Oats Unni Appam/ Nei Appam Recipe
Oats Unni Appam, also known as Nei Appam, is a delightful Kerala snack that blends the traditional flavors of ripe bananas, jaggery, and ghee with the wholesome goodness of oats. This easy-to-make recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic Unni Appam by incorporating oats into the batter, giving it a rich texture and a slightly nutty flavor. With its crispy golden exterior and soft, sweet interior, this dish is perfect as a snack or to accompany a traditional Kerala meal. Whether you are looking for something sweet and indulgent or simply craving a warm, comforting snack, Oats Unni Appam fits the bill perfectly.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Instant Oats (Oatmeal) | 1 cup |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1/8 cup |
| Rice Flour | 1/8 cup |
| Jaggery (Powdered) | 3/4 cup |
| Ripe Bananas (Mashed) | 1 |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Baking Soda | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ghee | 4 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate values for 1 serving out of 4)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-270 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 20 g |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Cuisine: Kerala
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Grind the Oats
Start by grinding the instant oats into a fine powder using a blender or food processor. This will help achieve a smooth batter consistency.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered oats, rice flour, whole wheat flour, powdered jaggery, and baking soda. Mash the ripe banana and add it to the mixture. Blend all the ingredients together until smooth. Gradually add water to the mixture and blend again to form a smooth batter. The consistency of the batter should be similar to that of idly batter, thick yet pourable.
Step 3: Heat the Paniyaram Pan
Place a paniyaram pan (also known as an appam pan or appe pan) on the stove and heat it on medium flame. Add about 1/4 teaspoon of ghee in each of the appam-cups, ensuring that they are evenly coated. Allow the ghee to melt and heat up.
Step 4: Fry the Appams
Spoon a tablespoon of the batter into each cup of the paniyaram pan. Be sure to fill the cups only about 3/4 full. As the batter cooks, it will rise and expand. Once the edges of the appams start turning golden brown, flip them using a greased spoon or skewer. Cook the other side for an additional minute or so, until the appams are golden and crispy all over.
Step 5: Repeat the Process
Continue frying the appams in batches, adding ghee to the pan as needed. You may choose to reduce the amount of ghee in the second batch since the pan will be well greased from the first round.
Step 6: Serve
Once all the appams are fried to a crispy golden perfection, serve them hot as a delicious snack on a weekend or as part of a traditional Kerala meal. These sweet, crispy treats are best enjoyed with a cup of tea or as an afternoon snack.
Tips for a Perfect Oats Unni Appam:
- Oats Grinding: For a finer texture, make sure the oats are ground into a fine powder. This will help in achieving a smoother batter and softer appams.
- Jaggery Substitution: If you don’t have jaggery, you can substitute it with brown sugar or coconut sugar, though the taste will slightly vary.
- Banana Ripeness: The riper the banana, the sweeter the appams will be. Choose bananas with dark spots for the best natural sweetness.
- Consistency of Batter: If the batter seems too thick, you can add a little more water to adjust the consistency, but avoid making it too runny.
Oats Unni Appam is a nutritious and flavorful snack that brings the best of Kerala’s culinary traditions with a modern twist. The addition of oats boosts the nutritional value, making it a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier yet indulgent treat. Whether you are hosting a get-together or enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, this delightful recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. Enjoy these soft, crispy appams with your loved ones and share the warmth of Kerala’s flavors.
