You are here: Home> Cuisine > Indian Veg Recipes > South Indian > Different types of Idlis > Idli Upma, Upma with Left Over Idlis Recipe
idli upma recipe | idli upma with leftover idli | healthy idli upma |

Tarla Dalal
06 December, 2024


Table of Content
idli upma recipe | idli upma with leftover idli | healthy idli upma | with 12 amazing images.
idli upma is made from leftover idlis. idli upma with leftover idli is how South Indian typically finish off leftover idlis. It is so tasty that you can even serve idli upma to guests.
Ingredients for idli upma are leftover idlis , tomatoes, onions, green peas, carrots, peanut oil to cook and some Indian spices.
I find this idli upma far more healthier than plain idli. Let’s see why we call this a healthy idli upma? Idli is a perfect combination of urad dal and par boiled rice which make it a complete protein. A cereal pulse combo like in the case of Idli ( par boiled rice and urad dal) would serve as a complete protein comprising of all the 9 essential amino acids. However idlis are high in carbs. So in idli upma recipe we are adding lots of fibre through high quality vegetables like carrots, onions, green peas and tomatoes to make this recipe even healthier. Even better, we have cooked the idlis in peanut oil which has the highest amount of MUFA (around 49%) amongst most Indian common cooking oils. So use the peanut oil if you want to be healthy and I would suggest to do lots of your Indian cooking in peanut oil or coconut oil.
Notes on idli upma recipe. 1. If you are making use of fresh idlis, then cool them completely and then crumble to avoid them getting completely mashed. Idlis refrigerated for 5-6 hours or overnight give the best results. 2. The idli upma recipe can be prepared with any variety of idlis like the oats idli, rava idli or nachni idli. 3. Mix gently and cook on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Do not cook them for more time or else the idlis will start frying and turn brown. If you feel like the idli upma is turning dry then add some more water and mix it.
Sometimes, people even make idli upma out of fresh idlis, as it is an interesting alternative to usual Idli and dosas.
Besides Idli Upma you can use leftover idlis to make a variety of other recipes like Dahi Idli, Fried Idlis with Curd Dip , Spicy Tava Idlis, Idli Chaat, Idli Curry and Idli Chilli.
Enjoy how to make idli upma recipe | idli upma with leftover idli | healthy idli upma with detailed step by step photos and video below.
Idli Upma, Upma with Left Over Idlis Recipe recipe - How to make Idli Upma, Upma with Left Over Idlis Recipe
Tags
Preparation Time
10 Mins
Cooking Time
5 Mins
Total Time
15 Mins
Makes
4 servings
Ingredients
For Idli Upma
leftover idlis , cut into cubes
2 tbsp peanut oil or
1 tsp mustard seeds ( rai / sarson)
2 pandi chillies , broken into pieces
1/2 cup chopped and boiled carrots
1/4 cup boiled green peas
1/4 cup finely chopped tomato
salt to taste
For Serving With Idli Upma
Method
For idli upma
- To make idli upma, crumble all the idlis in a deep bowl and keep aside.
- Heat the oil in a broad non-stick pan, add the mustard seeds and red chillies and sauté on a medium flame for a few seconds.
- When the seeds crackle, add the carrot, green peas, tomatoes, salt and 2 tbsp of water, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Finally, add the crumbled idlis, mix gently and cook on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
- Serve idli upma immediately with coconut chutney.
idli upma recipe | idli upma with leftover idli | healthy idli upma | Video by Tarla Dalal
Idli Upma, Upma with Left Over Idlis Recipe recipe with step by step photos
-
- Idli Upma is made from leftover Idlis. Idli is a popular South-Indian breakfast recipe. Apart from relishing them with piping hot samhar and coconut chutney, you can make use of leftover idlis to make an array of snack recipes. See our collection of different types of idlis and some recipes we love.
-
-
Crumble all the idlis in a deep bowl and keep aside. Depending upon your preference, you can crumble them fine or coarse. If you are making use of fresh idlis, then cool them completely and then crumble to avoid them getting completely mashed. Idlis refrigerated for 5-6 hours or overnight give the best results. We have made idlis using this detailed recipe of idli.
-
Crumble all the idlis in a deep bowl and keep aside. Depending upon your preference, you can crumble them fine or coarse. If you are making use of fresh idlis, then cool them completely and then crumble to avoid them getting completely mashed. Idlis refrigerated for 5-6 hours or overnight give the best results. We have made idlis using this detailed recipe of idli.
-
-
To make idli upma recipe | idli upma with leftover idli | healthy idli upma | heat the oil in a broad non-stick pan.
-
Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. Urad dal, chana dal, cumin seeds and curry leaves are other popular ingredients added to the upma tadka.
-
Add the red chillies
-
Sauté on a medium flame for a few seconds.
-
When the seeds crackle, add the carrot.
-
Add the green peas.
-
Add the tomatoes and salt. Onions, Potatoes, French beans are some other veggies which you can add to the idli upma but, they take a little longer time to cook.
-
Add the 2 tbsp of water
-
Mix well and cook on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes.
-
Finally, add the crumbled idlis. If you wish to make a spicy idli upma, then add other Indian spices like red chilli powder, malga podi etc. Also, the idli upma recipe can be prepared with any variety of idlis like the oats idli, rava idli or nachni idli.
-
Mix gently and cook on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Do not cook them for more time or else the idlis will start frying and turn brown. If you feel like the idli upma is turning dry then add some more water and mix it.
-
Serve the idli upma | idli upma with leftover idli | healthy idli upma | immediately with coconut chutney. Also, you can garnish with toasted cashew nuts to add a unique bite.
-
To make idli upma recipe | idli upma with leftover idli | healthy idli upma | heat the oil in a broad non-stick pan.
-
-
If you are making use of fresh idlis, then cool them completely and then crumble to avoid them getting completely mashed. Idlis refrigerated for 5-6 hours or overnight give the best results.
-
The idli upma recipe can be prepared with any variety of idlis like the oats idli, rava idli or nachni idli.
-
Mix gently and cook on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Do not cook them for more time or else the idlis will start frying and turn brown. If you feel like the idli upma is turning dry then add some more water and mix it.
-
If you are making use of fresh idlis, then cool them completely and then crumble to avoid them getting completely mashed. Idlis refrigerated for 5-6 hours or overnight give the best results.
Nutrient values (Abbrv)per plate
Energy | 135 cal |
Protein | 2.3 g |
Carbohydrates | 14.2 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Fat | 7.7 g |
Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Sodium | 9.2 mg |
Click here to view Calories for Idli Upma, Upma with Left Over Idlis Recipe
The Nutrient info is complete

Cooking enthusiast
March 13, 2025, midnight
Makes a delicious idli vegetable. Carrots, green peas and tomatoes go well with idli.

Sonal Modi
March 13, 2025, midnight
My kids prepared this recipe in order to surprise me and they just enjoyed it..... They found it a simple recipe which is nutritious. My whole family loved this Upma. Thank you very much...!

Tarla Dalal
March 13, 2025, midnight
Hi ,Sonal we are delighted you loved the Idli Upma recipe and your kids cooked it for you. Please keep posting your thoughts and feedback. Happy Cooking.

Tasneem
March 13, 2025, midnight

Tarla Dalal
March 13, 2025, midnight
Hi Tasneem, we are delighted you loved the Idli Upma recipe. Please keep posting your thoughts and feedback. Happy Cooking

Payal Parikh 86
March 13, 2025, midnight
This recipe is always made when we have leftover idlis and we make this upma in the morning for breakfast. There is no spice so its good for all age groups.

Bharat Anjaria
March 13, 2025, midnight
Nice alternative

Jaisimha H N
March 13, 2025, midnight

Tarla Dalal
March 13, 2025, midnight
Jaisimha, thanks for the feedback. We have updated the Idli upma recipe with lot more images.