Idli is an undisputed once in a while indulgence for many Indians. Though most popular in South India as a breakfast dish, this is a very common inclusion in the menus of restaurants and fast food chains across country and Indian themed eateries in foreign countries.

You will be surprised to know that idli is documented in a Kannada scripture close to 3000 year old. Earliest records in literature refers idli made only with urad dal. Till date, Idli brings us a picture of humble white plop of dal cake dunked in lip-smacking sambar and chutney. But if we dig in further, there are so many accompaniments that you can bring in to surprise yourself.

Also, for all we know, this idli made from fermented urad dal and rice (generally), comes in wide varieties that we might rarely be aware of. We have given a few variants of these filling idlis with the best side dishes that go along with. Savour and enjoy your idli breakfast differently with badass side dishes!

1.Soft Idli With Coconut Chutney & Sambar

Make soft idli is made from fermented rice and lentil batter and steamed into Idli moulds to get the roud shape. Pair it along with onion and tomato sambar called as thakkali vengayam sambar. Also along with a simple blend of fresh coconut with spices, making Coconut Chutney recipe ground along with green chillies and roasted channa along with a dash of lemon or yogurt.

2.Sabakki Rava Idli, Miligai Podi & Potato Saagu

Sabakki Rava Idli are quick, easy to make, no ferment idlis which are made even softer as we use sabakki/sabudana in this recipe. Also prepare tangy potato saagu to pair along, and a miligai podi that gives an amazing taste to the combination.

3.Ragi Rava Idli, Tomato Onion Chutney & Sambar

Ragi rava idli is a twist to the regular idli recipe by addition of ragi millet flour, ground and fermented along with other ingredients to make idlis. This goes well along with The Mixed Vegetable Sambar recipe is a simple and quick method of making sambar in a single pot. Also can be paired with tangy Tomato Onion Chutney along with sambar.

4.Kaanchipuram Idli, Zucchini Tomato Chutney & Paruppu Podi

Kanchipuram Idlis Recipe is a variety of idly from Tamil Nadu that are traditionally steamed on mandhari leaves. Zucchini Tomato chutney tastes amazing and uses just regular ingredients. Also make a Andhra style paruppu podi to jazz up your breakfast.

5.Karuveppilai Podi Idli, Kathirikai Gothsu & Kathirikai Gothsu

Karuveppilai Podi Idli is the Spicy Lentil & Curry Leaves Powder Tossed Idli. Make Kathirikai Gothsu which is a tangy gravy preparation of brinjal/eggplant that is cooked soft with the least amount of spices that can also go well with idlis. Kadale chutney majorly has roasted putana or chana dal and hence gives a fuller texture and taste to the normal south Indian Chutney.

6.Barley Rava Idli Recipe, Capsicum Chutney & Beetroot Sambar

Barley Rava Idli is a healthy breakfast/dinner recipe which doesn’t require any fermentation. To pair, make Capsicum Chutney Recipe bringing the flavors of the roasted bell pepper. Make Beetroot Sambar along with it to add a delicious taste and colour to the breakfast plate.

7.Green Moong Dal Idli, Vazha Thandu Thogayal & Lentil Sambar

Green Moong Dal And Vegetable Idli combines veggies in idlis along with a green moong dal batter. Pair it with Tamil Nadu Style Vazha Thandu Thogayal Recipe (Banana Stem Chutney Recipe) is a quick side dish made with banana stem. Also make Varutharachu Sambarto dunk these idlis into.

8.Okra Idli, Peanut Chutney Recipe & Chow-Chow Sambar

Okra Idli Recipe (Ladyfinger Idli) is an innovative but delicious preparation of idlis with bhindi. Andhra Pradesh is famous for it's spicy powders and chutneys and Andhra Style Peanut Chutney Recipe With Tomatoes is one of it. This can pair rightly for this idli along with Chow-Chow Sambar (Chayote Squash Sambar) Recipe.

9.Carrot & Cheese Filled Idli, Cabbage Pachadi & Manjal Poosanikai Sambar

Carrot & Cheese Filled Idli is the sandwich idli with idli dosa batter and grated carrots and cheese in between the idlis. Pair this with cabbage pachadi made with ground cabbage and Manjal Poosanikai Sambar Recipe which is Yellow Pumpkin in Toor Dal Recipe.

10.Instant Masala Beans Idli, Mysore Chutney & Pala Kottai Sambar

Instant Masala Beans Idli Recipe is a no fermentation idli recipe with masala flavoured beans mixed within. Mysore Chutney Recipe (Chana Dal Chutney) is easy to prepare and enhances the taste of these idlis when served along with Tamil Nadu Style Pala Kottai Sambar Recipe which is Mangalore cucumber and Jackfruit Seed Sambar Recipe.