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Masala Idli Bites-Super soft and spongy idlis coated in spicy and tasty masala and tempered with mustard and cumin seeds are just perfect to pair with the hot cup of tea on lazy weekdays.
We love masala idli and I often made it for our breakfast for on weekdays. I mean literally, I soak and grind and do the entire process of making idlis just to enjoy as the masala idli with tea.
When we were in the States one of my husband’s colleague used to bring the podi idli for breakfast in the office and from there Mr. H got hooked on these. When he asked me to try the same at home I simply used a fusion of North and South and made this masala idli which everyone in the family loved to the core.
Normally in South India, they use chutney podi and leftover idlis to make the podi idli or masala coated idlis but I use the simple basic spices, chat masala and amchur powder for some tanginess and that’s a huge hit at my house.
I am yet to try serving the podi idli at home and I am sure that would be tasty too with all the different, with the roasted dals and spices in the podi masala.
If you ask me few years before I wasn’t making the idli, dosa etc that much in my kitchen as I find it kind of tedious and lengthy process. But last year when I saw a documentary about the health benefits of fermented food in our diet, I now always make sure to make fermented food once or twice in a week.
Wierd right? My family thinks I am crazy for healthy stuff and whenever they want me to buy or cook something they would start telling the health benefits just to let buy that stuff. Seriously hubby thinks I have become a health freak.
Sometimes they would just tease me that you have stopped processed food, refined oils sugar, refined flour etc and one day you will just stop buying fruits, vegetables or everything because it won’t be healthy or good for you.
I don’t know maybe I am becoming that person but I just want them to eat healthily and stay healthy. I guess after my mom got sick some part inside me just got lost and I am now scared to death and don’t want anything to happen to others in the family.
Anyways enough blabbering about me and my thoughts, whatever, the masala idli taste amazing and can make a healthy and filling breakfast.
Here is what I posted until for the mega-marathon-
Under Street Food
Gol Gappe
Under Breakfast
Rainbow Smoothie
*If you ever try this recipe don’t forget to share your photos with me on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter or tag me on Instagram @cookingwithsapana using the hashtag #cookingwithsapana and stay connected* I would love to see your creations from my space!!
Masala Idli Bites
Ingredients
- 15-16 idlis
- 2-3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teapoon chaat masala
- 1 teaspoon amchoor powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- few curry leaves
- 2-3 whole dried red chilli
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Cut the idlis into four, six or eight equal parts depending upon the size of your idlis.
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin, mustard dried red chilli and curry leaves. Let the seeds crackle.
- Keeping the heat on low add the rest of the spices and salt and stir vigorously.
- Add the sliced idlis into the pan and mix gently to coat the idlis in the masala.
- Remove from heat and serve with chutney and or tea.
Notes
Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM# 87
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Please do let me know how this recipe turned out in the comments below. Don’t forget that you can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Google Plus.
Best Regards,
Sapana Behl
Ha ha so true even fruits and veggies are not all natural I opt for everything organic still we never know .. that is so good to hear you don’t buy processed foods, you are such an amazing person who takes care of your family so well..n wow this is an alluring idli bite recipe, looks so delicious, am getting tempted .. Adding chaat masala to it would have added some zing to these 🙂 wonderful setups and captures dear !!
I made idli upma with leftovers and sometime podi idli. Your fusion version sounds yum and with the chaat masala my kids will definitely like it.
I guess it happens in every family, in our house, hubby complains sometimes that i’m so strict on what to buy or not !!! But in the end we’re all looking out the best for our family right?? Btw, those masala idli looks great and the addition of amchur and chaat is interesting !!!
This version of masala idli sounds awesome too. Beautiful presentation as usual.
I usually make this kind of dish with the leftover idlies, and those masala idli bites are tempting me to the core.Give me that plate, i want to have some rite now.
Even I am going in the same route Spapna. I am so afraid to feed my kid with anything that is refined, but it is just for their best interests we are doing. This masala idli with chat sounds so yum. Next time let me try this for my kiddo.
I usually make Chilli idli with the leftover ones.. This sounds mild and great !!
Love this idea of making idli chaat. Next time I am making idli just for this. 🙂
Those masala Idlis look so sinful and the whole setup looks so alluring!
Sapna, I think you need to be more positive with your approach towards life..put that fear away. I dont say eat unhealthy , put in a effort to healthy eating but at the same time enjoy life too. The idli with your version of masalas is just my kinds, would love to have them as my evening snack.
It is really to hear that you stopped buying processed food all together. I wish I could do that, but the convenience of having a few store bought snacks for those quick hunger pangs is just too much of a pull.
Your masala idli look so inviting and delicious. Wish I could have a bowl of those now.
i totally understand your thoughts on eating healthy and avoiding processed food, we start now, kids will learn as they grow older!!!
Masala idly looks delicious, beautiful setup, love the crockery used!!!
Wanting your family to eat healthy is not a bad thing at all. However, you cannot be over cautious as everyday new notions come out about foods. One day its healthy and the next day bad. Your idli preparation reminds me of how kids would always want masala idli in their lunch box. I use to make tonnes of idlis so that they would always have a healthy and filling snack.
It is hard to let go of some feelings, but all I can say is don’t live in fear. We all are destined to things in life and they will happen when it happens. Until then, just live the life to the fullest and enjoy. Coming to making idlis, I am guilty myself for not making it often. My husband’s biggest complaint is that I don’t make idlis as often as he likes. Love this version of the idli and would love to give it a try.
I love this masala idli recipe.. perfect as snack recipe.
I do make masala idlis from leftover idlis, but this is totally different from mine. Loved this version of yours