Idli Manchurian Recipe with Oriental Twist
Indulge in the fusion delight of Idli Manchurian, an Indo-Chinese culinary treat that takes the traditional South Indian idli and elevates it with bold flavors and a tantalizing twist. This recipe transforms leftover idlis into a crispy, savory snack thatโs perfect for evenings or gatherings. With a combination of vibrant vegetables, aromatic spices, and a hint of soy sauce, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Idli | 5 pieces |
| Onion | 1 medium-sized, chopped |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, chopped |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Soy Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Green Chillies | 2, slit (adjust to taste) |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried Oregano | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Spring Onion Greens | 1-2 teaspoons, chopped |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 1 teaspoon, chopped |
Preparation Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 minutes | 10 minutes | 130 minutes | 2 |
Cuisine
| Cuisine | Course | Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Indo-Chinese | Snack | Vegetarian |
Instructions
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Prepare the Idli: Start by gathering all the ingredients, ensuring you have some leftover idlis on hand. If you donโt have leftover idlis, steam a fresh batch using your idli batter and allow them to cool for 1 to 2 hours.
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Cut the Idli: Once your idlis are ready, cut each one into 6 to 7 pieces, creating bite-sized morsels that will be perfect for frying.
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Crisp the Idli: In a shallow frying pan, heat 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil over medium heat. Arrange 6 to 8 pieces of the cut idli in the pan and shallow fry them for a few minutes. This process will turn the idli pieces golden brown and give them a delightful crunch on the bottom. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can shallow fry the whole idlis until they turn light brown and then cut them into pieces.
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Sautรฉ the Vegetables: In another wide-base pan, heat the remaining sunflower oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions and sautรฉ until they turn crispy and golden. Then, add the chopped green bell pepper and continue to fry until the vegetables are cooked but still retain a bit of crunch.
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Add Flavors: Stir in the grated ginger and mix thoroughly. Next, add the soy sauce, red chilli powder, and salt to the pan. Add the slit green chillies to enhance the flavor further, and sautรฉ the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.
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Combine Idli and Vegetables: Turn off the heat and sprinkle in the dried oregano flakes, mixing everything together. Finally, gently fold in the crispy idli pieces, ensuring they are well-coated with the flavorful vegetable mix.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish your Idli Manchurian with chopped spring onion greens and coriander leaves for a fresh finish. Serve hot alongside roasted tomato sauce or Schezuan sauce for dipping, making this a perfect snack for any occasion.
This Idli Manchurian recipe is a fantastic way to utilize leftover idlis while introducing exciting new flavors. Whether enjoyed as an evening snack or as a delightful appetizer for your guests, this dish is sure to impress with its unique taste and satisfying crunch. Enjoy this savory treat with your favorite dipping sauces and watch it disappear from your table in no time!
