Nei Appam / Unniyappam Recipe – Coconut Banana Fritters
Introduction
Nei Appam, also lovingly called Unniyappam, is a treasured festival sweet from Kerala that graces occasions like Karthigai Deepam and many other traditional celebrations. Known for its crispy outer layer and soft, fragrant interior, this sweet fritter is a favorite among children and adults alike. Made with ripe bananas, jaggery, and rice flour, this Palakkad specialty is enriched with the goodness of fresh coconut and ghee, creating a flavor that lingers on the palate. Perfect as a tea-time indulgence or a school snack for kids, Nei Appam offers a taste of Keralaβs rich culinary heritage.
Recipe Details
- Cuisine: Kerala Recipes
- Course: Snack
- Dietary Preference: Vegetarian
- Preparation Time: 130 minutes
- Cooking Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 220 minutes
Ingredients
Core Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Jaggery (powdered) | 3/4 cup |
| Ripe Bananas (mashed) | 1 cup |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 2 teaspoons |
| Enos Fruit Salt (optional) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ghee (for cooking) | As needed |
| Salt | A pinch |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 175 kcal |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 13 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Batter
- Soak the Rice: Begin by washing the rice thoroughly. Soak it in water for 2 hours to soften it.
- Grind the Rice: After soaking, strain the water completely. Use a blender to grind the rice into a thick batter, adding very little water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Prepare the Jaggery Syrup: Melt the jaggery with 1/4 cup of water in a small pan over low heat. Stir well to form a smooth syrup.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the jaggery syrup, mashed bananas, grated coconut, a pinch of salt, cardamom powder, and Enos fruit salt (if using) to the rice batter. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. The batter should have a thick, pouring consistency.
Step 2: Cooking the Nei Appam
- Heat the Paniyaram Pan: Place a paniyaram pan (a pan with small cup-shaped depressions) on medium heat. Add about a teaspoon of ghee to each depression for cooking.
- Add the Batter: Drop a large spoonful of batter into each depression, filling it about 3/4 full.
- Steam the Tops: Allow the Nei Appam to cook for a few minutes until the tops appear steamed. You can cover the pan with a lid to speed up this process.
- Flip and Cook: Carefully flip each appam to cook the other side. Continue cooking until both sides are golden brown and crispy. Ensure the appams are cooked evenly on medium heat to achieve a soft interior and a crisp exterior.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked to perfection, remove the Nei Appams from the pan. Serve them hot as a tea-time snack or pack them into your child’s snack box for a delightful treat. These sweet coconut banana fritters pair beautifully with a steaming cup of chai or coffee.
Tips for the Perfect Nei Appam
- Consistency Matters: The batter should be thick but pourable. Adjust water quantities as needed.
- Ripe Bananas: Use overripe bananas for enhanced sweetness and flavor.
- Even Cooking: Always cook on medium heat to ensure the appams are cooked through without burning.
- Enos Fruit Salt: This is optional but helps create softer and fluffier appams.
Experience the flavors of Keralaβs culinary tradition with every bite of these scrumptious Nei Appams! Perfectly crisp on the outside and delectably soft inside, they are sure to win hearts in your home.
