3 Fusion Variations To Your Desi Idli For World Idli Day
IMO, idlis have a separate fan base all over India! These round and steamed buns have caught us hook, line and sinker since what seems like forever. If you are an Idli fan too (who isn’t?) it’s time to rejoice as March 30th (World Idli Day) is when we celebrate our favourite snack. But enough of regular idlis dipped in sambhar, it’s time to try something new.
I have picked up my most favourite fusion recipes that present Idli in a different avatar – one that’s guaranteed to make you fall in love with this yummy snack all over again.
So, without further ado, let’s begin!
1. Idli Chaat
Love idli? Love chaat? Can’t decide between the two? You don’t have to. This heavenly recipe combines both your foodie delights for the perfect foodie affair you’d never want to end.
Ingredients:
6 Leftover Idlis
10tbsp Whisked Curd
2tsp Green Chutney
4tsp Sweet Chutney
Oil for Deep Frying
2tbsp Sev
Cumin Seeds Powder, for sprinkling
Chilli Powder, for sprinkling
2tbsp Coriander, finely chopped
Salt, for sprinkling
Method:
Cut each idli into 4 equal pieces. Take a pan and heat some oil in it. Now, deep-fry a few idli pieces on a medium flame till they turn golden brown and crisp. Take it out from the pan and set it aside on an absorbent paper. Next, place the deep-fried idli pieces on a serving plate. Top it with 5tbsp of whisked curd and sprinkle a little salt over it. Then, spread 2tbsp of sweet chutney and 1tbsp of green chutney evenly over it. Lastly, sprinkle some cumin powder, chilli powder, sev and coriander over the chaat. Dig in!
Veg Recipes of India
2. Cocktail Idli Kebabs
If you haven’t tried these cocktail idli kebabs yet, you must now! These bite-sized idlis or mini-idlis are such a fresh transformation from the simple ones that everyone is bound to be pleasantly surprised.
Ingredients:
6 to 8 Medium-sized Idlis
1/4cup Grated Carrots
1/8cup Green Peas
1/2tsp Red Chilli Powder
1tbsp oil + Oil for roasting patties
1/4cup Boiled Potato (if needed)
Chopped Cilantro
Pinch of Garam Masala
Pinch of Turmeric
Salt to taste
Method:
Mash the idlis and set aside. Heat some oil in a pan and add garam masala, turmeric and chilli powder into the hot oil.
Roast for about 10 seconds and then add the grated carrots and the green peas.
Sprinkle salt and mix well.
Now, add the mashed idlis to this mix, some chopped cilantro and mix well.
Turn off the heat and let it cool for some time. Make kebab like patties from this mixture once it has cooled. Next, roast the kebabs on a pan using oil. Remember to keep flipping the idlis so they don’t stick.
Take a few shot glasses and transfer some green chutney in each. Drizzle the tempering (2tbsp oil + asafoetida + 1/4tsp mustard seeds + 1tsp urad dal) over the chutney. Poke a skewer/toothpick into the kebabs and arrange them across the shot glasses. Voila!
Pro Tip: If you find it hard to make kebabs out of the mashed idlis, use boiled potatoes to help bind.
3. Chilli Idli
This spicy and flavoursome Indo-Chinese version of idlis is the best snack when your tummy is growling and you need a quick fix. Talk about giving idlis a makeover and turning them into a gourmet delight. Chinese ka mazza ab Idli mein!
Ingredients:
10 to 12 Idlis
1/2cup Cubed Onions
1cup Cubed Mixed Bell Peppers
1tbsp Garlic, finely chopped or crushed
2tbsp Olive Oil
2tbsp Soy Sauce
1tbsp Chilli Sauce
1tbsp Tomato Ketchup
1tsp Brown Sugar
1/4tsp Black Pepper Powder
Salt to taste
Spring Onion Greens, to garnish
Method:
Cut idli into quarters. Mix all the sauces in a bowl and keep aside. Heat some oil in a pan and saute garlic for a few seconds, followed by cubed onions. Add bell peppers and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the sauces and mix well. Lastly, add the idli pieces to the mix and stir while being careful not to mash them. Garnish with spring onion greens and serve immediately.
Hungry Forever
Do you know what these idlis go best with? Kaapi. That's right. So, here's a kaapi cocktail for pairing with your fusion idli recipe.
White Russian Vodka
Made using Ketel One, this coffee cocktail is simply amazing.
Ingredients:
60ml Ketel One Vodka
30ml Coffee Liqueur
15ml Heavy Cream or Whole Milk
Ice
Method:
Add Ketel One Vodka and coffee liqueur over ice in a rock glass. Pour milk or cream. Stir. Enjoy!
Ketel One Vodka
So, what are you waiting for? Try these interesting recipes today!
*Drink responsibly!
