Appe Pan Recipes Vegetarian: Easy & Tasty Ideas to Try

Appe pan recipes are a true celebration of Indian home-style vegetarian cooking. Whether you know them as appe, paniyaram, paddu, or kuzhi paniyaram, these delightful bite-sized treats bring together flavor, convenience, and nutrition all in one.

Traditionally made in a cast-iron appe pan (also called a paniyaram pan or aebleskiver pan), these crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside morsels are perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even in a lunchbox.

With endless possibilities for fillings and batters, appe pan recipes can be customized to suit every palate, from kids to adults.

In this post, I’ll be sharing not just one but three of my favorite vegetarian appe pan recipes: Classic Vegetable Appe, Instant Rava (Semolina) Appe, and a Protein-packed Moong Dal Appe. All are easy, healthy, and bursting with flavor.

If you love experimenting with vegetarian recipes, check out my Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe and Kid Friendly Potato Recipes for more wholesome ideas!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile: Use any batter or your favorite veggies—appe pan recipes adapt to your cravings!
• Healthy: Uses minimal oil and is packed with vegetables, fiber, and plant-based protein.
• Kid-Friendly: The bite-sized shape is perfect for little hands and picky eaters.
• Quick & Easy: Instant versions mean you don’t have to plan ahead or ferment a batter.
• Great for Leftovers: Appe pans are an excellent way to use up leftover idli/dosa batter or veggies.
• Perfect for Any Meal: Serve for breakfast, as an evening snack, or a party appetizer.

Ingredients

Classic Vegetable Appe

Instant Rava Appe

Moong Dal Appe

Equipment

• Appe pan / paniyaram pan / aebleskiver pan (cast iron or nonstick, with 7–12 cavities)
• Ladle or small cup for pouring batter
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden skewer or toothpick (for flipping)
• Spatula
• Small pan (for tempering, optional)
• Knife and chopping board
• Blender or mixer (for Moong Dal Appe)

Instructions

Classic Vegetable Appe

1. Prepare the tempering: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a small pan. Add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add grated ginger and finely chopped green chilies. Sauté for 1 minute.
2. Add the vegetables: Add onions, carrots, and green beans to the tempering. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly soft, but still crisp. Turn off the heat and let it cool.
3. Mix into batter: In a large bowl, add fermented idli/dosa batter. Stir in the sautéed veggies, coriander leaves, and salt. Mix well. The batter should be thick but pourable; adjust consistency with a splash of water if needed.
4. Preheat appe pan: Place the appe pan on medium heat and add a few drops of oil in each cavity. Let it heat for 2–3 minutes.
5. Pour the batter: Using a spoon or ladle, fill each cavity about 3/4 full with the prepared batter.
6. Cook covered: Cover the pan and cook on low-medium heat for 3–4 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown.
7. Flip and cook: Use a skewer or spoon to gently flip each appe. Cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes until evenly golden and cooked through.
8. Serve hot: Remove from pan and serve immediately with chutney or sambar.

Instant Rava (Semolina) Appe

1. Make the batter: In a bowl, mix 1 cup rava, 3/4 cup yogurt, salt, and black pepper. Add enough water to make a thick batter. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
2. Add vegetables: Fold in 1 cup finely chopped mixed veggies.
3. Add leavening: Just before cooking, stir in 1/2 tsp Eno or baking soda. The batter will become frothy and light.
4. Heat the appe pan: Grease the cavities with oil and heat on medium flame.
5. Pour and cook: Fill each cavity 3/4 full. Cover and cook for 3–4 minutes until golden at the base.
6. Flip and finish: Flip each appe and cook another 2–3 minutes until cooked through and golden on both sides.
7. Serve: Enjoy hot with coconut chutney or tomato ketchup.

Moong Dal Appe

1. Prepare the dal: Drain soaked moong dal and transfer to a blender. Add green chilies, ginger, and cumin seeds. Grind to a smooth batter, adding water as needed (batter should be thick but pourable).
2. Mix in greens: Pour batter into a bowl. Stir in chopped spinach/methi, coriander, and salt.
3. Heat the appe pan: Grease each cavity and preheat on medium heat.
4. Pour and cook: Spoon the batter into the cavities. Cover and cook for 4–5 minutes on low-medium flame.
5. Flip and cook: Flip each appe and cook uncovered for another 3 minutes until golden on all sides.
6. Serve: Remove and serve hot with mint chutney or any dip of your choice.

Tip: Always cook appe on low-medium heat to ensure a crisp exterior and soft, cooked interior. Overfilling the cavities may result in unevenly cooked appe.

Tips & Variations

• Use Leftover Batter: Appe are a great way to use leftover idli/dosa batter—just add veggies and spices!
• Spice it Up: Add curry leaves, black pepper, or a pinch of hing (asafoetida) for extra flavor.
• Cheese Lovers: Drop a small cube of cheese in the center of each appe for a gooey surprise.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use rice flour, lentil flour, or besan (chickpea flour) in place of rava for gluten-free instant appe.
• Packed with Protein: Moong dal, urad dal, or even cooked quinoa can be used for protein-rich versions.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute plant-based yogurt in rava appe or skip yogurt altogether—just adjust water for consistency.
• Sweet Version: Try sweet appe by adding mashed banana, jaggery, and a pinch of cardamom to the batter!
• More Veggies: Bell peppers, sweet corn, grated zucchini, or beetroot add color and nutrition.

“Appe pans aren’t just for South Indian recipes—let your creativity flow! Try making mini pancakes, frittatas, or even savory muffins in them.”

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a general idea of the nutrition for a serving (4–5 pieces) of Classic Vegetable Appe. Actual values may vary based on ingredients and portion size.

Appe made with moong dal or using extra veggies can be even higher in protein and fiber. They are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making them a heart-healthy snack or meal.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Pairings: Serve hot appe with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, or sambar for a traditional South Indian breakfast.
• As a Snack: Pair with green chutney or ketchup for tea-time or kids’ snack boxes.
• Appetizer Platter: Arrange assorted appe on a platter with a variety of dips for parties and gatherings.
• Lunchbox Friendly: Appe stay soft and moist, making them perfect for lunchboxes. Add a small container of chutney for dipping.
• Healthy Meal: Pair with a salad or soup for a light, balanced meal. For more delicious bread recipes, try this Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe!

Conclusion

Vegetarian appe pan recipes are a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal oil, you can whip up wholesome, flavorful snacks that everyone will love.

The three recipes shared above—Classic Vegetable Appe, Instant Rava Appe, and Protein-Packed Moong Dal Appe—show just how easy and versatile appe pan cooking can be. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes are simple, quick, and endlessly adaptable.

So dust off your appe pan and give these recipes a try. Don’t forget to experiment with your own fillings and flavors!

Looking for more inspiration? Check out my Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe or the Goats Milk Yogurt Recipe for more unique homemade treats.

Happy cooking—and may your kitchen always be filled with warmth, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of freshly made appe!

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