Name: Masala Idli Recipe – South Indian Style
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 People
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 8 medium sized, cut into 2 or 4 pieces Idlis; 1 medium size, sliced Carrot; 1 big size, sliced Onion; 1 medium size, sliced Green Capsicum; 1 medium size, sliced Red Capsicum; 1 medium size, sliced Yellow Capsicum; 2 medium, sliced Tomato; A handful (approx 10-15 leaves) Curry leaves; 1 tbsp Cooking Oil; 1 tsp Mustard seeds; 1 tsp (or to taste) Salt; 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder; 1 tbsp Red chili powder; 1/2 tsp Black pepper powder; 1 tbsp Sambar masala powder; Optional, for sprinkling Lemon juice

Ready in

15 mins

Cuisine

Indian · South Indian

Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

10 min

Serving

4 People

Calories / Serving

~280 kcal

Recipe by Rajeevan Alleppey on YouTube

Recipe Summary

A quick and flavorful South Indian dish where steamed idlis are tossed with a vibrant mix of sautéed vegetables and aromatic spices. This recipe is perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or light dinner, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes.

Adjust servings

Tap an ingredient to mark it ready0 of 16 ready

All Ingredients - Main Ingredients

Idlis 8 medium sized, cut into 2 or 4 pieces
Carrot 1 medium size, sliced
Onion 1 big size, sliced
Green Capsicum 1 medium size, sliced
Red Capsicum 1 medium size, sliced
Yellow Capsicum 1 medium size, sliced
Tomato 2 medium, sliced
Curry leaves A handful (approx 10-15 leaves)
Cooking Oil 1 tbsp
Mustard seeds 1 tsp
Salt 1 tsp (or to taste)
Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
Red chili powder 1 tbsp
Black pepper powder 1/2 tsp
Sambar masala powder 1 tbsp
Lemon juice Optional, for sprinkling

Tools You'll Need

Don't have an ingredient? Try these swaps

No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Curry leaves?
- 1 bay leaf + a pinch of lemon zest — Aroma only — flavor is unique.
No Lemon juice?
- Lime juice (1:1)
- 1/2 the amount white vinegar — In dressings, savory dishes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Idlis and Vegetables

Take 8 regular medium-sized idlis and cut them into 2 or 4 pieces. Slice 1 medium carrot, 1 big onion, 1 medium green capsicum, 1 medium red capsicum, 1 medium yellow capsicum, and 2 medium tomatoes. Wash a handful of curry leaves.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Carrots

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and let them crackle for about . Add the sliced onion and sliced carrot to the pan. Stir well and sauté until the onions turn translucent, approximately .

Step 3: Add Capsicums and Curry Leaves

Add the sliced green capsicum, red capsicum, and yellow capsicum to the pan. Sauté the vegetables until they soften slightly, about . Add the curry leaves and mix well.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes and Spices

Add the sliced tomatoes to the pan and sauté until they soften, about . Add salt to taste (approximately 1 teaspoon), 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon of red chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper powder, and 1 tablespoon of sambar masala powder. Mix all the spices very well with the vegetable mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated, for about .

Step 5: Combine with Idlis

Add the cut idlis to the pan with the vegetable and spice mixture. Mix well, ensuring the idlis are thoroughly coated with the gravy. Continue to mix for , allowing the idlis to absorb the flavors and become moist and soft.

Step 6: Serve Masala Idli

Serve the Masala Idli hot. Optionally, you can sprinkle some lemon juice over it before serving for an added tang.

Pro Tips

• Sprinkle lemon juice over the Masala Idli just before serving for an extra tangy flavor.

• Ensure the vegetables are sautéed until tender-crisp to maintain their vibrant color and texture.

• Adjust the amount of chili powder and black pepper according to your spice preference.

Recipe Variations

• Add other vegetables like green beans, peas, or mushrooms for more variety.

• For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of garam masala along with other spices.

• Use mini idlis for a bite-sized snack option.

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