Sunday Special: Kuch Khaas Idli Ke Saath…

CELEBRITY MASTER CHEF DR KAVIRAJ KHIALANI

Idli the word itself is so very inviting and appetizing to read and listen to. A popular South indian native which is today a globally accepted preparation, simple-healthy and versatile when it comes to preparing it in its classic form to the contemporary and not to forget the fusion touch.

Idlis have been seen in our kitchens quite often be it hot and steaming for breakfast or brunch, an evening supper or even in between meals for a quick snack attack option and munchy. Idlis are basically made with rice and dal combination but today we come across variety of grains, legumes, pulses and even superfoods being involved with idli making concepts.

Idlis are basically made with rice and dal combination but today we come across variety of grains, legumes, pulses and even superfoods being involved with idli making concepts.

Oats, Millets, Ragi, Bajra, Quinoa, Couscous, Sago, Poha, Sooji and the likes all find themselves qualifying to be whipped and churned into that hot steamer and come out with a wondrous offering for us! Let us try defining this all time and all day favorite delicacy IDLI as

I – Interesting, D- Delicate, L- Lovable, I – Innovative.

While it continues to remain our most likeable choice of snacky affair we often end up making idlis a few more than we can actually compete over the dining table and be able to digest along with that chutney and refilled bowls of sambhar! There comes the question of what different and interesting to do with the leftover idlis the next day!

Here are a few ways of making tasty concoctions with varied tadka to the Leftover Idlis!

JHATPAT TADKEWALI IDLI

Ingredients

Leftover idlis- 10-12 no

Oil-2 tsp

Ghee-1 tsp

Curry leaves- 8-10 no

Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp

Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp

Hing-1 pinch

Chopped green chilies-2 tsp

Ginger-1 tsp chopped

Onions- 1 small chopped

Salt to taste

Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Water-1/4 cup

Coriander and mint leaves- 2 tbsp.

Chaat masala-1/2 tsp/ dried anardana-2 tsp

Lime juice- 2 tbsp.

Method

Prepare all the ingredients for the tadke wali idli.
Heat oil and ghee in a pan add in the ingredients from hing to the tempering ones and splutter and crackle them for a few seconds.
Add in the chilies and onions and saute them a few minutes add a little water and salt to taste.
Now add in the spices and cook for 2-3 mins, place in the idlis cut them into smaller pieces ideally and mix well.
Add coriander and mint leaves and chaat masala/anardana and cover and cook in steam for 3-4 mins, serve hot with a splash of lime juice along with a chutney.

CHAAT WALI IDLI

Ingredients

Leftover idlis- 10-12 no cut into smaller pieces and deep fried.

For the chaat

Curd- 1 cup beaten-sweet

Tamarind chutney- 2-3 tbsp.

Green chutney-2-3 tbsp.

Schezuan chutney-2 tsp

Onions-1 small chopped

Tomatoes-1 small chopped

Boiled mashed potatoes-1/2 cup

Green chilies-2 chopped

Chaat masala-1 tsp

Roasted crushed jeera-1/2 tsp

Mint and coriander leaves- 2 tbsp.

Pomegranate seeds-1/4 cup

Sev/papdis etc as desired for chaat.

Method

Prepare all the ingredients as per availability for this chaat.
Assemble the chaat ingredients and start doing the final set up on the plates just before serving.
Start with a base of little beaten curd and place a few crispy fried idlis, mashed potatoes, followed by the other ingredients to taste.
Top with the chutneys of your choice add sev, crushed papdis, some fresh anardana, mint and coriander, a splash of lime juice and a dash of chaat masala.
These kind of chaat recipes are pretty interesting for a change for the family to come together and enjoy on the dining table.

NUTKHUT IDLI KA NASHTA

Ingredients

Leftover idlis- 10-12 no

Oil-1 tsp

Ghee-1 tsp

Curry leaves-10-12

Slit green chilies-2-3 no

Ginger-1 tsp chopped

Onion-1 small chopped

Tomato-1 small chopped

Salt to taste

Water-1/4 cup

Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Fresh grated coconut-2-3 tbsp.

Coriander leaves- 2 tbsp.

Aamchur powder-1/2 tsp

Roasted crushed peanuts-2 tbsp.

Lime juice-2 tsp.

Assorted veggies like cubes of boiled carrots and peas etc.

Method

Prepare all the ingredients for the idli ka Nashta recipe.
Heat oil and ghee in a pan add in the ingredients for the tadka followed by onions, ginger, chilies and tomatoes.
Add in little water to prevent burning, add in the boiled vegetables of your choice and in goes the idli which has been processed to a coarse powder in the mixer jar.
Now add in some salt, turmeric, aamchur and red chili powder, add in the fresh coconut, peanuts and toss it all well.
Cook the mixture for 2-3 mins and add coriander leaves and a splash of fresh lime and serve hot.

TAK-A-TAK IDLI

Ingredients

Leftover idlis- 10-12 no

Oil- 1 tbsp.

Ginger-garlic- 2 tsp mix chopped

Green chili-2 tsp chopped

Spring onion- 2 tbsp. chopped

Capsicums- 1 small chopped

Water-1/2 cup

Soy sauce-2 tsp

Red chili sauce- 2 tsp

Green chili sauce-2 tsp

Boiled sweet corn-1/2 cup

Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

Corn flour and water solution-2 -3 tbsp.

Coriander leaves-2 tbsp. chop

Spring onion greens- 2-3 tbsp. chopped for garnish.

Method

Cut the leftover idlis into smaller pieces and deep fry them until golden browned, drain and keep aside.
Heat oil in a kadai add in the ginger, garlic, chili, onions and saute well for 2 mins, add in the capsicums and water, sauces, salt and pepper to taste.
Bring to a boil add in the corn flour solution thicken the sauce and add coriander leaves, the fried idlis and mix well cook for 2 mins.
Serve hot garnished with spring onion greens and serve with schezuan sauce.

Celebrity Master Chef Dr Kaviraj Khialani is a Mumbai-based hotel-restaurant and food consultant. He is specialised in over 33 international cuisines and has quality experience with hotels and airlines as a part of his long journey of over two decades in his chosen field. Chef Kaviraj is a renowned author, academician, food designer, writer and has also been awarded several national awards and global recognitions for his talent & outstanding achievements. Besides having been featured on several food shows on ColorsTV and Star Plus he is a mentor, coach and guide to aspiring to be future chefs and hoteliers of tomorrow.

He can be contacted at twitter: @kaviraj_chef, Mobile: +91 9820939336. Mail: chefkaviraj249@gmail.com

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