Kerala Style Appam Recipe
Appam, a cherished dish of Kerala, is a staple in every household. This soft, fluffy rice pancake with a crispy outer edge and a thick, soft center is typically served with coconut milk or a traditional stew. However, it pairs wonderfully with any South Indian curry of your choice. The beauty of appam lies in its perfect texture and mild flavor, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Kerala-style appam brings the authentic taste of Kerala right to your kitchen.
Cuisine: Kerala Recipes
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Here are the essential ingredients for making the perfect Kerala-style appam:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice (soaked) | 2 cups (soaked for 3 hours) |
| Rice (cooked) | 1 cup |
| Coconut (grated) | 1 cup |
| Active Dry Yeast | 1 tsp |
| Lukewarm Water | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
200 minutes (Soaking, fermenting)
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Instructions
Making Kerala Style Appam at home is quite easy, though it requires a bit of patience due to the fermentation process. Here’s how you can make this delicious dish step-by-step:
-
Soak the Rice:
Begin by soaking the rice in water for about 3 to 4 hours. The rice should be soaked well to ensure it grinds smoothly. -
Prepare Yeast Mixture:
In a small bowl, add the active dry yeast, sugar, and lukewarm water. Stir the mixture gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes to activate the yeast. -
Grind the Rice and Coconut:
Now, in a mixer grinder, combine the soaked rice, cooked rice, grated coconut, and a pinch of salt. Add a little water to help with grinding and make a smooth batter. -
Add Yeast to the Batter:
Once the batter is ready, add the yeast mixture to it and mix well. The yeast will help the batter ferment and give appams their light and airy texture. -
Fermentation:
Transfer the batter to a bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it ferment for about 5 to 6 hours. The batter should rise and have a slightly bubbly texture when itβs ready. -
Prepare the Appam Pan:
After the fermentation is complete, check the consistency of the batter. If it’s too thick, you can add a little water to adjust it. Be careful not to make it too runny. -
Cook the Appam:
Heat an appam pan (or a small, non-stick skillet) over medium flame. Once the pan is hot, pour a ladle of the batter into the center of the pan. Immediately tilt the pan in a circular motion to spread the batter out, leaving a thick center and thin edges. The batter will naturally form a round shape. -
Cover and Cook:
Cover the pan and allow the appam to cook for about 2 minutes, or until the edges become light golden brown and crispy. The center should remain soft and slightly puffy. -
Serve:
Once cooked, carefully remove the appam from the pan and serve it hot. Kerala-style appam is best enjoyed with a side of Kadala Curry (black chickpea curry) or Vegetable Stew.
Tips for Perfect Kerala Appam
- For a richer flavor, you can add a little coconut milk to the batter during grinding.
- The appam batter should not be too thin. If it is, the appam will not hold its shape.
- If you don’t have an appam pan, a small, non-stick frying pan will work well; just make sure to adjust the quantity of batter to avoid spillage.
- For a fluffier appam, ensure that the batter is properly fermented.
Serving Suggestions
Kerala Style Appam is traditionally served with Kadala Curry (spicy black chickpea curry) or Vegetable Stew (a coconut-based vegetable curry). However, it also pairs beautifully with any other South Indian curry of your choice, making it a versatile dish to serve with your favorite side.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Kerala Style Appam provides:
| Nutrient | Value (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal per appam |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Proteins | 5g |
| Fats | 3g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a traditional Kerala meal or bring the flavors of South India to your table, this Kerala Style Appam recipe is sure to delight. Its soft texture combined with the crispy edges makes it irresistible, and its versatility ensures that you can pair it with many different curries to suit your taste. Enjoy this recipe as part of a wholesome meal for your family or guests!
