Fried Idli with Coconut Chutney - South Indian Style

Step 1: Prepare Curry Leaves

Begin by plucking fresh curry leaves from the plant. Then, wash the curry leaves thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities.

Step 2: Set Up Steamer

Prepare a traditional outdoor stove by lighting wood and paper to create a fire. Bring a large multi-tiered steamer (Idli maker) and place it on a table. Assemble the Idli plates inside the steamer. Place the steamer on the lit stove and pour water into its base.

Step 3: Prepare Idli Batter

Add semolina to a large mixing bowl. Add salt to the semolina and briefly mix with a whisk. Pour curd into the semolina mixture and thoroughly whisk together to form a smooth batter. Add Eno (fruit salt) to the batter and quickly whisk in until it becomes frothy.

Step 4: Steam Idlis

Grease the Idli molds with refined oil using your fingers. Spoon the Idli batter into each mold on the plates. Carefully place the filled Idli plates into the steamer, stacking them one by one. Place the lid on the steamer to begin the cooking process. Add more wood to the fire to maintain heat for steaming. After steaming, remove the lid, revealing perfectly cooked Idlis. Carefully scoop the Idlis out of the molds and collect them in a large bowl. Repeat the process of filling molds and steaming for more batches of Idlis.

Step 5: Cut Idlis

Once all the Idlis are cooked, cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces on a wooden board.

Step 6: Prepare Fried Idli Tempering

Place a large wok (kadai) on the traditional stove over the fire. Pour cooking oil into the hot wok. Add mustard seeds to the hot oil and allow them to splutter. Add cumin seeds to the wok. Add fresh curry leaves to the tempering. Add salt, red chili powder, and turmeric powder to the wok. Quickly stir the spices to combine with the tempering.

Step 7: Fry Idlis

Add the cut Idli pieces to the wok with the tempering. Thoroughly mix and toss the Idli pieces with the spices until evenly coated and lightly fried.

Step 8: Prepare Coconut Chutney

Set up a blender for making chutney. Add chopped coconut pieces, roasted chana dal, green chilies, ginger pieces, salt, and water to the blender jar. Blend the ingredients until a smooth chutney paste is formed. Pour the blended coconut chutney into a serving bowl. Add a tadka (tempering) of curry leaves and mustard seeds on top of the chutney.

Step 9: Serve

Serve the fried Idlis hot with the fresh coconut chutney. Dip a piece of the fried Idli into the coconut chutney and enjoy.

• Ensure the idli batter has a smooth consistency for soft idlis.

• Do not overfill the idli molds to allow space for rising.

• Steam idlis for the recommended time to prevent them from becoming hard.

• Adjust the spice levels in both the fried idli and chutney according to your preference.

• Serve plain idlis with sambar instead of frying.

• Experiment with different types of chutneys like tomato or peanut chutney.

• Add chopped vegetables like carrots or peas to the idli batter for added nutrition.