Spicy Masala Idli Fry Recipe For A Quick Tea-Time Snack

If you’re bored of eating plain idlis or have leftovers sitting in your fridge, this Spicy Masala Idli Fry is the ultimate makeover it deserves! A South Indian street-style snack, this dish transforms soft idlis into golden-fried cubes tossed in a tangy, spicy onion-tomato masala. It’s an ideal tea-time companion and pairs perfectly with a hot cup of masala chai. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.

Great for entertaining guests or satisfying late-evening hunger pangs, it uses simple pantry ingredients and leftover idlis. You can adjust the spice level as per your taste and even add vegetables for extra nutrition. Serve it with coconut chutney or just as-is for a bold, spicy snack that hits the spot. This dish is a great example of how humble ingredients can create an explosion of taste with the right spices and technique.

Spicy Masala Idli Fry Recipe For A Quick Tea-Time Snack

A crispy, spicy, and tangy street-style snack using leftover idlis, sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices.

Author: Ganesh

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 25 mins Difficulty: Beginner Cooking Temp: 356  F Servings: 3 Estimated Cost: $ 80 Calories: 220 kcal (per serving) Best Season: All year

Ingredient

Servings

• 8 pieces Idli – preferably day-old, cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp Oil – for sautéing
• 1 tsp Mustard seeds
• 1 tsp Urad dal
• 1 sprig Curry leaves
• 2 Green chilies – slit
• 1 medium Onion – finely chopped
• 1 medium Tomato – finely chopped
• ¹⁄₂ tsp Ginger-garlic paste
• ¹⁄₄ tsp Turmeric powder
• ¹⁄₂ tsp Red chili powder – adjust to taste
• ¹⁄₂ tsp Garam masala
• ¹⁄₂ tsp Pav bhaji masala – optional for extra zing
• Salt – to taste
• 2 tbsp Coriander leaves – chopped
• 1 tsp Lemon juice – optional, for tang

Instructions

1. Prep the Idlis

   Cut the idlis into bite-sized cubes. Use day-old idlis for better texture and avoid stickiness.

   Refrigerated idlis work best as they firm up and fry better.

1. Fry the Idlis

   Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick pan. Add the cubed idlis and shallow-fry until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove and set aside.

1. Temper the Spices

   In the same pan, add 1 tbsp oil. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, and let them splutter. Add curry leaves and green chilies. Sauté for a few seconds.

1. Sauté the Onions & Tomatoes

   Add chopped onions and sauté until golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook till raw smell disappears. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until mushy.

1. Add the Masalas

   Sprinkle turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, pav bhaji masala, and salt. Cook until the masala releases oil and becomes fragrant.

1. Toss the Fried Idlis

   Add the fried idlis to the masala. Toss well to coat every piece evenly. Stir on low heat for 2–3 minutes.

1. Garnish & Serve

   Turn off the heat. Add chopped coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot with tea or chutney.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 3

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 220kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 10g16%

Saturated Fat 1.5g8%

Sodium 340mg15%

Total Carbohydrate 28g10%

Dietary Fiber 4g16%

Sugars 3g

Protein 4g8%

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Vitamin A 310 IU

Vitamin C 12 mg

Calcium 30 mg

Iron 1.2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Serving Suggestion: Serve hot with coconut chutney or green chutney for a complete snack.

Variation: Add bell peppers or grated carrots for extra crunch and nutrition.

Pro Tip: Air fry the idlis instead of shallow frying for a healthier version.

Storage: Best consumed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in a pan.

Keywords: idli fry, masala idli, leftover idli recipe, tea-time snack, spicy idli, South Indian snack, easy snack recipe