Here’s a low-down on different preparations you can try to mark the occasion, including a version with kheema or tadka
While the western world gorges on pancakes soaked in maple syrup as a breakfast staple, we have a much healthier option in the form of steamed rice cakes aka idlis served with a coriander or mint chutney and sambhar. And considering that World Idli Day is celebrated today, here’s another reason to tuck into this savoury snack. You can either make your way to Matunga to feast on the ever popular ones steamed in jackfruit leaves or tossed with gunpowder masala or try variations available in different parts of the city. Here’s a low-down on what’s up for grub.
1. Kanchipuram Idli
This version is spiced up with a tempering of ginger, green chilli and curry leaves, and is an interesting variation to the original idli.
At: Talli Turmeric, Atria Mall, Worli
2. Jackfruit Sukha Idli Slider
It looks like a slider but is actually a vegan take on this popular South Indian dish. If you like mixing things up, you will love the jackfruit in a traditional South Indian sukha masala stuffed between an idli.
At: Arth, Pinnacle House, 604, 15th Rd, PD Hinduja junction, Khar (W)
3. Tadka Idli
The Tadka Idli is doused in gunpowder masala aka podi masala for a spicy kick. It is then flavoured with dalchini, lavang, elaichi, dhaniya, Kashmiri chilli and curry leaves. The coin-sized idlis are then served with peanut, coconut and coriander chutneys and sambhar.
At: Dakshin Rasoi, first floor, CR2 Mall, Nariman Point
4. Idli Stuffed with Kheema
A non-vegetarian take on the versatile dish. You can enjoy the best of both worlds — Idli stuffed with minced mutton, served with mutton stock sambhar, green coconut chutney and red coconut chutney with garlic.
At: Thangabali outlets in the city
World Idli Day is the brainchild of Eniyavan, a popular idli-only caterer from Chennai. This is the fourth year to mark the event.