4 from 4 votes

Idli Chaat (South Indian Appetizer)

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A plate of Idli Chaat garnished with sev, diced potatoes, chutneys, and yogurt, creating a colorful and appetizing Indian street food dish.

A plate of Idli Chaat garnished with sev, diced potatoes, chutneys, and yogurt, creating a colorful and appetizing Indian street food dish.

Idli Chaat, South Indian Appetizer

Idli Chaat is a tasty twist to traditional South Indian Idli. This can be served as an appetizer or an afternoon snack. It's quick and easy to make, with the perfect savory flavors! Try this recipe today and you will be satisfied with a great dish! 
4 from 4 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine Indian
Servings 3 people

Ingredients
 
 

  • 6 Idlies
  • 1/2 cup potatoes boiled peeled and cut into small pieces
  • 2 Tbsp oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp green chili finely chopped
  • 2/3 cup yogurt whipped dahi,curd
  • 3 Tbsp hari cilantro chutney
  • 3 Tbsp tamarind chutney
  • 1/4 cup fine sev

Instructions
 

  • I am using store bought frozen idlies or you can also use left over idlies. Make sure though frozen idlies to bring to room temperature.
  • Whip the yogurt until smooth. Add a little milk as needed to make the pourable consistency. 
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan and arrange the idle do not overlap them. Cooked the idlis over medium heat, turn them about 3-4 time, till they are light golden brown both sides. This should take about 4 minutes.
  • Transfer them on a plate and stir-fry the potatoes in the same pan sprinkling the 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir-fry the potatoes till they start getting light golden color this should take about 2 minutes.  

Serving the Idli Chaat

  • Arrange the idlies in a serving plate, sprinkle remaining salt ¼ teaspoon. Put ½ the potatoes drizzle the yogurt, cilantro chutney and tamarind chutney. Garnish with green chilies and fine sev.

Notes

Notes
You can slice the idli in about 6 pieces and stir fry. This is another delicious way to serve to serve left over idlies.
You will also enjoy Dahi Vada, and Bhel Puri. Links for Cilantro Chutney and tamarind Chutney
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Idli Chaat Recipe: A Delicious Twist to a Classic Dish

Idli Chaat is a delightful fusion of traditional South Indian idlis with a twist of chaat-inspired flavors, creating a quick and easy snack that tantalizes the taste buds with its irresistible appetizers. Idli chaat is a delightful fusion dish that combines the traditional South Indian snack of idli with the flavors of chaat, a popular street food in India. This unique blend of textures and flavors creates a mouthwatering experience that is sure to please your taste buds. In this article, we’ll explore how to make idli chaat at home, step by step.

Step 1: Preparing the Idlis

To begin making idli chaat, you’ll need freshly steamed idlis. If you don’t have idlis ready, you can prepare them using your favorite idli batter recipe. Once the idlis are steamed to perfection, allow them to cool slightly before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Cutting the Idlis

Once the idlis have cooled down, cut them into bite-sized pieces. This step helps to create a perfect base for the chaat toppings and ensures that each bite is filled with flavor.

Step 3: Assembling the Dahi Idli Chaat

Now comes the fun part – assembling the dahi idli chaat! Take the cut idli pieces and arrange them on a serving plate. Next, generously drizzle them with creamy yogurt, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. This adds a refreshing tanginess to the dish.

Step 4: Adding Toppings

Now, it’s time to add the toppings that will take your idli chaat to the next level. You can get creative with your toppings, but some classic choices include tomatoes, and cilantro. For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle some chaat masala and roasted cumin powder on top.

Step 5: Garnishing

To finish off your dahi idli chaat, garnish it with a handful of nylon sev and a drizzle of tangy tamarind chutney. These final touches not only add visual appeal but also enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Tips for Making the Perfect Idli Chaat

  • Use freshly steamed idlis for the best texture and flavor.
  • Be generous with the yogurt and toppings to ensure every bite is bursting with taste.
  • Experiment with different toppings and garnishes to customize the chaat according to your references.

Variations of Idli Chaat

  • For a spicy twist, add some finely chopped green chilies or a dash of red chili powder.
  • Instead of yogurt, you can use whipped cream or sour cream for a different flavor profile.
  • Try adding some boiled chickpeas or sprouts for added protein and texture.

Benefits of Idli Chaat

  • Idli chaat is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins.
  • It’s a great way to use leftover idlis and turn them into a delicious snack or appetizer.
  • The probiotics in yogurt make this dish beneficial for gut health.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use store-bought idlis for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can certainly use store-bought idlis if you’re short on time. However, freshly steamed idlis will yield the best results in terms of flavor and texture.

Q: Can I make idli chaat in advance?

A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components of idli chaat in advance and assemble them just before serving to prevent the idlis from becoming soggy.

Q: Is idli chaat spicy?

A: The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your preference. You can make it as spicy or as mild as you like by controlling the amount of green chilies or chili powder you use.

Exploring Other Recipes on Manjula’s Kitchen

If you’re looking to explore more Indian recipes, appetizers, beverages, and desserts, be sure to check out the following links on Manjula’s Kitchen. Here are some links to recipes on Manjula’s Kitchen official website: Paneer Tikka Masala, Chana Chaat (Spicy Chickpea Salad), Pav Bhaji (Spicy Vegetable Hash with Buns), Raj Kachori (Crunchy Chaat), Vegetable Biryani

Idli Chaat is a delightful dish that brings together the best of both worlds – the comforting flavors of idli and the exciting taste of chaat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness of idli chaat for yourself?

5 Responses

  1. Dear Manjula.
    I’ve never made idlies because I don’t have an idlie maker. Thank you for telling us that they can be bought frozen. I will do that.
    The recipe says to put 1/2 of the potatoes. What is done with the other 1/2 of the potatoes? Thank you.

4 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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