Appe is a South Indian dish that is a popular breakfast item in southern households. The beginning of this dish roots back to Tamil Nadu, where it was known as “paniyaram”, but over time, it has gone through various other regions and has adopted a wide range of variations. It is prepared in a special appe pan, which has multiple small round cavities to create little bite-sized delights. These pockets of flavour are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect treat to start the day.
The beauty of appe lies in its adaptability. While the basic version of appe is made from a simple mixture of rice, urad dal, and a few spices, the variations are numerous, each offering a unique twist to suit different tastes and preferences.
Murmure Appe
Murmure Appe is a light and crunchy variation of the traditional South Indian appe, made with puffed rice, also known as murmure, instead of regular rice batter. This unique breakfast option is both healthy and satisfying. The ingredients include puffed rice, curd, mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chillies, and a hint of asafoetida for flavour. Its texture is crispy on the outside and soft inside, making it a delightful treat. The mild spiciness, along with the tanginess from the curd, creates a refreshing taste.
Rava Appe
Made from semolina, it offers a soft, airy texture with a crispy outer layer. Key ingredients in this are mustard seeds, green chillies, curry leaves, and ginger, which bring a burst of savoury flavour. The dish is versatile and can be enjoyed with chutney or sambar. It’s an effective choice because it's light yet filling, providing energy throughout the morning. Its simple preparation in an appe pan makes it ideal for busy mornings, combining ease and taste in a single bite.
Rice Appe
Prepared from fermented rice and urad dal batter, it delivers a crispy exterior and soft interior. The addition of traditional ingredients like mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chillies infuses a spicy, flavourful punch. The fermentation gives the dish a distinct tangy flavour while the texture remains light and airy. Rice appe is an excellent way to start your day with a boost of energy, offering the right balance of carbohydrates and protein, making it a nutritious breakfast.
Mixed Veg Appe
This savoury dish blends ingredients like grated carrots, chopped beans, and peas with a soft rice batter, creating a crispy outer texture and a moist, flavourful inside. Rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, it serves as an energising start to the day. The spices, such as cumin and mustard seeds, infuse a mild yet aromatic flavour, while a hint of ginger adds warmth.
Moong Dal Appe
These crispy, golden pancakes are made by grinding soaked moong dal with spices such as cumin, ginger, and chilli, creating a flavourful batter. The outer texture is crispy, while the inside remains soft and light. Packed with protein and fibre, they provide long-lasting energy and are easy to digest. The spices and ingredients enhance the flavours, making each bite a savoury, delicious bite. Whether served with chutney or yoghurt, these are a nutritious meal.