Easy Kerala Style Podi Idli

Podi Idlis are soft, fluffy idlis tossed with a spicy lentil-based powder known as podi. If you’re looking to spice up your regular breakfast and add a bit of fun to it, podi idli is a great option.

The best part? You don’t need any curry or side dish to enjoy it. Podi idli tastes amazing on its own. It’s perfect as a quick snack or as a tiffin box treat-anytime, anywhere.

Origin and Popularity

Podi Idli originally comes from Udupi, a coastal town known for its vegetarian temple-style cuisine. Today, you’ll find podi idli in almost every South Indian restaurant across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

However, it’s still not very common in Kerala-style restaurants. Other popular podi-based dishes include Podi Dosa and Podi Uthappam, typically served with sambar and coconut chutney in restaurants.

About This Kerala-Style Podi Idli

This recipe is not the typical Tamil Nadu or Udupi version-this is a simple Kerala-style podi idli, quick and easy to make at home.

Here, I’ve used mini idlis for a touch of fun and visual appeal, but you can absolutely use regular idlis too.

Regional Variations

• Tamil Nadu Style: Uses ingredients like sesame seeds, chana dal, hing (asafoetida), sesame oil, and sometimes peanuts to make the podi.
  
• Karnataka Style: Often goes generous with ghee, giving it a rich aroma and taste.
  

As cooking styles evolve, we now have the modern twist-Masala Podi Idli-which includes onions and sautéed vegetables tossed along with podi-coated idlis.

So let’s get started and bring some spice into the everyday!

Print Recipe

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Easy Kerala Style Podi Idli

Author: Ushadevi Cooking Method: Steaming Cuisine: Kerala Courses: Breakast

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 40 mins

Servings: 3

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 cup Idli batter
• ¹⁄₂ cup Urad dal
• 5 Dry Red Chillies
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Chilly Powder
• 2 teaspoon Oil
• 5 Curry Leaves

Instructions

1. Make button idlis using button idli plates and set them aside.
2. In a pan, dry roast urad dal, dry red chillies, black pepper, and chilli powder together.
3. Roast until the urad dal turns light brown. Turn off the flame and allow the mixture to cool.
4. Grind the roasted mixture into a coarse powder. This is your idli podi (spice mix).
5. In another pan, heat oil and add curry leaves. Then add the ground powder and mix to form a thick paste.
6. Add the button idlis to the pan and toss well, making sure each idli is coated evenly with the spiced paste.
7. Turn off the flame.
8. Your flavourful Podi Idli is ready! Serve hot as a snack or breakfast item — great with coconut chutney or a cup of filter coffee.