Masala Paniyaram with Leftover Idli/Dosa Batter
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Masala Paniyaram is a delightful South Indian snack that transforms leftover idli or dosa batter into crispy, flavorful, bite-sized fritters. Perfect for tea time, these golden brown paniyarams are infused with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies, making them aromatic and irresistible. Paired with coconut chutney and a hot cup of filter coffee, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The recipe is quick, easy, and ideal for those times when you have leftover batter but want something exciting and flavorful.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Idli/Dosa Batter | 2 cups |
| Mustard Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 5-7 leaves |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Shallots (finely chopped) | 1/3 cup |
| Green Chilies (finely chopped) | 1-2 pieces |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves (finely chopped) | 3 tablespoons |
| Sunflower Oil | For shallow frying |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tempering
To begin making the Masala Paniyaram, heat 1/2 tablespoon of sunflower oil in a small tempering pan (tadka pan) over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them crackle. Once the seeds pop, quickly add the curry leaves and sauté for a few seconds until they become fragrant. Next, add the finely chopped shallots and green chilies. Sauté the mixture until the onions turn light pink and soft. Turn off the heat and allow the tempering mixture to cool down to room temperature.
2. Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, add the leftover idli or dosa batter. To the batter, add the cooled tempering mixture, freshly chopped coriander leaves, and salt to taste. Stir well to combine. The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape, but not too runny like dosa batter. If the batter feels too thick, add a small amount of water to adjust the consistency. The ideal texture is slightly thicker than regular dosa batter but not as firm as idli batter.
3. Cook the Paniyaram
Now, heat the paniyaram pan (or appe pan) on medium heat. Drizzle a few drops of sunflower oil into each of the round moulds. Once the pan is hot, spoon the prepared batter into each mould, filling them up to about 3/4 full. Cover the pan with a lid or a plate, and cook the paniyarams for about 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom turns a light golden brown.
4. Flip the Paniyaram
Once the bottom is golden, remove the lid and carefully flip each paniyaram using a fork or a spoon. Cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes, until the paniyaram is crisp and golden brown on both sides.
5. Serve
Once the paniyarams are cooked, remove them from the pan using a spoon and transfer them to a plate. Serve these hot Masala Paniyarams with a side of coconut chutney and a cup of freshly brewed filter coffee for an authentic South Indian tea-time snack.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 200-250 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Tips:
- Consistency of the batter: The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape but smooth enough to pour into the paniyaram moulds. If it’s too runny, add a bit of rice flour or gram flour to thicken it.
- Customization: You can add vegetables like grated carrots or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Alternative oils: Though sunflower oil is commonly used, you can also use ghee (clarified butter) for a richer taste.
Serving Suggestions
Masala Paniyaram makes an excellent snack when paired with traditional Coconut Chutney, but it can also be enjoyed with Tomato Chutney or even a tangy Tamarind Dip. It’s best served fresh and hot, with a cup of Filter Coffee to complete the South Indian experience.
Enjoy this simple yet satisfying snack that transforms your leftover idli or dosa batter into something extraordinary! Whether you’re making it for breakfast, tea, or a light evening snack, Masala Paniyaram is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.
