Quick, Yummy Leftover Idli Snack Recipes

Idlis are nutritious and if you have some leftover idlis, you can turn them into yummy snacks using these easy to make, yummy recipes. They are not much work and your guests or family will love them for sure!

Fried Idli

Ingredients For Fried Idli Recipe:

• 5-6 Idlis
• 20-25 curry leaves
• 4-5 dried red chillies
• 3-4 cloves of garlic
• 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp urad dal
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp sambar powder
• 1/2 tsp amchur 
• 1 tbsp oil

Method:

• Combine Dried Red Chillies, Curry Leaves, Cumin Seeds, Garlic Cloves and Black Peppercorn in a blender and grind it coarsely.
• Cut the Idlis into bite-sized pieces. Leftover Idlis work best since it's less crumbly. If you are using freshly made Idlis, then you can refrigerate them for 30 mins before using.
• Heat the oil in a pan and fry the idlis till they are crispy and light brown in colour. 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.
• In the same pan, add some Black Mustard Seeds (rai) and Urad Dal.
• Optionally add a few more Curry Leaves.
• Now add the spice mixture prepared earlier and fry for a few seconds.
• Add the Fried Idlis to the pan.
• Now add Salt, Sambar Masala and Amchur. Toss the Idlis in the masala mixture to coat them evenly.

Fried Idlis are ready. If you want, you can sprinkle a pinch of Chaat Masala on the top. Serve the Fried Idlis plain or along with tomato ketchup or chutney.

Idli Manchurian Recipe

Ingredients For Fried Idli Manchurian:

• 6 idlis
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1/4 cup corn flour or corn starch
• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper powder
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• Oil for frying

For The Sauce:

• 1/2 onion
• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp green chilli sauce
• 2 tsp tomato ketchup
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper powder
• 1/4 cup spring onion greens
• 2 tsp oil

Method: 

• Combine all-purpose flour (maida), Corn Flour, Ginger Garlic Paste, Salt, Pepper, Red Chilli Powder and Soy Sauce in a bowl.
• Add water to make a smooth paste of slightly thick consistency (similar to pakora batter).
• Cut the Idlis into bite sized pieces. Leftover Idli works best since it's less crumbly. If you are using fresh made Idlis, then you can refrigerate them for 30 mins before using.
• Heat oil in a deep kadhai (wok). When the oil becomes hot, dip the idlis in the batter and gently drop them in the oil.
• Fry them till they turn crispy and golden brown in colour.
• Heat some oil in a pan and add finely chopped onions along with ginger garlic paste. Saute for a minute but do not overcook the onions.
• Add Soy Sauce, Green Chilli Sauce, Tomato Sauce, Salt and Pepper.
• Saute for a few seconds. You can add 1 teaspoon cornflour to make the sauce thicker if it's watery. Also add some spring onion greens.
• Add the fried idlis to the pan.
• Toss them in the sauce to coat them completely.

Idli Manchurian is ready. Serve it hot along with Fried Rice or just enjoy it as a snack.