Welcome to our guide on how to spice up your South Indian spread with five mouth-watering appams to try. Appam, also known as "hoppers," is a traditional South Indian dish that is made with fermented rice batter and coconut milk. These delicious, fluffy pancakes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a light dinner option. In this article, we will take a closer look at 5 different types of appams that are sure to delight your taste buds and add some variety to your meal. From classic appams with coconut chutney to fusion appams with a modern twist, we have something for everyone. So get ready to explore the world of appams and add some spice to your South Indian spread.
Traditional Appam
Experience the authentic flavor of traditional appam with this classic recipe. Begin by soaking raw rice, boiled rice, and fenugreek seeds for at least 4 hours. Then, grind the soaked mixture with fresh coconut, soaked poha, sugar, salt, and water until smooth. Add yeast and allow the batter to ferment overnight. Heat a nonstick appam pan and pour a ladle of the batter onto the center of the pan. Swirl the pan to spread the batter evenly, and cover with a lid. Cook until the edges are golden brown and the center is cooked through. Serve hot with coconut chutney or vegetable stew for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Taste: light and fluffy
Total Time: 12 hours
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Calories per serving: 90
Rava Appam
Add a crispy and crunchy twist to traditional appam with this easy-to-make rava appam recipe. Combine semolina, grated coconut, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Add water and mix until the batter is smooth and thick. Allow the batter to rest for 10–15 minutes. Heat an appam pan and pour a spoonful of batter into each depression. Drizzle ghee around the edges and cover with a lid. Cook until the edges are golden brown and the center is cooked through. Serve hot with a drizzle of honey or syrup for a delicious and indulgent breakfast.
Taste: crispy and sweet
Total Time: 12 hours
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 250
Vegetable Stuffed Appam
Add a burst of flavor and nutrition to your traditional appam with this vegetable-stuffed recipe. Begin by preparing the appam batter according to the traditional recipe. In a separate pan, sauté finely chopped onions, carrots, peas, and potatoes with cumin seeds and ginger-garlic paste. Stuff the vegetable mixture into the center of the appam batter in the pan. Cover with a lid and cook until the edges are golden brown and the center is cooked through. Serve hot with coconut chutney or tomato chutney for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Taste: savory and filling
Total Time: 12 hours
Prep Time: 15minutes
Calories per serving: 300
Egg Appam
Add a protein-packed twist to your traditional appam with this delicious egg appam recipe. Beat eggs with salt, pepper, and chopped onions. Heat an appam pan and pour a ladle of the appam batter into the pan. Pour a spoonful of the egg mixture into the center of the appam batter. Cover with a lid and cook until the edges are golden brown and the egg is cooked through. Serve hot with tomato ketchup or coriander chutney for a hearty and nutritious meal.
Taste: savory and eggy
Total Time: 12 hours
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 250
Chocolate Appam
Indulge your sweet tooth with this delectable chocolate appam recipe. Begin by preparing the appam batter according to the traditional recipe. Mix the cocoa powder and sugar in a separate bowl. Add water and mix until the cocoa mixture is smooth. Add the cocoa mixture to the appam batter and mix well. Heat an appam pan and pour a ladle of the batter into the pan. Cover with a lid and cook until the edges are golden brown and the center is cooked through. Serve hot with a dollop of whipped cream for a heavenly dessert.
Taste: sweet and chocolatey
Total Time: 12 hours
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Calories per serving: 350
Appam is usually served with a variety of accompaniments in South India, making it a versatile and satisfying meal. Some popular pairings include mutta curry, a coconut milk-based curry with boiled eggs; chicken curry, which is made with tender pieces of curry-cut chicken cooked in a flavorful gravy; and vegetable stew, a light and aromatic dish made with an assortment of vegetables in a coconut milk broth. These accompaniments add depth and flavor to the delicate and airy appam, making for a truly satisfying meal.
Appam is a beloved South Indian staple that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. There are many ways to enjoy this dish, from the traditional toppings like mutta curry and chicken curry to the more unusual ones like egg and vegetables. Whether you're looking for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a comforting dinner, appam is a delicious and satisfying choice that is sure to please. So next time you're looking to spice up your South Indian spread, be sure to try out one of these mouth-watering appam recipes!