Masala Idli Recipe (Using Leftover Idlis)

Who doesn’t like a good leftover recipe? In a day and age where we are told that food waste is a growing issue, it pays to be able to get more than one meal out of the food that you’re cooking, especially when you’ve accidentally made too much of it!

Idli is a very popular dish to make, both in India, in Indian households, and for Indian dinner themes across the world.

So, naturally, when we get a little too eager with our cooking, we may make more than we need.

This guide and the recipe that we have here will help you turn those spare idli into a delicious masala dish that will make for a perfect Indian treat the night after!

More About Idli

Idli is a traditional type of Indian rice cake that has been made and eaten in India for centuries. It is typically made from four parts dried basmati rice and one part black lentils.

The dish is most popular in southern India and parts of Sri Lanka, especially as an appetizer or snack dish.

What Is Masala Idli?

Masala idli is a curry-like dish that combines idli with a classic masala spice mix to make an entirely new meal. 

This turns idli from a great side dish into a very filling main meal or shareable platter – and that’s what we’re going to show you how to make below!

Ingredients for Masala Idli

To prepare masala idli, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 6 leftover idlis, each cut into 9 pieces
• 2 tablespoons oil (such as vegetable or sunflower oil)
• 1 medium red onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper (green, red, or yellow), diced
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1 green chili (such as Thai chili), finely chopped (optional for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste (or 3 cloves garlic, minced)
• 2 tablespoons water
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon pav bhaji masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Masala Idli

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cut each idli into 9 pieces. Dice the vegetables and chop the chili (if using). Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the heated oil. Sprinkle a pinch of salt to help them cook faster. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
3. Add Garlic and Chili: Stir in the garlic paste and chopped chili. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant.
4. Cook the Tomato: Add the diced tomato to the pan and stir occasionally. As the tomato cooks, use a spatula to crush it, making the mixture pulpy.
5. Add Water and Spices: Pour in 2 tablespoons of water and mix in the turmeric powder, chili powder, pav bhaji masala, and remaining salt. Cook for another minute.
6. Incorporate the Idlis: Add the idli pieces to the pan, stirring well to ensure they are evenly coated with the masala mixture.
7. Finish the Dish: Drizzle the lemon or lime juice over the idlis and stir in the chopped coriander or cilantro. Mix everything together before serving.

Tips, Tricks & Advice For Making Masala Idli with Leftover Idlis

To store leftover masala idli, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

If you’d like to pair this dish with a drink, a classic Indian lassi would complement the flavors nicely.

This dish is versatile enough to enjoy for any meal—breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Its rich flavors make it suitable for a variety of occasions.

Final Notes

So, there you have it. An easy way to use some of those Indian leftover foods that you have from yesterday.

One of the things that we love about this dish is that it can be eaten for pretty much any meal. Whether it’s dinner, lunch, or breakfast, this recipe will fill you up nicely.

So, are you ready to start cooking?