- 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
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Cut 6–8 idlis into bite-sized cubes.
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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
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Heat 2 tbsp oil or ghee in a pan or kadai.
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Add:
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½ tsp mustard seeds
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½ tsp cumin seeds
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A few curry leaves
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Let them splutter.
🔹 Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
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Add 1 tsp ginger garlic paste and sauté for 30 seconds.
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Add 1 chopped onion and sauté till translucent.
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Add chopped green chilies and cook for 1 minute.
🔹 Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Spices
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Add 1 finely chopped tomato and cook until soft.
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Add:
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¼ tsp turmeric powder
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½ tsp red chili powder
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1 tsp coriander powder
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½ tsp garam masala
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Salt to taste
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Optionally, add 1 tbsp tomato ketchup for a tangy twist.
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Cook the masala until the oil begins to separate from the sides.
🔹 Step 5: Add Idli Cubes
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Gently add the cubed idlis into the masala.
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Mix carefully to avoid breaking the idlis.
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Cook for 3–4 minutes on medium heat, allowing the idlis to absorb the masala.
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Optionally squeeze some lemon juice.
🔹 Step 6: Garnish and Serve
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Turn off heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
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Serve hot as a snack, breakfast, or tiffin item.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Serve hot with coconut chutney, curd, or enjoy as-is.
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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.
