This leftover idli tikki recipe is the perfect instant snack for kids and works well as a tea time snack. This vegetarian and gluten free recipe combines simple spices to create a crispy masala cutlet that everyone will love.
IF you’re searching for quick and easy tea time snacks Indian style, this is the ideal leftover idli recipe to try. For me, this is by far one of the best Leftover Idli recipes ever.
Why We Love This Idli Tikki
- Crispy and golden, it’s the perfect snack for those who love a satisfying crunch.
- A creative way to repurpose leftover idlis into something absolutely delicious.
- Made with minimal oil, as it’s shallow-fried and absorbs very little fat.
- Naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it suitable for a variety of diets.
- Packed with vegetables and steamed idlis, it’s a healthy option for tea-time indulgence.
- Can be air-fried for an even lighter and hassle-free alternative.
Ingredients Needed
- Leftover Idli: Any Leftover Idlies and freshly made Idli.
- Vegetables: grated Carrots, mashed Green Peas and finely chopped French Beans, Coriander leaves (chopped)
- Spices & Seasonings: Salt, Chilli powder, Turmeric powder, Jeera powder, Garam masala powder
- Oil: Any neutral oil to shallow fry
How To Make?
- Heat oil in the pan add salt chilli powder, turmeric powder, jeera powder, garam masala powder, grated carrots, mashed green peas and finely chopped beans cook everything well.
- Add mashed leftover idli and coriander leaves. Mix it well.
- Make small Tikkis out of it and shallow fry till golden brown and enjoy these crispy Idli Tikki with sauce or green chutney
Recipe Notes
- I have used leftover Rice idli but you can use pretty much any leftover idlis. Oats idli, Ragi Idli, Masala Idli, Rava idli all work fine.
- Other than watery vegetables like capsicum you can use any vegetable of your choice. Some of them are beetroots, grated potatoes, finely shredded cabbage etc.
- To add protein you can add grated paneer or tofu as well.
- This is a good recipe for using idlis. So even if your idli has turned hard after making just crumble the hard idli and make Tikki with this recipe.
How to Serve
- Serve hot with green chutney, ketchup, or a tangy yogurt dip for a flavorful experience.
- Pair them with masala chai for a cozy tea-time treat.
- Use the tikkis as patties in a sandwich or burger for a wholesome snack.
- Garnish with finely chopped coriander and a sprinkle of chaat masala for an extra zing.
Substitutions You Can Make
- Vegetables: Replace grated carrots with zucchini or beetroot, and green peas with mashed potatoes for a creamier texture.
- Spices: Use chaat masala instead of garam masala for a tangy twist, or mild paprika in place of red chili powder.
- Cooking Method: Air-fry or bake the tikkis for a low-oil alternative.
- Herbs: Swap coriander leaves with mint or parsley for a fresh flavor.
Variations You Can Try
- Add grated cheese to the mixture for a gooey center.
- Stuff with spicy potato or paneer filling for added flavor.
- Mix in idli podi to create a South Indian-inspired twist.
How to Store
- Refrigerate: Place leftover tikkis in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freeze: Freeze uncooked tikkis by placing them on a tray lined with parchment paper until firm, then transfer to a ziplock bag for up to a month. Defrost and cook as needed.
FAQs
Is idli good for snacks?
Yes, idli is an excellent snack option as it is light, healthy, and easy to digest. It’s versatile and can be paired with chutneys or transformed into instant snacks like masala idli or leftover idli cutlets. Perfect for a quick bite for kids or adults.
How to eat leftover idli?
Leftover idlis can be repurposed into delicious recipes like idli upma, idli Manchurian, or fried idli. For a crispy treat, try making leftover idli cutlets, which are great as a snack or tea time snack.
What do you eat with idlis?
Idlis are traditionally served with coconut chutney, sambar, or spicy podi (gunpowder) mixed with ghee. They also pair well with tomato chutney or as a side for light curries.
What is the famous dish of idli?
The most famous dish featuring idli is Masala Idli, a spiced and sautéed version. Other favorites include idli Manchurian, podi idli, and the classic idli-sambar combination.
Can I prepare the mixture in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the tikki mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Shape and cook the tikkis just before serving.
Are these tikkis suitable for kids?
Definitely! They are nutritious and customizable—reduce the spice levels to make them more kid-friendly.
Can I make this gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it uses steamed idlis and no wheat-based ingredients.
Can I add other grains or flours to the mix?
Yes, you can add a tablespoon of rice flour or chickpea flour to the mixture for extra binding and crunch.
More Such Recipes to Try
- Hotel sambar – how to make hotel sambar
- Instant Rava Idli Recipe
- Onion & Tomato Chutney | Karam Chutney
- Classic Coconut Chutney (video recipe)
- Tomato Rasam – Tomato Charu
- Soft Spongy Idli in Microwave
- Rava Idli Recipe – How to Make Rava Idli
- Aloo Tikki Recipe | Delhi Style Aloo Tikki
- Mix Veg Sandwich
- Chilli Oil Fried Eggs
Watch Video
Crispy Idli Tikki | Leftover Idli Recipes
Equipment
- Idli cooker
- Non-Stick Pan (US)
Ingredients
- 4 idli leftover
- 1 cup Carrots grated
- 1/2 cup Green pea mashed
- 1/2 cup green beans
- 1 tbsp coriander leaves
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Red chilli powder
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp Cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp Garam masala powder
Instructions
- Heat oil in the pan add salt chilli powder, turmeric powder, jeera powder, garam masala powder, grated carrots, mashed green peas and finely chopped beans cook everything well.
- Add mashed leftover idli and coriander leaves. Mix it well.
- Make small Tikkis out of it and shallow fry till golden brown and enjoy these crispy Idli Tikki with sauce or green chutney
Video
Notes
- I have used leftover Rice idli but you can use pretty much any leftover idlis. Oats idli, Ragi Idli, Masala Idli, Rava idli all work fine.
- Other than watery vegetables like capsicum you can use any vegetable of your choice. Some of them are beetroots, grated potatoes, finely shredded cabbage etc.
- To add protein you can add grated paneer or tofu as well.
- This is a good recipe for using idlis. So even if your idli has turned hard after making just crumble the hard idli and make Tikki with this recipe.
Nutrition
Easy and tasty Crispy Idli Tikki Recipe. Have leftover Idlis in your fridge? Make this Crispy Vegetables and Idli Tikki and make this delicious snack to serve with your evening Tea. For me, this is by far one of the best Leftover Idli recipes ever.
Easy and tasty Crispy Idli Tikki Recipe. Have leftover Idlis in your fridge? Make this Crispy Vegetables and Idli Tikki and make this delicious snack to serve with your evening Tea. For me, this is by far one of the best Leftover Idli recipes ever.
If you love idli like I do and make them quite frequently there are leftover idlis in the fridge. I have few leftovers each time I make idli at home so keep trying various recipes to use leftover idlis in a tasty way. Some of them are Idli Manchurian, Idli Upma, Fried idli, Podi Idli etc but the best of them all leftover idli recipes is this Idli Tikki recipe.
Why We Love This Idli Tikki
- We love crispy snacks.
- We can use leftover idlis and we love to repurpose leftovers in delicious ways.
- It is shallow fried and absorbs very little oil.
- It is a gluten-free, vegan snack.
- Healthy teatime snack because it is made with lots of vegetables and steamed idlis.
- You can air fry them instead of shallow frying.
Ingredients you need
Leftover Idli: Any Leftover Idlies and freshly made Idli.
Vegetables: grated Carrots, mashed Green Peas and finely chopped French Beans, Coriander leaves (chopped)
Spices & Seasonings: Salt, Chilli powder, Turmeric powder, Jeera powder, Garam masala powder
Oil: Any neutral oil to shallow fry
Stepwise Method
Heat oil in the pan add salt chilli powder, turmeric powder, jeera powder, garam masala powder, grated carrots, mashed green peas and finely chopped beans cook everything well.
Add mashed leftover idli and coriander leaves. Mix it well.
Make small Tikkis out of it and shallow fry till golden brown and enjoy these crispy Idli Tikki with sauce or green chutney.
Watch Video Recipe
Recipe Notes and Common FAQ’s
- I have used leftover Rice idli but you can use pretty much any leftover idlis. Oats idli, Ragi Idli, Masala Idli, Rava idli all work fine.
- Other than watery vegetables like capsicum you can use any vegetable of your choice. Some of them are beetroots, grated potatoes, finely shredded cabbage etc.
- To add protein you can add grated paneer or tofu as well.
- This is a good recipe for using idlis. So even if your idli has turned hard after making just crumble the hard idli and make Tikki with this recipe.
More Such Recipes to Try
- Soft Rice Idli Recipe
- Chana Dal Idli Recipe
- Aloo Tikki Recipe
- Instant Rava Idli Recipe
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What a handy way of dealing with iddlis which do not turn out too soft. Thank you, will try out this recipe the next time I make iddlis.
Superb