Chilli Idli Fry is one of the best ways to use leftover idli and transform them into a delicious Indian Chinese fusion snack.
What is Idli Manchurian?
Chilli Idli, or idli manchurian is an Indian Chinese fusion snack. It is made with idlis coated in cornstarch, fried till crisp, and tossed in sauces and vegetables. The dish got its name from the famous Indian Chinese main course dish called “Manchurian” – which has a similar cooking process.
That said, in true clean-out-the-fridge fashion, I want to point out that this chilli idli recipe is an extremely good leftover recycle exercise.
This chilli idli fry recipe is a regular teatime snack in our family because I always end up with an extra batch of idli from breakfast or lunch. And what could be a better way to use them than making Indian Chinese style idli Manchurian.
What kind of idli is BEST for making chilli idli?
In this idli manchurian recipe, we have used steamed idli as the main ingredient. Any idli variety is suitable for making manchurian. There is no hard and fast rule. You can use plain rice idli, masala idli, rava idli, dal idli, or Kanchipuram idli for making chilli idli fry.
Watch Chilli Idli Video
Serving Suggestion
These idli fry bites make an excellent starter for an Indo-Chinese party, potluck, or an evening snack.
You can pack them for the school lunchbox also.
Here are some more Manchurain recipes that you might love – Vegetable Manchurian Gravy, Soya Manchurian, or the Gobi Manchurian.
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Chilli Idli Fry Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 – 6 rava (sooji) idli see recipe here
Ingredients To Fry Idli:
- ¼ Cup corn flour (corn starch)
- Salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Cup cooking oil
Ingredients For Sauce:
- ½ Cup bell pepper, diced
- ½ Cup onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon ginger and garlic, fine chopped
- 2 green chillies sliced
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup (get recipe)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon spring onion greens chopped
- ¼ Cup water
Instructions
- Cut each idli into bite size small pieces. Set aside
- In a bowl combine sliced idli, cornstarch, salt and pepper. Mix nicely to coat idli with flour.
- Heat oil to shall fry the idli in a frying pan. Shallow fry the idli pieces in small batches till they turn brown and crisp from all sides.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel and set aside.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add chopped ginger, garlic and green chilli. Fry for 1 – 2 minutes.
- Now add the diced onion and fry till the onion turn translucent or soft. Add the bell pepper and cook for a minute.
- Pour the sauce along with ¼ cup water and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Next, add the fried idli into the sauce mixture and combine nicely. Turn off the heat. Garnish with spring onion greens.
- Serve Chilli Idli warm with your favorite chutney or sauce.
Recipe Notes:
- I have used rava (sooji) idli for the recipe. The regular rice idli can also be used in this recipe.
- After adding fried idli in the sauce mix do not cook them for too long. Else, they will turn soggy. Just mix nicely, garnish and serve.
- Always taste and then add salt to the sauce mixture because it is added earlier also while coating idlis with cornstarch.
- Feel free to add desired vegetables of your choice to the Manchurian, such as – capsicum, red bell pepper, baby corn, beans, or mushroom.
Vipin says
Nice, my wife will love to see this. i am sharing this article to her. Any way nice photographs too.
Hina Gujral says
Thank you so much. I hope she likes it.
Veidehi Gite says
Looks delicious 🙂
Hina Gujral says
Thanks 🙂
palak saini says
looks like easy to make and good in taste
Hina Gujral says
You must try this recipe Palak 🙂