Appam Veg Recipes of India: Delicious South Indian Ideas

There’s something magical about waking up to the aroma of freshly made appam – soft, lacy-edged pancakes with a gentle tang, paired with a colorful medley of vegetables. Across India, appam is a beloved breakfast and dinner staple, especially in the southern states.

But did you know that appam isn’t just about coconut milk curries? Creative cooks have given this classic rice pancake countless vegetarian twists, turning it into a wholesome meal in itself.

Whether you’re a fan of crispy dosa-style appams, love your vegetables, or seek gluten-free and vegan options, these appam veg recipes of India will open up a world of flavor and comfort.

In this post, I’ll share three truly delicious vegetarian appam recipes: the traditional Kerala-style appam with vegetable stew, a rainbow veggie appam (where veggies are mixed right into the batter!), and a quick oats veggie appam for busy mornings.

These recipes are not only tasty but nourishing, family-friendly, and perfect for meal prepping. Let’s get started on this lacy, fluffy, and utterly irresistible journey!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile: Appam is a blank canvas – enjoy it with stews, sambar, chutney, or as a veggie-packed snack.
• Wholesome: Rice, coconut milk, and vegetables make these recipes naturally gluten-free, vegan, and full of nutrients.
• Beginner-Friendly: With simple steps and ingredients, even novice cooks can master these appam recipes.
• Kid-Approved: Mild flavors and customizable veggie options make these recipes a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Batter can be prepped ahead, and leftover appams reheat beautifully.

“Appam is the ultimate comfort food – crispy at the edges, pillowy at the center, and perfect for soaking up savory, spicy curries or sweet coconut milk.”

Ingredients

Traditional Kerala Appam with Vegetable Stew

Rainbow Veggie Appam

• 2 cups idli rice or regular rice
• 1/2 cup urad dal (split black gram)
• 1/2 cup grated carrot
• 1/2 cup finely chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup finely chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
• 1/4 cup sweet corn (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated beetroot (optional, for color)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup water (or as needed)
• Oil for greasing

Oats Veggie Appam (Quick & Healthy)

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup semolina (sooji/rava)
• 1 cup yogurt (plant-based for vegan)
• 1/2 cup finely grated carrot
• 1/2 cup chopped capsicum
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped coriander
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• 1-2 tbsp water (as needed for batter)
• Oil for cooking

Equipment

• Appam pan or a non-stick skillet (for lacy edges)
• Blender or wet grinder (for batter)
• Mixing bowls
• Ladle for pouring batter
• Stew pot (for vegetable stew)
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Kerala Appam with Vegetable Stew

1. Soak the Rice: Rinse and soak 2 cups raw rice in water for 4-6 hours.
2. Prepare the Batter: Drain rice, add to a blender along with 1/2 cup cooked rice and enough water. Blend until smooth. Dissolve 1 tsp yeast and 1 tsp sugar in ¼ cup warm water, let it froth. Mix this into the batter with 1/2 cup coconut milk and salt. Batter should be slightly thick but pourable.
3. Ferment: Cover and let the batter ferment in a warm spot for 8-12 hours (overnight). It should double in volume and have small bubbles.
4. Make the Stew: Heat coconut oil in a pot. Add sliced onions, ginger, green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté until translucent. Add chopped carrots, potatoes, beans, and cauliflower. Sprinkle salt and pepper. Pour in thin coconut milk and cook until vegetables are tender.
5. Finish the Stew: Stir in thick coconut milk, simmer for 2 minutes, and turn off the heat. Garnish with more curry leaves and a drizzle of coconut oil.
6. Cook the Appam: Heat an appam pan, pour a ladleful of batter. Swirl the pan so the batter coats the edges thinly, leaving the center thick. Cover and cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes until edges are golden and the center is cooked. No need to flip.
7. Serve: Serve hot appams with vegetable stew.

Rainbow Veggie Appam

1. Soak & Grind: Soak 2 cups rice and 1/2 cup urad dal in water for 4 hours. Grind to a smooth batter with water as needed.
2. Ferment: Cover and let ferment overnight or for 8 hours.
3. Prepare Veggies: Mix grated carrot, spinach, bell peppers, sweet corn, and beetroot into the batter. Add salt and pepper.
4. Cook Appams: Heat a non-stick pan or appam pan, grease lightly. Pour a ladle of veggie batter, swirl, and cook covered for 2-3 minutes until set.
5. Serve: Enjoy hot with chutney or sambar.

Oats Veggie Appam

1. Prepare Batter: Blend oats to a powder. In a bowl, mix oats flour, semolina, yogurt, veggies, cumin, and salt. Add enough water to make a pourable batter. Rest for 10 minutes.
2. Cook Appams: Heat a non-stick pan, grease, and pour batter. Swirl, cover, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Serve: Serve hot with coconut chutney or spicy tomato dip.

Tips & Variations

• Fermentation: If it’s cold, ferment batter in a slightly warmed oven (turned off).
• Gluten-Free: All three recipes are naturally gluten-free if you skip the semolina in the oats appam (use more oats instead).
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based yogurt for the oats appam and ensure no dairy is added elsewhere.
• Veggie Swaps: Add peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or grated paneer for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Flavor Boost: A dash of black pepper, cumin powder, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds in the batter adds lovely flavor.

“Don’t rush fermentation – a well-fermented batter is the secret to soft, lacy appams.”

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition values are approximate and based on standard serving sizes. Adjust according to your portion and toppings.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Kerala Appam with classic coconut milk-based veg stew, or try with sambar or spicy chutney.
• Rainbow Veggie Appam pairs beautifully with mint-coriander chutney, or even as a wrap with hummus and crisp salad for a fusion twist.
• Oats Veggie Appam is great for breakfast or lunchboxes. Pair with tomato-onion chutney or a side of Half Runner Beans Recipe for extra protein.
• Sweet tooth? Appam is delightful with a drizzle of coconut milk and jaggery syrup, or alongside Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding for a festive brunch.
• For a nutritious spread, serve with a bowl of Green Goodness Juice and fresh fruit.

Conclusion

Appam is truly a celebration of Indian vegetarian cuisine – humble ingredients, transformed through time-honored techniques, into something light, lacy, and deeply satisfying. Whether you are making the classic Kerala appam and stew combo, sneaking in extra veggies for picky eaters, or opting for the quick oats version on a busy morning, these appam veg recipes of India make every meal feel special.

They’re nourishing, customizable, and perfect for family gatherings or solo comfort food moments.

So go ahead, experiment with the vegetables you love, and make appam a part of your regular meal rotation. If you’re looking for more wholesome and creative recipes, don’t forget to check out our Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for a healthy treat, or try the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe for your next brunch.

Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!

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