Idli Chilli Recipe - A Fusion Delight for South Indian Flavors

Introduction: 

Idli Chilli, a creative and flavorful fusion dish, takes the traditional South Indian idlis and transforms them into a delicious Indo-Chinese appetizer. This dish features bite-sized idlis tossed in a spicy and tangy chilli sauce, creating a unique combination of textures and tastes. In this article, we'll guide you through an easy-to-follow recipe to prepare the delightful Idli Chilli, perfect for those who enjoy a twist on classic South Indian cuisine.

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Ingredients:

For the Idlis:

2 cups idli batter

Oil for greasing the idli moulds

For the Chilli Sauce:

2 tablespoons oil

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, minced

2-3 green chilies, finely chopped

1/2 cup onions, finely chopped

1/4 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), thinly sliced

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon tomato ketchup

1 tablespoon chilli sauce

1 teaspoon vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup vegetable broth or water

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Spring onions for garnish

Instructions:

For the Idlis:

Prepare the Idli Batter:

If you don't have ready-made idli batter, ferment a mixture of soaked and ground urad dal and rice. Allow it to ferment for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Grease the Idli Moulds:

Grease the idli moulds with oil to prevent sticking.

Steam the Idlis:

Pour spoonfuls of idli batter into each mould.

Steam the idlis in a steamer for about 10-12 minutes or until they are cooked through.

Cool and Cut:

Allow the steamed idlis to cool slightly.

Cut the idlis into bite-sized pieces.

For the Chilli Sauce:

Sauté Aromatics:

In a pan, heat oil over medium heat.

Add minced garlic, ginger, and chopped green chilies. Sauté until aromatic.

Add Vegetables:

Add finely chopped onions and thinly sliced bell peppers. Stir-fry until the vegetables are slightly tender.

Prepare the Sauce:

Add soy sauce, tomato ketchup, chilli sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Pour in vegetable broth or water. Allow the mixture to simmer.

Thicken the Sauce (Optional):

If you prefer a thicker consistency, slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the sauce while stirring continuously. Simmer until it thickens.

Toss in Idlis:

Add the bite-sized idlis to the pan with the chilli sauce. Toss gently to coat the idlis evenly with the flavorful sauce.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with chopped spring onions.

Serve the tempting Idli Chilli hot as an appetizer or a unique snack.

Optional Tips:

Experiment with different idli variations, such as using rava (semolina) or adding grated vegetables to the batter.

Adjust the spice levels by varying the quantity of green chilies and chilli sauce.

Conclusion: 

Idli Chilli offers a delightful twist on traditional South Indian idlis, infusing them with the bold flavors of Indo-Chinese cuisine. This creative fusion dish is a perfect example of how diverse culinary traditions can come together to create something uniquely delicious. Enjoy the mouthwatering combination of soft idlis and spicy chilli sauce as you savor the best of both worlds in every bite.