How to Make Masala Idli at Home (Step-by-Step)

Are you looking to crack the code for making the perfect masala idli that's simple yet delights your taste buds? 

Do you struggle to maintain a balance between its simple flavors while adding tadka to it?

Well, if yes, then I would recreate my childhood nostalgia of eating the perfect masala idlis made by mom with some coriander chutney.

Moreover, does a long ingredients list scare you?

If yes, then we have covered a quick 5-minute masala idli recipe that can be made using simple ingredients. So, let's check out more about them!

Ingredients For Masala Idli Recipe

• Leftover idlis (7-8 nos)
• Curry leaves (5-6 nos)
• Black mustard seeds (pinch of rai)
• Green chilli whole (3-4 nos or as required)
• 1 tsp Red chilli powder (laal mirch)
• ¼ tsp Turmeric powder (haldi)
• Coriander leaves (hare dhaniye ke patte)
• Salt (as required)
• Cold pressed yellow-mustard oil/coconut oil

Preparation For Vaghareli Idli 

You can use vegetable idlis, rawa idlis, or normal ones for this recipe. 

Now:

• Cut the leftover idlis into pieces of four 
• Wash curry leaves, green chili, and coriander leaves with water
• Now, chop the coriander leaves and slit the green chilli using a knife (those who do not eat chillies can remove them yet retaining the flavors). Remove the curry leaves from the stems as well. 

How To Make Idli Fry? 

Optional: You can add vegetables like carrots and capsicum; however, it feels less authentic

1. Take a wok, add 2 spoons of  stone-cold pressed/wood-pressed mustard or coconut oil, and let it be lukewarm

2. Now add green chilli, mustard seeds, and curry leaves together in the wok and stir-fry for a minute.

3. Add the leftover idlis and season them with 1 tsp red chilli powder, salt, and ¼ tsp haldi powder.

4. Stir-fry the idlis in the wok for 2-4 minutes.

5. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve Hot!

Serving Suggestion: Pair it up with some green coriander chutney or coconut chutney. 

Dos and Don'ts While Making Tadka Idli

You can always adjust the quantity of spices if you want less or more spicy, and based on the color of your turmeric.

Hence, use 100% natural, chemical and preservative-free turmeric powder. I prefer using Gyros Organic Farms hand-stone-grounded turmeric that is unprocessed and chemical-free.

It ensures no harmful chemicals, while it even nourishes my family with the natural benefits of haldi powder that have been miraculous for ages. 

Choice of Oils

There's always a choice of oil while making Masala Idlis at home. Traditional South Indian cooking involves using coconut oil, but add it only if you are familiar and comfortable with coconut's flavors in the idlis.

But if you need some flavorful taste, then opt for using mustard oil and its spiciness, which would double the flavors. 

While opting for oils completely depends on your taste preferences. North Indians are less likely to tolerate the taste of coconut oil in foods, while South Indians feel it is authentic. 

But always ensure not to opt for refined oils or olive oil for health's sake. The former processed oils harm the body and can be fatal in the long term. Besides, they lack the authentic flavors, aroma, and nutritional value that such oils provided years ago.

Therefore, to cope with it, Gyros Organic Farms uses wood-press/stone-press machines manually, which ensures the oils have a high smoke point and rather act as an asset for health.

In comparison, olive oil isn't suitable for Indian cooking due to its low smoke points. While mustard oil otherwise does provide it, refined oils at that temperature can harm the heart. Hence, we are innovating your kitchen for the better. 

Final Words

The leftover idli recipes are a pure delight to the taste buds and bring back old nostalgia. You can even make chilli idlis using it, while this tadka idli will win your hearts forever.