Quinoa Sweet Paniyaram Recipe
Quinoa Sweet Paniyaram is an innovative twist on the traditional South Indian snack, paniyaram. Known for its savory variations, this beloved dish is often made with leftover idli or dosa batter, mixed with ingredients like onions, green chilies, coriander, or even grated vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, and sometimes paneer. While the savory version holds a special place in South Indian homes, the sweet paniyaram has gained equal popularity, often gracing the table during festivals or simply as a delicious snack during tea time.
This Quinoa Sweet Paniyaram Recipe replaces the usual rice flour batter with a nutritious blend of quinoa and rice, offering a unique yet healthy take on the dish. The addition of jaggery and cardamom infuses the paniyaram with a delightful sweetness and aromatic flavor. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a distinctive breakfast, a sweet snack to pack in your lunchbox, or an after-tea indulgence, this recipe will surely satisfy your cravings in a wholesome way. Don’t have quinoa on hand? You can easily substitute it with other millets like foxtail millet, finger millet, or even oats for a similar texture and taste.
Ingredients
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Rice | 1/2 cup |
Quinoa | 1/2 cup |
Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Baking Soda | 1 teaspoon |
Jaggery (dissolved in water) | 1 cup |
Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
Ghee | For cooking |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
40 minutes
Instructions
-
Soak the Rice and Quinoa:
Start by soaking the rice and quinoa separately for at least 4 hours. This will ensure they are soft and easy to grind. -
Grind the Mixture:
Drain the water from the soaked rice and quinoa. Grind them separately into smooth batters, adding just enough water to get a thick consistency. The batter should be smooth, but not runny. -
Prepare Jaggery Syrup:
In a pan, heat 1 cup of grated jaggery with 1 tablespoon of water over medium heat. Stir until the jaggery has completely melted and turned into a syrup. Once melted, strain the syrup through a sieve to remove any sediments. -
Mix the Batter:
Add the jaggery syrup into the ground batter and mix well. At this point, the batter may become a little thinner, but this is normal. Add salt, cardamom powder, and baking soda to the batter and mix everything thoroughly. Let the batter rest for about 15 to 20 minutes. -
Cook the Paniyaram:
Heat a paniyaram pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of ghee or oil into each depression of the pan. Once hot, pour some of the prepared batter into each depression. Cook the paniyaram until they turn light brown on one side, then carefully flip them using a skewer and cook the other side until golden brown. -
Serve:
Once the Quinoa Sweet Paniyarams are cooked to a beautiful golden brown color, transfer them to a plate. Serve them hot, either as a breakfast dish, a snack box treat, or as a delicious evening snack alongside a hot cup of tea.
Allergen Information:
This recipe is free from common allergens such as gluten and dairy, as it is made with quinoa and rice and uses ghee instead of butter or milk. However, always double-check the ingredients for potential cross-contamination if you have severe allergies. Jaggery is generally considered safe for those avoiding refined sugar, though it may still trigger reactions in individuals with sugar sensitivities.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free: Yes (If using gluten-free ghee or oil)
- Dairy-Free: Yes (If using ghee or non-dairy alternatives)
- Vegan: No (due to ghee; can be substituted with vegetable oil for vegan options)
Advice:
- If you find that the batter is too thick after resting, feel free to add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
- For a more flavorful version, you can add finely chopped coconut, cashews, or raisins into the batter before cooking.
- You can also use a regular dosa pan or a non-stick skillet to make this recipe if you don’t have a paniyaram pan, though the texture and shape may differ.
- For those who prefer a sugar-free option, you can substitute jaggery with stevia or another natural sweetener.
Conclusion:
The Quinoa Sweet Paniyaram is a wonderful fusion of health and taste, making it an ideal snack for both children and adults. With quinoa providing a rich source of protein and fiber, combined with the sweetness of jaggery and the aromatic flavor of cardamom, this dish is not only nourishing but also a treat for the taste buds. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a traditional South Indian snack with a modern, healthy twist. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, tea time, or a light dessert, these paniyarams are sure to impress. Enjoy them fresh and hot, and they’ll be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire!