Paniyaram is a beloved dish from Tamil Nadu, enjoyed by many as a snack or breakfast option. The beauty of paniyaram lies in its simplicity, yet it can be easily customised with different ingredients to suit a wide range of tastes. All you need is a basic batter made from rice and urad dal, along with a special pan, called a paniyaram chatti, to cook it.
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The result is small, round, bite-sized pieces that are soft on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. From classic versions to innovative twists, there are several types of paniyaram that you can experiment with. Here are eight varieties that are sure to delight your taste buds.
Kara Paniyaram
For those who enjoy a bit of spice in their breakfast, kara paniyaram is the perfect choice. It uses the same fermented rice and urad dal batter as the classic version but with the addition of green chillies, chopped onions, ginger, and curry leaves. These extra ingredients give the paniyaram a kick of spice and a burst of flavour. Kara paniyaram is an excellent savoury option that can be served with chutneys or even as a side dish to sambar.
Kuzhi Paniyaram
Kuzhi paniyaram is the traditional and classic version of this dish. Made with fermented rice and urad dal batter, it is similar to dosa or idli batter but cooked differently. The batter is seasoned with salt and sometimes with mustard seeds and curry leaves to add a bit of flavour. The mixture is then poured into the small, round indentations of the paniyaram chatti and cooked until it turns fluffy and golden brown on the outside. Kuzhi paniyaram is often served with coconut chutney or spicy tomato chutney for a complete meal.
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Sweet Paniyaram
Sweet paniyaram is a delightful treat for those with a sweet tooth. This variety is made using a sweet filling of jaggery, cardamom, and grated coconut. The sweet batter is poured into the paniyaram chatti and cooked until the outside is slightly crispy, while the inside remains soft and filled with the rich flavour of jaggery and coconut. Sweet paniyaram is a perfect option for breakfast or even as an evening snack with a cup of tea.
Dosa Batter Paniyaram
One of the best ways to use up leftover dosa batter is by making dosa batter paniyaram. The leftover batter, which is usually slightly sourer due to fermentation, is cooked in the paniyaram chatti to create a crispy, golden paniyaram with a rougher texture. The batter can be spiced up with curry leaves, green chillies, and onions for added flavour. This variety is a great way to minimise food waste while enjoying a delicious snack.
Rava Paniyaram
If you're looking for a quicker and easier version of paniyaram, avra paniyaram is a great option. Instead of using fermented batter, this variety is made with semolina (rava), which cuts down on the preparation time. The semolina batter is mixed with curd, vegetables like carrots, onions, and green chillies, and seasoned with salt. The result is a delicious and light paniyaram that can be whipped up in minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
Thinai Paniyaram
For a healthier version of paniyaram, thinai paniyaram, made with foxtail millet (thinai), is an excellent choice. Instead of using rice, foxtail millet is used to make the batter, which adds a boost of nutrition without compromising taste. Thinai paniyaram is packed with fibre and essential nutrients, making it a wholesome option for breakfast or a light snack. Serve it with chutney or sambar for a complete meal.
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Cheese Paniyaram
A modern twist on the traditional dish, cheese paniyaram is a crowd-pleaser, especially among children. The basic batter is filled with cheese, along with vegetables like corn and capsicum. As the paniyaram cooks, the cheese melts inside, creating a gooey and flavourful centre. This variety is perfect for those looking to add a bit of indulgence to their breakfast or snack.
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Kavuni Arisi Paniyaram
Kavuni arisi paniyaram is a unique variety made with black rice, also known as kavuni arisi, which is native to Tamil Nadu. The batter is prepared using this special rice, giving the paniyaram a beautiful blackish-purple hue. Black rice is rich in antioxidants, adding not just colour but also a healthy element to your breakfast. Kavuni arisi paniyaram is typically slightly sweet and is enjoyed with jaggery or coconut chutney.