These tasty Puli Idli/Savory Rice Cakes are the best way to use the leftover Idlis.
Idli- A staple South Indian breakfast.
Idli is a staple South Indian healthy breakfast. It’s a perfect blend of carbohydrates and protein. And it is also steamed which makes it a healthy breakfast. It is made with a fermented batter of rice and urad dal. Check out to make Idli dosa Batter. The batter is fermented overnight. Due to the fermentation process, it is easily digested by the body.
Using Leftovers
Usually, Idli is had along with spicy condiments like Sambar, Chutney. But when we have some leftovers, it’s a challenge to use them interestingly and yummy. There may be various ways to use leftover idlis. But this one is really yummy and tasty. I have seen this recipe on a TV show years back. Most of the recipes I learned are from TV shows. This recipe has a nice tangy flavor because of the tamarind extract we use. You can adjust as per your requirements. 
Puli Idli/savory rice cakes (leftovers)
Other recipes using leftovers
Leftover Matar panner Sandwich
Puli Idli recipe
INGREDIENTS
Idli – 1 1/2 cup cubed
Onions – 3/4 cup chopped finely
Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
Red chili powder – 1 tsp
Salt – As required
Tamarind extract – small lime sized in 1/4 cup water
Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
Channa dal – 1/2 tsp
Oil – 1 tsp
Curry leaves – few
Coriander leaves – few
METHOD
- Heat oil in a pan.Crackle mustard seeds and Channa dal.
- Add Onions & curry leaves. Saute’ till golden.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and tamarind extract.
- Let the tamarind extract boil well and the raw smell goes.
- Add the required salt.
- Then add cubed idlis.
- Stir thoroughly till masala mixes in idli.
- Mix, so it doesn’t burn.
- Garnish with coriander leaves.
- Serve warm.
NOTES
- You can also use freshly made idlis to make this.
- Adjust tamarind extract as per your requirements.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup Idli Cubed
- 3/4 cup Onions Chopped finely
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Red chili powder
- Salt As required
- Tamarind extract small lime sized in 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp Channa dal
- 1 tsp Oil
- Curry leaves few
- Coriander leaves few
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan.Crackle mustard seeds and Channa dal.
- Add Onions & curry leaves. Saute’ till golden.
- Add turmeric powder,red chili powder and tamarind extract.
- Let the tamarind extract boil well and raw smell goes.
- Add required salt.
- Then add cubed idlis.
- Stir thoroughly till masala mixes in idli.
- Mix,so it doesn’t burn.Garnish with coriander leaves.Serve warm.
Notes
- You can also use freshly made idlis to make this.
- Adjust tamarind extract as per your requirements.
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I’m sending this recipe to Fiesta Friday












We love idly and this looks so yummy! will try your recipe soon.
Thank you dear 😊
This must be such a flavorful dish! I’ll try to make it as soon as possible – do you think it’s possible to make it even though I never tasted it before, alas?
Thank you so much 😊.. I believe it should be easy..but there are steps previous to this.. making idli or Indian rice cakes.. let me know your feedback when you try 😊
what a lovely way of using up the leftovers.. South indians are crazy for idli dosa and anything related to it.. absolutely loved it
Thank you dear 😊
Such a neat idea to use leftovers!! Looks super delicious!
Thank you Soniya 😊
This looks so delicious 😋
Thank you dear
Delicious. I will give this a try. thanks 🙂
Thank you Dhwani..
What a great way to use up left over idlis. Looks so colorful
Thank you..
This is really delicious 🙂 will be trying soon !
Thank you..Let me know your feedback..
Looks yummy!! I like to have leftover idli to make this 🙂
Thank you dear 😊.. let me know your feedback ☺
Great use of leftovers, very delicious!
Thank you 😊
Thank you for bringing is flavorful dish to FF! I wish we had easer access to curry leaf. I am trying to grow my own plant but am afraid it doesn’t look very healthy.
Thank you..even me trying to grow my own curry leaf plant..
How is your plant doing? I cannot seem to find the right light conditions and certainly we do not have a tropical climate.
My area is hot.. just started
Hi Lathia, I would have a hard time eating this for breakfast, but you would get me very excited for lunch or dinner.
Definitely you can have this for dinner..Thank you
Yummy!!
Thank you 😊
Looks very tempting .. cant take my eyes off ..
Thank you so much dear 😊.. your words means a lot to me..😊😍
Adding tamarind sounds yummy! looks colourful and delicious!
Yes indeed..it gives nice tangy flavor..thank you 😊