Idli Pepper Fry (Gluten-free)

Today is World Idli Day… the perfect excuse to enjoy this delicious, spicy, gluten-free and vegetarian snack. Mini idlis are fried in ghee and coated with a peppery flaxseed chutney powder. Best served with tea or coffee. Happy snacking!

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Recipes

Idli Pepper Fry

(Serves 2)

Ingredients

18-20 mini idlis or 5 regular sized idlis (cooled to room temperature. You can also use leftover idlis)
2 tbsp ghee
1 small onion, finely chopped
8 fresh curry leaves
2-3 tbsp pepper and flaxseed chutney podi (add more or less according to taste)
Juice of 1/4 lemon

Method

In a frying pan, melt the ghee over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and curry leaves. Fry until the onions are golden brown.

Add the mini idlis and flip gently to coat them with ghee. If using regular idlis, cut them into quarters before adding to the pan.

Add 2-3 tbsp of the pepper and flaxseed chutney powder (recipe below) and stir gently to coat (the chutney powder already contains salt, so there is no need to add more). Continue to fry for a minute or two, then turn off the heat. Squeeze the lemon juice on top of the idlis and stir gently to incorporate.

Serve the idli pepper fry hot with your choice of beverage.

Pepper and Flaxseed Chutney Powder

(Makes 1/2 cup)

Ingredients

1/4 cup flaxseeds 
2 tbsp split white lentils (urad dal)
2 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
1 tsp cumin seeds 
8-10 curry leaves
1 dried red chilli (use 2 if you like your food extra spicy)
1/4 tsp asafetida  
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)

Method

In a frying pan, roast the flaxseeds over medium-low heat until they change color and start to pop. Remove from heat and transfer to a plate.

Roast the lentils, peppercorns, cumin seeds, curry leaves and red chilli until they start to change color and turn aromatic. Remove from heat and combine with the roasted flaxseeds. Allow the mixture to cool completely.

Once cool, transfer to a blender. Add the salt and asafetida. Pulse until finely powdered. Cool for 15 minutes, then transfer to a glass jar.

Store the chutney powder in the refrigerator.