In a pan, heat oil or vegan butter over a medium flame.
3 teaspoon coconut oil or vegan butter
Fry mustard seeds until they start to sputter. Add urad dal, and fry until they turn light brown in color.
1 teaspoon mustard seeds, ½ teaspoon urad dal
Add the chopped onion, green chili, and curry leaves. Fry until the onions are translucent.
2 green chilies sliced, 1 onion chopped, 1 strand curry leaves or 5-6 leaves
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and mushy.
1 tomato chopped
Add sambar powder and other spices and salt. Add water, mix well, and cook for a minute.
1 teaspoon sambar powder, pinch of turmeric powder, ¼ teaspoon chaat masala powder, 2 tablespoon water, salt to taste
Meanwhile, cut the idlis into 9 cubes.
8 steamed idli
Add the small pieces of idlis and mix gently. Cook for two minutes on medium heat.
Add chopped cilantro or coriander leaves and serve masala idli with chutney or raita on the side.