Chilli Idli Fry, also known as Idli Manchurian, is a popular street food in India. It is a crispy and spicy dish made with leftover idlis, which are small, round, fermented rice cakes. These idlis are cut into small cubes, fried until crisp, and then tossed in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, tomato ketchup, and chili sauce. The dish is garnished with chopped green onions and cilantro.
Preparing the idlis: Cut the leftover idlis into bite-sized cubes and set aside.
Preparing the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, ginger-garlic paste, black pepper powder, and salt. Gradually add water to form a thick, smooth batter.
Coating the idlis: Dip the idli cubes into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides. Set aside
Cooking Steps
Frying the idlis: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the batter-coated idli cubes into the oil. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove the idlis from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Preparing the sauce: In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, diced bell peppers, and slit green chilies. Sauté the vegetables until they are slightly softened but still have a bit of crunch.
Adding the aromatics: Add the ginger-garlic paste to the pan and cook for a minute or two, stirring frequently to prevent it from burning.
Incorporating the sauces: Add the soy sauce, tomato ketchup, and red chili sauce to the pan. Mix well to combine the ingredients and let the mixture cook for a couple of minutes.
Seasoning: Add sugar and salt to taste. Stir to combine the ingredients and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Thickening the sauce: Slowly pour the cornstarch and water mixture into the pan while stirring continuously. Cook until the sauce thickens.
Combining the idlis with the sauce: Add the fried idli cubes to the pan and gently toss them in the sauce, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated.
Garnishing: Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the Chilli Idli Fry to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped spring onions.
It is essential to use leftover idlis for this recipe, as fresh idlis may become too soft and crumbly during frying.
Feel free to adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences by increasing or reducing the number of green chilies or chili sauce used in the recipe.
For a healthier version, you can air fry or bake the idli cubes instead of deep-frying. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) or your oven to 220°C (425°F) and cook the idli cubes until they are crispy, approximately 12-15 minutes.
You can adjust the amount of chili sauce used according to your preference for spiciness.
It is important to note that the recipe may vary depending on personal preferences and variations. Additionally, the nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
Nutrition Facts
Chilli Idli Fry Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
178
% Daily Value*
Fat
7
g
11
%
Saturated Fat
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
0.04
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
2
g
Sodium
752
mg
33
%
Potassium
191
mg
5
%
Carbohydrates
26
g
9
%
Fiber
3
g
13
%
Sugar
6
g
7
%
Protein
2
g
4
%
Vitamin A
263
IU
5
%
Vitamin B1
0.1
mg
7
%
Vitamin B2
0.1
mg
6
%
Vitamin B3
1
mg
5
%
Vitamin B5
0.2
mg
2
%
Vitamin B6
0.2
mg
10
%
Vitamin C
31
mg
38
%
Vitamin E
1
mg
7
%
Vitamin K
29
µg
28
%
Calcium
22
mg
2
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
Magnesium
15
mg
4
%
Zinc
0.2
mg
1
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.