Tawa Idli is a spicy dish made with idli, onion, tomato, spices and herbs. Tawa Idli is an excellent way to use leftover idlies and tastes so good. The main specialty of this dish is the addition of pav bhaji masala. Learn to make Tawa Idli with step by step pictures.

Tawa idli is a spicy snack prepared with leftover idlis. The main star ingredient of this recipe is pav bhaji masala powder, which gives a great flavor to this dish. I used homemade pav bhaji masala that I had and it tasted great! So try this tawa idli and enjoy!
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About Tawa Idli
Tawa means the concave big pan that is used for making pav bhaji masala in the chat shops. So Tawa Idli is made by tossing idlies with onion, tomato, spices and herbs in the tawa and serving it hot and spicy.
Tawa idli is simple and easy to make if you have leftover bhaji & idli. Tawa Idli requires time if you have to make idli from the scratch but worth the effort and time for its incredibly delicious taste.

Tawa Idli Ingredients
- Idli – Make idlis and store in fridge for minimum 1 hour so that it does not crumble.
- Butter, Oil – Both butter and oil is used for cooking this.
- Tempering – Cumin seeds is used for tempering in butter, oil. Ginger garlic paste is added for flavor.
- Vegetables – I have used onion, tomato . You can use capsicum with other vegetables like peas, potato etc.
- Spice powders – Pav bhaji masala powder is used for this,
- Lemon – Lemon juice gives a tangy taste to the pulao.
- Coriander leaves – Coriander leaves is added for garnish.
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How to make Tawa Idli Step by Step
1.Refrigerate the leftover idlis for few minutes. Cut into bite sized cubes, Set aside. In a pan heat butter, oil add cumin seeds, ginger garlic paste and saute for a minute, then add onion and saute till it turns transparent.

2.Then add tomatoes and sauté till mushy, once raw smell of tomatoes leave, add pav bhaji masala powder and required salt. Give a mix.

3.Then add the idli cubes and mix well till the masalas are evenly coated with the idlis. Garnish with coriander leaves, add lemon juice and switch off.

Serve hot / warm as a snack!

Expert Tips
- This is spicy so adjust the masala powder if you prefer it mild. May be you can 1.2 teaspoon of pav bhaji masala powder.
- Refrigerating the idlis for a while avoids stickiness while cutting the idlis.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and add lemon juice while serving.
Serving and Storage
Tawa Idli can be served with raita. This keeps well in fridge for 2 days, reheat and serve it.

If you have any more questions about this Tawa Idli do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest ,Youtube and Twitter .
Tried this Tawa Idli? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.
📖 Recipe Card
Tawa Idli Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 leftover idli
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
- 1 medium sized big onion
- 1 medium sized tomato
- 1 teaspoon pav bhaji masala
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon coriander leaves
- salt to taste
To Temper :
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
Instructions
- Refrigerate the leftover idlis for few minutes. Cut into bite sized cubes, Set aside. In a pan heat butter, oil add cumin seeds, ginger garlic paste and saute for a minute, then add onion and saute till it turns transparent.
- Then add tomatoes and sauté till mushy, once raw smell of tomatoes leave, add pav bhaji masala powder and required salt. Give a mix.
- Then add the idli cubes and mix well till the masalas are evenly coated with the idlis. Garnish with coriander leaves, add lemon juice and switch off.
- Serve hot / warm as a snack!
Notes
- This is spicy so adjust the masala powder if you prefer it mild.
- May be you can 1.2 teaspoon of pav bhaji masala powder.
- Refrigerating the idlis for a while avoids stickiness while cutting the idlis.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and add lemon juice while serving.
Nivedhanams Sowmya
delicious and very flavorful!!
Nivedhanams Sowmya
so flavorful and delicious!! love this!!
keertthana premkumar
looks great..wil try as an evening snack..
MSUSMA
Mouthwatering idlies
Shweet Spicess
Tawa idli looks very inviting and delicious 🙂
Veena Theagarajan
looks yum.. I do it with subji masala.. it is nice snack
sumana ved
My daughter hates idlis now a days, I think if I use this technique she will love it…thanks Sharmilee
Sapana Behl
Tava idli looks so yummy ! Good one….
muruganandan
அம்மா நினைவு வருகிறது…
Unknown
I am doubtful abt its dryness while eating, by the way what shd be the proportion ,authentic one, for making idly's !
Sangeetha M
super spicy and yummy snack, love anything spicy with idlis…looks so tempting 🙂
Hamaree Rasoi
Lovely and colorful looking idlis.
Deepa
Nisa Homey
So very innovative!! love your clicks too.