Uthappa or Uthappams are another popular dish in South India apart from Dosas which are made from the same Dosa or Idli Batter, the batter made from fermented rice and urad dal. Uthappa are thick pancakes, loaded with vegetables like carrot, capsicum, onion, tomato, beans on the top making it a healthy dish for breakfasts. These are usually served with sambar and mint or tomato chutneys. This dish serves as a fulfilling appetite as it is loaded with vegetables and is thick in texture. Cheese Uthappa are the healthier version of pizzas. Kids are mostly fond of this dish because of the melted cheese on the top.
Facts Related to Uthappa
Uthappas are low in fat and are high in flavours because of the varieties of toppings on it, making it a great food choice for those who are trying to lose weight. The fermented rice and dal improves digestion, normalises blood pressure, increases energy levels and releases bad toxins. This dish is a big yes to be prepared for the morning breakfast table because of all the good health benefits. The name Uthappam is derived from Tamil words ‘appam’ and ‘uthia’, meaning poured appams. Appams are cooked in a round-bottomed pan and Uthia Appam (Uthappam) are cooked on a flat skillet.
The dish is a staple breakfast in the state of Tamil Nadu and is believed to have originated from there. Later it spread all across the Southern states, making it a famous South Indian dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 Cups Rice
- 1 Cup Urad Dal
- 1 Tbsp Fenugreek Seeds
- 1/4 Cup Poha
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 Chopped Onions
- 2 Chopped Tomatoes
- 1 Sliced Capsicum
- 1 Grated Carrot
- 1-2 Chopped Green Chilli
- Cheese Cubes
- Oil for Cooking
Method:
For the Batter-
- Soak the rice (along with fenugreek seeds) and dal in two separate vessels overnight
- Grind the rice and dal separately adding water as per the required consistency; grind it into a thick paste
- Mix both the pastes in a big vessel and keep stirring it for a good 5 minutes in one direction, so that the air releases
- Now leave the batter to ferment for an additional 7-8 hours
- Add salt to the fermented batter and mix gently
For the Uthappams-
- Grease oil on a heating pan and pour the batter and spread thickly in a round shape
- Add chopped onions, tomatoes, capsicum and other vegetables of your choice and cover the pan with a plate and let it cook for 2-3 minutes
- Remove the covered plate and add 3 tsp of cooking oil and spread evenly all over the Uthappam.
- Finally turn the Uthappam and cook it for another one minute
- Turn the Uthappam on the topping side and take it out on a plate
- Add grated cheese all over the top, let the cheese melt due to heat released from the Uthappam
Enjoy it hot
These Uthappams are super delicious and healthy to be eaten at breakfast and convenient to be carried in tiffin boxes. The vegetables add colour to the dish making it more flavourful and appetising.