Kerala is widely known for its diverse and delicious foods as obtained from the different kind of places. Therali Appam is a lesser-known but unique dish from this dynamic southern state. This classic delicacy skilfully combines a delicious blend of rice, coconut, bananas, and jaggery with the aromatic scent of bay leaves.
Therali Appam, which is frequently consumed during festivals and family reunions, is a genuine example of Keralan cuisine's creativity. The fantastic taste which the appam possesses is completely due to the bay leaf being used in this food passionately. The roasted rice flour's nuttiness is complemented by a depth of sweetness from the use of jaggery, a natural sweetener. Therali Appam is a wonderful delight with a soft, chewy texture that goes well with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
- Rice - 2 glasses
- Bananas - 3 or 4, ripe and peeled
- Jaggery - 1 cup, grated or chopped
- Grated Coconut - 1 cup, freshly grated
- Bay Leaves - 10 to 12 leaves, cleaned
The first crucial step in making this delectable dessert is gathering these components. Since it serves as the foundation for the appam, the rice selection is crucial and should preferably be short-grained. While jaggery, a traditional sweetener in South Indian cooking, gives food a caramel-like flavour, bananas naturally offer sweetness and moisture. There is enhanced richness and texture with using freshly grated coconut and it brings the flavour and aroma into the dessert. In addition to adding flavour, the bay leaves give the appam a distinctive appearance and, when steam-cooked, can produce a delightful perfume.
Preparation Methods
Rice Flour Preparation
In order to make Therali Appam, the rice flour must first be prepared. To start, soak the rice for approximately one hour in water to soften it. Drain and rinse the rice two or three times after soaking to get rid of extra starch. After the rice has been cleaned, drain it and allow it to dry for 12 to 13 minutes. After drying, put the rice in a grinder and pulse it until it resembles coarse flour. Following the preparation of the rice flour, the bay leaves must be well cleaned and put aside so they may be used later to assemble the appams.
Rice Flour Roasting
The next step after making your rice flour is to roast it, which will improve its flavour and scent. Start by adding the ground rice flour to a pan that has been heated to medium heat. To prevent burning, gradually roast the flour while stirring constantly. This should take one five to seven minutes to complete the whole process. The goal is to toast the flour just enough to give it a golden-brown colour and a delicious nutty scent. Then you have to remove that pan off the heat so that it cools. You can make the batter mixture while the roasted rice flour cools.
Dough Mixture Making
It's time to prepare the dough combination now that your rice flour has cooled and been thoroughly roasted. Place the idli mould inside a steamer filled with hot water to start. Place the roasted rice flour, grated coconut, and grated jaggery in a separate bowl. Then, add the ripe bananas that have been peeled to the mixture and use your fingers to mash them thoroughly. The bananas should add moisture and a deliciously rich flavour while blending in perfectly with the other components. Using your fingers to squeeze and combine everything, make sure there are no lumps left. In order to simplify shaping and moulding in the following phase, the final dough should be soft and flexible.
Assembling Therali Appam
Now that you have your dough mixture ready, you can put the Therali Appam together. Place a small portion of the prepared dough in the middle of one cleaned bay leaf to begin. Gently press the dough with your fingertips, making sure it stays inside the leaf's edges. Then, enclose the bay leaf by rolling its two edges over the dough, leaving the centre uncovered. To hold the appam together and make a beautiful presentation, insert the stem of the bay leaf into the centre. Continue doing this with the remaining bay leaves and dough. Make sure there is enough space for the assembled appams to expand during cooking by placing them in the steamer. The appams should be cooked through and firm after 12 to 13 minutes of steaming. Before serving, take off the lid and let the Therali Appam cool a little.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Serving
You may eat these fragrant bay leaf pastries warm or at room temperature. They are the perfect snack for afternoon get-togethers or festive occasions because they go so well with a cup of tea or coffee. Since they represent togetherness and the delight of cooking together, enjoy sharing these unusual sweets with loved ones during festivities.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
With its use of regional products and traditional techniques, Therali Appam reflects Kerala's rich culinary traditions. You can make a delicious batch of Therali Appam and taste Kerala's distinctive sweet food by following these easy steps.