Spicy Tomato Uttapam with Garlic: A Flavorful South Indian Breakfast
Introduction:
Uttapam, a beloved South Indian dish, is a thick, savory pancake made from a fermented rice and lentil batter. Traditionally served with a variety of chutneys, this Spicy Tomato Uttapam with Garlic recipe offers a delicious twist to the classic dish by infusing it with a tangy, flavorful tomato and garlic mixture. Ideal for breakfast or a quick snack, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Idli Rice | 1 cup |
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Arhar Dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1/4 cup |
| Black Urad Dal (Whole) | 1/4 cup |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Tomatoes | 2, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 1 clove, finely chopped |
| Green Chilli | 1, finely chopped |
| Sunflower Oil | For cooking |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Uttapam Batter
Begin by washing and soaking the ingredients — idli rice, rice, urad dal, toor dal, and fenugreek seeds — in water for about 4 to 5 hours. Once soaked, grind them using a mixer or wet grinder until you achieve a thick, smooth batter. Transfer the batter to a large bowl and season with salt. Use a ladle to beat the batter vigorously, then cover the bowl and leave it to ferment overnight in a warm place.
Step 2: Make the Tomato-Garlic Mixture
In the meantime, prepare the spicy tomato and garlic mixture. Wash and chop the tomatoes. Add the tomatoes, garlic, and green chili to a blender or mixer grinder and blend into a smooth puree.
Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Tomato Uttapam
Once the batter has fermented, it’s time to prepare the spicy tomato uttapam. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 to 3 cups of the prepared uttapam batter with the freshly made tomato-garlic puree. Add salt to taste and mix well, ensuring the batter is well incorporated with the tomato puree.
Step 4: Cooking the Uttapam
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle on low flame. Lightly grease the skillet with sunflower oil. Pour a ladle of the prepared batter onto the hot skillet, spreading it slightly to form a thick circle. Unlike dosa, uttapam should not be spread too thin. Allow it to cook for about 2 minutes or until the bottom turns golden brown.
Once the bottom is golden and crispy, flip the uttapam carefully and cook on the other side for another 2 minutes. Once both sides are cooked, transfer the uttapam to a serving plate.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Repeat the process with the remaining batter to make more uttapams. Serve the Spicy Tomato Uttapam with Garlic hot, paired with traditional South Indian chutneys like coconut chutney, tomato onion chutney, or any chutney of your choice.
Tips for Best Results:
- For a smoother batter, grind the rice and dal mixture well to a thick consistency before fermentation.
- If you prefer a spicier version, you can add more green chilies to the tomato puree.
- You can also top the uttapam with finely chopped vegetables such as onions, capsicum, or coriander leaves for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Spicy Tomato Uttapam with Garlic makes for a perfect breakfast or an after-school snack for children. It pairs beautifully with coconut chutney, tomato onion chutney, or any chutney of your choice. You can also serve it with a cup of hot filter coffee or a refreshing glass of buttermilk for a complete South Indian meal.
Conclusion:
This Spicy Tomato Uttapam with Garlic is a flavorful and nutritious South Indian dish that adds a unique twist to your breakfast routine. The combination of the tangy tomato, the aromatic garlic, and the crispy uttapam makes it a delicious, filling option that will please the entire family. Try it today and enjoy a warm, hearty meal that’s full of flavor and tradition.
