Fried Idli Recipe | Masala Idli Fry | Leftover Idli Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Fried idli or Masala Idli Fry is a mildly spiced sautéed dish made from idlis. The idlis are fried till they are crispy and then tossed in curry leaves and South Indian spices.

Idli is a traditional South Indian Breakfast made by steaming a batter consisting of fermented black lentils (de-husked) and rice.

It is considered as one among the best nutritious and light food as steaming preserves most of the nutrients. Also the fermentation process breaks down the starches so that the Idlis are more easily metabolized by the body.

This dish can be made either from fresh idlis or leftover idlis. Normally a day old refrigerated idlis are more suited as they have less tendency to break when frying and absorb less oil.

Fried idlis can be served along with Coconut Chutney, tomato ketchup or even Sambar. This dish can be served as breakfast meal or evening snack.

To make Fried Idli at home follow the detailed step by step recipe with photos posted below.

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Fried Idli Recipe Step By Step Instructions

Fried Idli Recipe | Masala Idli Fry

Crispy Fried Idlis tossed in Curry Leaves and mild South Indian spices. Makes for an interesting breakfast option using leftover Idlis.
5 from 2 votes

Recipe Info

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2
Category Snacks
Cuisine Indian

Ingredients For Fried Idli Recipe | Masala Idli Fry
  

  • 5-6 Idlis
  • 20-25 Curry Leaves
  • 4-5 Whole Dried Red Chillies
  • 3-4 Garlic Cloves
  • 1 Teaspoon Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
  • 1 Teaspoon Black Peppercorn (Sabut Kali Mirch)
  • 1 Teaspoon Rai (Black Mustard Seeds)
  • 1 Teaspoon Urad Dal (Split & Skinned Black Gram Lentils)
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Sambar Masala
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Amchur (Dry Mango Powder)
  • 1 Tablespoon Cooking Oil

Step By Step Instructions for Fried Idli Recipe | Masala Idli Fry
 

  • Gather some dried red chillies, curry leaves, cumin seeds, garlic cloves and black peppercorn.
    20-25 Curry Leaves, 4-5 Whole Dried Red Chillies, 3-4 Garlic Cloves, 1 Teaspoon Cumin Seeds (Jeera), 1 Teaspoon Black Peppercorn (Sabut Kali Mirch)
    Fried Idli Recipe Step By Step Instructions 1
  • Add the ingredients to a blender and grind them coarsely.
    Fried Idli Recipe Step By Step Instructions 2
  • Gather the idlis. Leftover idlis works best since they are less crumbly. If you are using fresh made idlis, then you can refrigerate them for 30 mins before using.
    5-6 Idlis
    Fried Idli Recipe Step By Step Instructions 3
  • Cut the idlis into bite sized pieces.
    Fried Idli Recipe Step By Step Instructions 4
  • Heat oil in a pan and fry the idlis till they are crispy and light brown in color. Traditionally the idlis are deep fried, but I have just shallow fried for a healthier version. You can also bake the idlis instead. Set the fried idlis aside.
    Fried Idli Recipe Step By Step Instructions 6
  • In the same pan, add some black mustard seeds (rai) and urad dal.
    1 Teaspoon Rai (Black Mustard Seeds), 1 Teaspoon Urad Dal (Split & Skinned Black Gram Lentils)
    Fried Idli Recipe Step By Step Instructions 7
  • Add a few curry leaves. This is optional, and you can skip adding them here since they are already in the spice blend we prepared earlier.
    Fried Idli Recipe Step By Step Instructions 8
  • Now add the spice mixture prepared earlier and fry for a few seconds.
    Fried Idli Recipe Step By Step Instructions 9
  • Then add the fried idlis to the pan.
    Fried Idli Recipe Step By Step Instructions 10
  • Add salt, sambar masala and amchur. Toss the idlis in the masala mixture to coat them evenly.
    1/2 Teaspoon Salt, 1/2 Teaspoon Sambar Masala, 1/2 Teaspoon Amchur (Dry Mango Powder)
    Fried Idli Recipe Step By Step Instructions 11
  • Fried Idlis are ready. If you want you can sprinkle a pinch of chaat masala on the top before serving.
    Fried Idli Recipe Step By Step Instructions

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18 thoughts on “Fried Idli Recipe | Masala Idli Fry | Leftover Idli Recipe”

  1. try changing “perseveres” for “preserves” – but thanks for the recip, I’ll be trying it out over the weekend!

    Reply
  2. My daughter hates idli. I have tried various recipes and this one is a hit. All thanks to you for making my daughter eat idly. It’s definitely a must try recipe.

    Reply

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