Idly Upma is a quick and easy South Indian dish made by crumbling leftover idlis and stir-frying them with a tempering of spices, onions, and curry leaves. It’s a great way to repurpose leftover idlis into a tasty, flavorful dish perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a light meal.
Ingredients:
5-6 leftover idlis (crumbled or broken into small pieces)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp urad dal (split black gram)
1 tsp chana dal (Bengal gram)
8-10 curry leaves
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
1 tbsp oil or ghee
Salt to taste
1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves (for garnish)
1-2 tbsp grated coconut (optional, for garnish)
Lemon juice (optional, for a tangy flavor)
Instructions:
1. Crumble the Idlis:
Break the leftover idlis into small pieces or crumble them using your hands. If the idlis are cold, you can microwave them for a few seconds to make them easier to crumble.
2. Prepare the Tempering:
Heat oil or ghee in a pan on medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
Add urad dal and chana dal, and fry until they turn golden brown.
Add curry leaves, asafoetida, and green chilies (if using) and sauté for a few seconds.
3. Add Onions and Turmeric:
Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn soft and translucent.
Add turmeric powder and mix well.
4. Add the Crumbled Idlis:
Add the crumbled idlis to the pan. Sprinkle salt to taste.
Stir well so the crumbled idlis are evenly coated with the spices and tempering.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the idli absorbs the flavors and turns slightly crispy on the edges.
5. Finish and Garnish:
Turn off the heat. If you like, sprinkle a little lemon juice for a tangy twist.
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and grated coconut (optional).
6. Serve:
Serve the Idly Upma hot, either on its own or with coconut chutney or pickle.
Tips:
Variation: You can add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, or capsicum for a more nutritious version.
Spiciness: Adjust the number of green chilies according to your spice preference.
Texture: For a slightly crispier texture, fry the crumbled idlis on medium heat for a few extra minutes.
Idly Upma is a simple, quick, and delicious way to transform leftover idlis into a flavorful dish with minimal ingredients and effort. It's light, filling, and perfect for any time of the day!