Quick fix snacks

Some easy ways to make use of all those leftovers sitting in your fridge

¼ tsp turmeric powder

½ tsp mustard seeds

½ tsp cumin seeds

SOWPeRNICA

All of us know the feeling of looking in the fridge and seeing containers filled with leftovers from meals gone past. Extra dal, rice, dosa or idli batter – which we would hate to throw away. So what do we do with this rich array of leftovers? We conjure up a whole lot of interesting snacks that would delight the family, especially on these cold winter evenings when something nice and hot is sure to warm them up. Here are some easy to make snacks, including a sweet that can be prepared in a jiffy and with the minimum of effort. So get rid of those leftovers by transforming them into yummy snacks that are sure to impress your family.

Masala Idli

A quick fix snack made with leftover idlis (rice cakes)

6 leftover rice idlis

1 onion

Cut each idli into small cubes.

Heat oil in a non-stick kadhai, add mustard and cumin seeds, allow them to splutter. Add curry leaves, onions, salt and turmeric powder. Sauté for 3 minutes.

Coarsely grind the peanuts. Add cut idli cubes, chutney powder, coarsely ground peanuts and mix well. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.

Krispy Mini Rice Balls

The best way to utilise leftover rice and idli batter

3 cups leftover idli batter

1½ cups leftover cooked rice

½ tsp salt (idli batter usually contains salt)

1 small sized onion (finely chopped)

1 tsp pepper (coarsely ground)

1 green chilli (finely chopped) Oil for deep frying

Grind the idli batter and rice together in a food processor. Add finely chopped onions, crushed pepper, finely chopped green chillies and salt to this mixture, ensuring that the contents are all well mixed. Heat oil in a deep pan. Drop small portions of the mix into the hot oil and fry till golden brown. Makes a great evening snack on cold days.

Below: Masala idli

Instant Dahi Vada

A healthy snack which can be prepared instantly

2 sandwich bread slices (makes 2 vadas)

1 tbsp store-bought boondi

1 tsp coriander leaves (finely chopped)

1 cup thick yogurt

½ tsp salt

1 green chilli

Pinch of boondi masala powder

Add salt to the yogurt and mix well. Cut the edges off the bread slices. Dip each cut slice of bread in a bowl of water for a second. Remove immediately and squeeze between your hands, gently moulding to make a ball. Press down the ball to flatten slightly. Follow the same procedure for the second slice. Place both bread balls in a plate. Grind the green chilli and add it to the yogurt. Pour this mix over the bread balls, garnish with coriander leaves, boondi and a pinch of boondi masala powder.

3-minute Mysore Pak

Sweet and delicious to tickle your tastebuds

½ cup besan (chickpea flour)

1 cup powdered sugar

½ cup ghee

2 tsp milk

Melt ghee in the microwave for one minute on high. Mix all the ingredients with the melted ghee. Microwave the mixture for two to three minutes, stopping halfway through cooking to mix well. Once bubbles form on the mixture, remove and mix again thoroughly, and pour over a greased plate. Let the mix stand for 5-10 minutes to cool, then cut into smaller pieces. Serve after the mix has completely cooled. Note: take care to not overcook the mixture.