If you ask any Tamilian, what should be packed for food while traveling or picnicking, patt would be the answer, Podi Idlis and curd rice !!!
What is Podi Idli and why is it a preferred dish while traveling?
Idlis are steamed hence light on stomach while travel ,also since chutney and sambar have short shelf life, the lady folks came up with an idea of smearing a good amount of Idli Molagapudi mixed in oil all over the idlis, this kept the idli moist as well as made it easy and tasty to eat as the masala would nicely penetrate into the idlis and the oil coating would prevent the idlis from getting spoilt. Podi idlis are an ideal snack option for picnics and camping as well .
My dad had got a special mini idli plate for me from his trip to Madras a.k.a Chennai in the early 90s. The idli plate had cute 14 small moulds and we would get cute tiny button idlis . From then on I would pester my mom to frequently pack these mini idlis tossed in molagapudi for my school lunch too . It would be fun to stick the fork into the idlis one by one and take a full satiating bite .
We still have that idli plate and unfailingly make one batch of these cute beauties every time I steam idlis .
Now,with no traveling and staying locked up at home, I just recreated the fun of having these delicious podi tossed mini idlis on a drizzly cool evening . It was a delight to have it with some piping hot filter coffee . If you dont have the mini idli plate , you can definitely enjoy this delicacy with regular idlis too .
If you love experimenting with idlis then you must try Sasmita's Beetroot Waffle Idlis which is really very unique and innovative. I am all set to try that soon and I am sure it will be a hit in my home as much as Idli Fry and Idli Upma
Steaming Time - 10 mins
Complexity - easy
Serves - 2 to 3
- Steam the idlis ,demould it and let it cool for a while.
- Once cooled, spread some oil over the idlis along with the molagapudi/spice mix and toss it well so that the podi coats the idlis properly.
- Heat the balance oil in a pan,splutter mustard seeds when hot.
- Drop these idlis into the hot tempered oil and let it get roasted for 2 to 3 mins until it turns mildly crisp.
- Take it off the pan , garnish with fresh corriander and serve .
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These little podi idlis look delectable! You're right - these would feel heavenly when served piping hot. Perfect snack for a cold, rainy day.
ReplyDeleteI love ghee and podi coated idli. These tempered idli looks super tempting. Next time I will also make the idli this way. Also a great idea to enjoy leftover idli.
ReplyDeleteI am in love with podi coated mini dli. A guilt free snack .One if the hoe t favourite dish at my place .perfect monsoon snack to enjoy with hot Kapi.
ReplyDeleteI love podi idlis. Just podi sprinkled on steamed ones. Even the fried version tastes so crispy and yummy with podi.
ReplyDeletelove the idea of these mini idli. Wish I could get my hands on that idli plate. In the meantime, even regular size these were so delicious!
ReplyDeleteI can actually eat podi idli every day.. that is how much I love them. No amount is enough for me and hubby thinks I'm mad! I agree it makes a good dish to carry for picnics, when travelling or even for lunch boxes.
ReplyDeleteI remember these podi idlis were my favourite in our lunch box. It's been long time I had these, good you reminded me. Love these.
ReplyDeletePodi idlis are our family favourite and also very apt for starters during parties. This is a very handy snack. Can play around with its serving style. Ideal for any weather. Good post!
ReplyDeleteAhh podi idlis are something we love a lot. They are definitely my go to picnic food and great as travel food too.
ReplyDeleteLove idlis smeared in podi.. perfect light snack to have with tea on a rainy windy day or even when travelling. Delicious share.
ReplyDeleteThese are my favorite and love those cute mini idli tossed with lot of podi. Looks so delicious and would love to have them anytime
ReplyDeleteThanks dear readers and well wishers for such appreciative comments. I have read each one of them and I am really thankful to you all for having tried the recipe and liking it
ReplyDeletePodi smeared mini idlis look so delicious and super tempting ! Perfect tea time treat on rainy evening.
ReplyDeletePodi Idli looks absolutely delicious and super tempting..... Just Perfect tea time treat on rainy evening.
ReplyDeletelove those cute mini idlis