Appam, a traditional Kerala breakfast dish, is a thin, crispy, and soft rice pancake made from fermented rice batter. This delicious breakfast treat is a staple in Kerala households and is often served with stew, curry, or chutney. Let’s learn how to make an authentic Kerala style appamin this article.
Before that, we are going to tell a brief story of the appam recipe.
What is Appam?
Appam is a popular South Indian pancake-like dish, especially in Kerala. It’s known for its unique shape, which looks similar to paper sweets, and its delicate flavor. Appam is typically made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, giving it a tangy and slightly sweet taste.
Types of Appam
While the classic rice and coconut batter is the most common, there are variations of appam that use different ingredients. Some popular types of appam recipes include:
- Palappam: Made with a thinner batter and often served with coconut milk.
- Vellapam: A sweet appam made with jaggery or sugar.
- Kozhippam: A savory appam filled with chicken or other meat.
Ingredients Needed
Rice – 2 cups
Coconut water – 1 cup
Coconut milk – 1/2 cup
Dry yeast – 1/4 teaspoon
Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
Sugar – 1 tablespoon
Baking soda – 1/4 teaspoon
Appam pan or non-stick skillet
Steps to Make Kerala Style Appam
Preparing the Batter
- Soak rice for 4 hours.
- Grind rice into a fine paste.
- Mix coconut water, coconut milk, yeast, salt, sugar, and baking soda.
- Ferment the batter for 8 hours.
Cooking the Appam
- Heat an appam pan or non-stick skillet.
- Pour batter and spread evenly.
- Spread the batter evenly.
- Cook until edges are crispy and center is soft.
Tips for Perfect Appam
– Use short-grain rice for best results.
– Adjust fermentation time for desired consistency.
– Use an appam pan for traditional shape.
– Experiment with different fillings and toppings.
Variations of Appam
Sweet Appam
For a sweet appam, add jaggery or sugar to the batter. You can also top the appam with coconut shavings or a drizzle of honey.
Savory Appam
To make a savory appam, add grated coconut, chopped onions, or spices like curry powder to the batter. You can also serve it with vegetable or chicken stew.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
– Serve with vegetable stew or chicken curry.
– Add spices or herbs for extra flavor.
– Use as a snack or dinner option.
Traditional Accompaniments
Appam is traditionally served with stews like fish curry, vegetable stew, or coconut milk-based curries.
Modern Pairings
In recent years, appam has been paired with modern dishes like scrambled eggs, avocado toast, and even ice cream.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 200
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 200mg
Conclusion
Appam is a delicious and versatile South Indian dish that is easy to make at home. By following these steps and experimenting with different ingredients, you can create your own unique Kerala-style appam creations.