Introduction
Kerala-style appam is a very frequent breakfast. Originally, appam, a traditional Kerala breakfast, is a thin, fresh, and delicate rice flapjack made using fermented rice flour. This delightful breakfast treat is a staple in Kerala households and is often served with stew, curry, or chutney. Let’s learn how to make the perfect Kerala-style appam in this article. Before this, we will explain the brief story of the appam recipe.
What is Appam?
Appam is a popular South Indian pancake-like dish. Especially in Kerala. It is known for its interesting texture, which looks like paper desserts, and its fragility. Appam is usually made using fermented rice flour and coconut milk. Hence it gives a somewhat sweet taste.
History of Appam
Appam is a type of rice cake that has its roots in ancient Indian cuisine. Probably it comes from Sanskrit word “apupa” and it means “roasted dainty”. The dish is mentioned in verifiable texts, for example, the Rigveda and highlighted in a Tamil hymn dating back to 300 BC, demonstrating its long-standing presence in Indian culinary practices.
Types of Appam
Although plain rice and grated coconut are the most common, there are variations of appam made using different ingredients. Some popular types of appam recipes are:
- Palappam: Made with a thinner batter and often served with coconut milk.
- Vellapam: A sweet appam made with jaggery or sugar.
- Kozhippam: A flavorful appam with chicken or other meat.
- Kallappam: The preparation usually contains ingredients like rice powder, shredded coconut, semolina and yeast, which help in the fermentation process.
- Vattayappam: It is prepared using soaked rice, cooked rice, coconut, salt, sugar and yeast.
- Idiyappam: It is mainly a steamed dish made from rice flour.
- Muttayappam: It is a dish made with a special mixture of rice and eggs.
- Pesaha Appam: This is a recipe made with rice powder, urad dal, grated coconut and garlic.
- Neyyappam: It is a dish made with jaggery, rice flour, maida or wheat flour and ghee.
Nutritional Benefits of Appam
Fermenting apple makes it rich in vitamin B12. The fermented rice flour it contains is very good for gut bacteria that promote digestion. So it is easily digested. Keeps you away from gastric problems like constipation. That is why appam is a healthy, balanced breakfast for us.
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 – 1
Steps to Make Kerala-Style Appam
Preparing the Batter
- Soak the rice for 4 hours.
- Grind the rice into a fine paste.
- Combine coconut water, coconut milk, yeast, salt, sugar and baking soda.
- Leave the dough to ferment for 8 hours.
Cooking the Appam
- Heat an appam pan or a non-stick skillet.
- Pour the flour in it.
- Spread the dough evenly.
- Cook until the edges are crisp and the center is soft.
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.
Tips and Tricks
- Use small grain rice for best results.
- Adjust fermentation time for desired consistency.
- Use appam pan for traditional texture.
- Experiment with different fillings and toppings.
Variations and Suggestions
Sweet Appam
For sweet appam, add beaten jaggery or sugar. You can also top the appam with coconut shavings or a drizzle of honey.
Savory Appam
Add spices like grated coconut, chopped onions, or curry leaves to the batter to make delicious appam. You can also serve it with vegetables or chicken stew.
Nutritional Values
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 200mg
Conclusion
Appam is a delicious and comforting South Indian dish. It can be made at home very easily. But by following these steps and experimenting with different ingredients, you can create your own Kerala-style appam creations.