Idli Chaat is a fun and creative way to enjoy the traditional idli, turning it into a spicy, tangy, and flavorful snack with all the elements of a chaat. It's a popular street food twist, and you can add your favorite chutneys and toppings to make it your own! Here's a simple recipe for making Idli Chaat:

Ingredients:

For the Idlis:

· 8-10 small idlis (steamed, preferably a little on the firmer side)

· 2-3 tbsp oil or ghee (for shallow frying the idlis, optional)

For the Chaat Topping:

· 1/4 cup sweet tamarind chutney

· 1/4 cup green chutney (mint or coriander chutney)

· 1/4 cup yogurt (curd), whisked

· 1/4 tsp cumin powder

· 1/4 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)

· 1/4 tsp chaat masala

· 1/2 tsp black salt (or regular salt)

· 1/2 tsp regular salt (adjust to taste)

· 1 tbsp chopped onions

· 1 tbsp chopped tomatoes

· 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

· pomegranate seeds (optional, for extra crunch and color)

· Sev (crunchy fried chickpea flour noodles, optional)

· Crushed papdi or crushed crackers (optional, for crunch)

Preparation:

1. Make the Idlis:

· Steamed Idlis: If you're starting with freshly steamed idlis, just let them cool a bit. You can also use leftover idlis.

· Fried Idlis (Optional): If you prefer a crispy base, you can shallow fry the idlis. Cut the idlis into quarters or bite-data-sized pieces. Heat some oil or ghee in a pan and lightly fry the idli pieces until they’re golden and crispy. This adds extra texture to your chaat.

2. Prepare the Chaat Toppings:

· In a small bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth and creamy.

· Mix the cumin powder, red chili powder, chaat masala, and black salt into the yogurt. Adjust the spices based on your preferences.

· In a separate bowl, mix the sweet tamarind chutney and green chutney. You can adjust the chutneys according to your sweetness or spice level preference.

3. Assemble the Idli Chaat:

· Arrange the fried or steamed idli pieces on a plate or serving tray.

· Drizzle the yogurt-spice mixture generously over the idlis.

· Pour the sweet tamarind chutney and green chutney over the idlis, giving it that tangy and spicy flavor.

· Top with chopped onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves.

· Sprinkle some chaat masala, cumin powder, and red chili powder on top for extra flavor.

· Optionally, add pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and a sweet crunch.

· Garnish with sev, crushed papdi, or crushed crackers for added crunch and texture.

4. Serve Immediately:

· Serve your Idli Chaat right away while it’s fresh and the idlis are still slightly crispy. The yogurt and chutneys can make the idlis soften quickly, so it’s best enjoyed as soon as it’s assembled!

Tips:

· Customization: You can add extra toppings like boiled potatoes, cucumber, or sprouts to make it even more filling.

· Chutneys: Adjust the amount of chutneys according to your taste—more sweet chutney if you like it sweeter, more green chutney if you prefer it spicy.

· Fried vs. Steamed: While steamed idlis are healthier, frying them gives an added crispy texture which makes the chaat more exciting.

· Dressing Variations: Some people also add a bit of tamarind pulp or a drizzle of honey for a different flavor twist.

Idli Chaat is a fun fusion snack, perfect for parties or as a quick appetizer or evening snack. It’s a great way to reinvent leftover idlis and transform them into a chaat-style treat! Enjoy!

Disclaimer:

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