- August 1, 2025
📝 About Masala Idli
Masala Idli is a delicious and quick South Indian-style stir-fried dish made using leftover idlis, sautéed with onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and Indian spices. It’s a creative way to reuse leftover idlis and turn them into a flavorful, spicy snack or breakfast.
This dish is also a great lunchbox option, especially for kids, as it’s oil-light, healthy, and packed with flavor. Masala idli is also known as Fried Idli or Tawa Idli, especially when prepared in a street-style fashion using bold spices and butter.
🥘 Masala Idli Recipe | How to Make Spicy Masala Idli Using Leftover Idlis
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Cuisine: South Indian / Fusion
Course: Breakfast / Snack / Tiffin
Difficulty: Easy
🧾 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Leftover idlis | 6–8 (cut into cubes) |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Tomato (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Green chilies (slit or chopped) | 1–2 |
| Ginger garlic paste | 1 tsp |
| Mustard seeds | ½ tsp |
| Cumin seeds | ½ tsp |
| Curry leaves | 6–8 |
| Turmeric powder | ¼ tsp |
| Red chili powder | ½ tsp (adjust to taste) |
| Coriander powder | 1 tsp |
| Garam masala | ½ tsp |
| Tomato ketchup (optional) | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh coriander leaves | 2 tbsp (chopped) |
| Oil or ghee | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | to taste |
| Lemon juice | 1 tsp (optional) |
👨🍳 How to Make Masala Idli – Step-by-Step Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Idlis
Cut 6–8 idlis into bite-sized cubes.
If using fresh idlis, allow them to cool down and firm up, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to avoid breakage.
🔹 Step 2: Temper the Spices
Heat 2 tbsp oil or ghee in a pan or kadai.
Add:
½ tsp mustard seeds
½ tsp cumin seeds
A few curry leaves
Let them splutter.
🔹 Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add 1 tsp ginger garlic paste and sauté for 30 seconds.
Add 1 chopped onion and sauté till translucent.
Add chopped green chilies and cook for 1 minute.
🔹 Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Add 1 finely chopped tomato and cook until soft.
Add:
¼ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp red chili powder
1 tsp coriander powder
½ tsp garam masala
Salt to taste
Optionally, add 1 tbsp tomato ketchup for a tangy twist.
Cook the masala until the oil begins to separate from the sides.
🔹 Step 5: Add Idli Cubes
Gently add the cubed idlis into the masala.
Mix carefully to avoid breaking the idlis.
Cook for 3–4 minutes on medium heat, allowing the idlis to absorb the masala.
Optionally squeeze some lemon juice.
🔹 Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Turn off heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Serve hot as a snack, breakfast, or tiffin item.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with coconut chutney, curd, or enjoy as-is.
Perfect for tiffin, tea-time snack, or even a light dinner.
💡 Tips & Variations
| Tip | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Use refrigerated idlis | Prevents them from breaking |
| Add capsicum or peas | Nutritional boost |
| Toss with butter | Street-style flavor |
| Add pav bhaji masala | For bold masala twist |
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I make masala idli with fresh idlis?
Yes, but let them cool completely or refrigerate to firm them up before sautéing.
Q2: Is masala idli spicy?
You can adjust the spice levels to suit your taste by changing the amount of chilies or chili powder.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh. Reheat in a tawa or microwave before serving.
