Kerala Style Appam Recipe

Appam, a traditional dish from South India and Sri Lanka, is a delightful and versatile rice pancake that encapsulates the region’s culinary heritage. Characterized by its soft, fluffy center and crispy, lacy edges, appam is a stunning display of texture and flavor. The dish is typically fermented, giving it a slightly tangy taste that complements both sweet and savory accompaniments. Whether enjoyed at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, appam offers a unique balance of flavors that make it a favorite among food lovers. This delightful pancake can be served with a variety of dishes, including rich curries, coconut milk-based soups, or even sweetened coconut mixtures. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up this delicious treat for an exotic addition to your meal repertoire.

Ingredients

To make approximately 8-10 appams, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Appam Batter:

• 2 cups of rice (preferably short-grain or parboiled rice)
• 1/2 cup of cooked rice (for added softness)
• 1/4 cup of grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
• 1 teaspoon of instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
• 1 teaspoon of sugar (to activate the yeast)
• 1 1/4 cups of warm water (adjust as needed for consistency)
• Salt, to taste

For Cooking:

• 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee (for brushing the appam pans)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Batter

1. Soaking the Rice:
   • Rinse the 2 cups of rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
   • Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to help soften the grains.
2. Blending the Ingredients:
   • After soaking, drain the rice and place it in a blender. Add 1/4 cup of grated coconut and 1/2 cup of cooked rice.
   • Add about 1 cup of warm water and blend until you achieve a smooth batter. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter – thick yet pourable. You may need to add more water gradually.
3. Activating the Yeast:
   • In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/4 cup of warm water. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
4. Combining All Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice batter and the frothy yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly. If the batter is too thick, add more warm water until you achieve a smooth consistency.
   • Add salt to taste, cover the bowl with a cloth, and let it rest in a warm place for about 15-20 minutes to allow the batter to ferment slightly.

Step 2: Cooking the Appam

1. Heating the Appam Pan:
   • Heat an appam pan (or a non-stick skillet) over medium heat and lightly brush the inside with oil or ghee. Make sure the pan is hot but not smoking.
2. Pouring the Batter:
   • Once the pan is hot, pour a ladleful of the fermented batter into the center of the pan. Immediately swirl the pan gently to spread the batter into a circular shape, making a thicker center and thin, lacy edges.
3. Cooking the Appam:
   • Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is soft and fluffy. You may want to add a little more oil around the edges to enhance crispiness.
4. Finishing Up:
   • Carefully remove the appam using a spatula and transfer it to a plate. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, ensuring to brush the pan lightly with oil between batches.

Serving Suggestions

Appam is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Here are some popular serving suggestions:

• With Curries: Serve appam alongside rich coconut-based curries such as vegetable stew or chicken curry. The creaminess of the curry beautifully complements the delicate flavor of the appam.
• With Coconut Milk: For a sweeter twist, try serving appam with warm coconut milk poured over the top, sometimes sweetened with a bit of jaggery.
• With Stews: Pair appam with lentil stews or vegetable soups for a wholesome meal.
• As a Snack: Enjoy appam as a standalone snack with a side of chutney or pickles for added flavor.
• Beverages: Consider serving appam with chai (tea) or a lassi (yogurt-based drink) for a refreshing combination.

Nutritional Information

Appam is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits:

• Rich in Carbohydrates: Made primarily from rice, appam provides a good source of carbohydrates, essential for energy.
• Fermented Goodness: The fermentation process enhances the digestive quality of the batter, introducing beneficial probiotics to your meal.
• Low in Fat: When prepared with minimal oil, appam is a healthier option compared to many fried foods.
• Nutrient-Rich: The addition of grated coconut can provide healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Conclusion

Now you have a complete guide to make delicious appam, soft and fluffy rice pancakes with a delightful crispy edge. With its unique texture and flavor, appam can be a versatile addition to your meal plan, perfect for any time of day. Whether you serve it with spicy curries or sweet toppings, this dish is bound to impress your family and friends.

With practice, you can master the art of making appam that rivals those from street vendors or traditional restaurants. Enjoy your cooking journey, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors, toppings, and serving styles to make this dish your own! Enjoy your delicious appam adventure!