Nei Appam Recipe Using Rice Flour (Kerala Style)
Nei Appam, a traditional and beloved snack from Kerala, is a sweet, fragrant, and golden brown dumpling that is perfect for breakfast or as a tea-time treat. Made with rice flour, jaggery, ripe bananas, and infused with the aromatic flavor of cardamom, this crispy-on-the-outside, soft-and-fluffy-on-the-inside appam is often prepared during festivals or special occasions. Here’s how you can recreate this authentic Kerala Nei Appam using rice flour.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice Flour | 1 cup |
| Jaggery | 1 cup |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods | 5 pods |
| Ripe Bananas | 2 |
| Baking Soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Ghee | As required |
Preparation Time: 120 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 150 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Kerala
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
Instructions
-
Prepare the Jaggery Syrup:
Start by placing the jaggery and water in a saucepan. Heat it over medium flame, stirring occasionally, until the jaggery completely dissolves in the water. Once the mixture comes to a rolling boil, switch off the flame and set it aside to cool completely. -
-
Mash the Bananas:
While the jaggery syrup cools, peel the ripe bananas and mash them well with a fork until smooth. This will help give the appams their soft texture and natural sweetness. -
Prepare the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, add the rice flour and mashed bananas. Mix them well to combine. Now, pour in the cooled jaggery syrup and add the cardamom powder (you can crush the cardamom pods using a mortar and pestle to release the fragrance) along with the baking soda. Mix everything together thoroughly. -
Rest the Batter:
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the batter rest for about 2 hours. This resting period helps the flavors meld together and makes the batter more aerated, resulting in a fluffier appam. -
Adjust the Consistency:
After 2 hours, check the batter. It should be thick but still pourable. If the batter has thickened too much, add a little water to loosen it to a thick pancake batter consistency. Stir well to combine. -
Cook the Nei Appams:
Heat a paniyaram pan (also called an appe pan) on medium heat. Add a small amount of ghee (approximately 1/2 teaspoon) to each of the pan’s slots. Once the pan is hot, carefully pour about a tablespoon of batter into each slot. Cover the pan and cook the appams for about 1-2 minutes, or until the bottom turns golden brown and crispy. The center should still remain slightly runny, ensuring the appams are soft and fluffy on the inside. -
Flip and Fry:
Using a spoon or fork, carefully flip each appam to cook the other side. Fry for another minute or two, or until both sides are golden and crisp. -
Serve:
Once the Nei Appams are done, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate. Serve them hot with a drizzle of ghee for added flavor and richness. They’re perfect as a standalone breakfast or snack, especially during the monsoon season when the rains are falling and you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting.
Tips for Perfect Nei Appams:
- Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thin, the appams may spread out and lose their shape. If it’s too thick, add a little more water to achieve the right consistency.
- Ghee: Ghee not only adds flavor but also helps the appams crisp up beautifully. Don’t be afraid to use enough ghee for frying.
- Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better the flavor. Overripe bananas will give the appams a rich sweetness that complements the jaggery perfectly.
- Resting Time: The 2-hour resting period is crucial. It allows the flavors to blend, and the baking soda activates, making the appams fluffier.
Serving Suggestions:
Nei Appams are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with coconut chutney or a cup of hot chai for a complete Kerala-style snack experience. Enjoy these little golden delights during festivals, special occasions, or whenever you crave something sweet and comforting.
Nei Appams made with rice flour are a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. The combination of jaggery, ripe bananas, and aromatic cardamom, along with the crispy golden exterior and soft center, makes this Kerala snack a favorite among all ages. Whether it’s a rainy day or a festive morning, these appams are sure to bring warmth and joy to your table!
