For the uninitiated, an uttapam is a delightful breakfast treat from South India, typically made with rice flour batter. The dish can also be made with other flours, like rava or semolina. It is often considered a thicker version of dosa, more like a desi pancake. The pancake is usually topped with chopped veggies like tomatoes, onions, green chilies, and more.
Accompanied by the two classic condiments, sambhar, which is a tangy lentil and tamarind concoction, and coconut chutney, uttapams are great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Moreover, they can be made in various ways to enhance your breakfast experience each day. Wondering how? All you have to do is prepare the following delectable recipes at home and enjoy them.
1. Chicken Keema Uttapam
For all the meat lovers out there, this recipe is a must-have. Made with minced chicken stuffed inside your uttapam, this protein-packed breakfast delight is going to blow your mind. The uttapam batter is prepared as usual with rice flour and water. Once the batter is poured on the tawa, chicken keema mix is slathered on it. It is then cooked on both sides and relished.
2. Bread Uttapam
A quick and easy hack when you don’t have rice flour or rava at home is to use bread instead. The bread is broken into pieces and dipped in dahi. This softens the bread, which gets completely meshed and can be used as an uttapam batter. The uttapam is then topped with chopped onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, etc.
3. Beet Uttapam
This beetroot uttapam is an interesting spin on a regular desi pancake. The beetroot is shredded and made into a batter, along with some fresh coconut. This is then cooked and topped with a fried egg. Grate some mozzarella cheese and cook the uttapam in sesame oil.
4. Oats Uttapam
If you’re one of those health freaks who loves to keep his or her calories in check, this oats uttapam is something that you can swear by. All you need to do is make the batter with soaked oats, rava, and dahi. This mix is then spread evenly on a pan and flipped on both sides. Throw some veggies on top and cook until the veggie side is slightly brown.
5. Moong Dal Uttapam
Packed with the goodness of moong dal, this uttapam is a healthy and delicious combination of lentils, curd, and besan. The green moong dal acts as a great source of protein in the morning. The uttapams can be paired with some mint-coriander chutney and enjoyed as a healthy breakfast.