vegetarian recipes (mostly Indian) and Eggless baking recipes that you can sure count on!

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