A lazy Sunday morning, a few leftover idlis from yesterday’s breakfast staring at you from the fridge. Now, instead of the usual reheating routine, let’s give those idlis a flavorful makeover with a simple yet soul-satisfying idly roast. In your kitchen adventure, you’ll need just a tablespoon of oil, some mustard and cumin seeds doing their little dance in the pan, a green chili for a subtle kick, and a handful of curry leaves releasing their aromatic goodness. Toss in half a cup of chopped onions for that sweet crunch, and let the magic begin.
Now, the spice brigade joins the party: half a teaspoon of red chili powder, a dash of turmeric for that golden hue, sesame seeds for a nutty twist, and just a hint of sambar powder to elevate the flavors. Mix it up, let the idlis dive into this flavorful pool, and witness the transformation. To keep things moist and delightful, add two tablespoons of water, a sprinkle of salt, and a pinch of sugar for that perfect balance. And here comes the citrusy maestro – a generous squeeze of lemon juice to cut through the spices and bring everything together.
As you stand there, stirring and inhaling the divine aroma, you’ll realize this isn’t just cooking; it’s a symphony of colors, aromas, and memories. The sizzle in the pan is like a kitchen orchestra hitting all the right notes, creating a melody that resonates with the essence of homemade comfort. Garnish your creation with fresh coriander leaves, turning this humble dish into a visual delight. In just 25 minutes, you’ve not just cooked a meal; you’ve crafted a culinary experience that turns mundane leftovers into a delightful culinary escapade, proving once again that the magic in the kitchen is often found in the simplest recipes.
Leftover Idli Roast
Ingredients
- 5 to 8 leftover idlis chopped
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 green chili finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 4 to 5 curry leaves
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp sambar powder
- Salt to taste
- A pinch of sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp water
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, chopped green chili, and curry leaves. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add 1/2 cup chopped onions and cook until translucent.
- Stir in 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp sesame seeds, and 1/2 tsp sambar powder. Mix well.
- Add the chopped idlis. Gently mix to coat with the spice mixture. Pour 2 tbsp water over the idlis. Mix thoroughly.
- Sprinkle salt and a pinch of sugar. Stir well. Squeeze 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the idlis. Adjust to taste.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
