Appe, also known as paniyaram, is a delightful South Indian delicacy that has won hearts across India and beyond. These small, round, and fluffy bites are made from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal, similar to dosa or idli batter, but cooked in a special appe pan.
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a snack, or a party appetizer, appe is an excellent choice. The best part?
It’s completely vegetarian and can be customized with various vegetables and spices to suit your taste buds. In this blog post, we’ll explore authentic and easy-to-make vegetarian appe recipes from India that bring out the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine.
Appe is not just tasty but also healthy, owing to the fermentation process that enhances digestion and nutrient absorption. This recipe is perfect for busy mornings or as a fun dish to serve at gatherings.
Dive in and discover how to make the perfect appe, along with some exciting variations to keep your taste buds entertained!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with appe. For starters, it’s incredibly versatile.
You can make it plain or stuff it with your favorite veggies and spices. The batter requires minimal ingredients and is easy to prepare, especially if you have leftover dosa or idli batter on hand.
The cooking method using the appe pan ensures a crispy exterior with a soft and fluffy interior—a texture contrast that’s simply irresistible. Plus, appe is gluten-free and vegan-friendly, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
It’s also a great way to introduce kids to Indian flavors and textures.
In addition to being delicious and nutritious, appe can be enjoyed with a variety of chutneys and sambar, adding extra layers of flavor. Once you master the basic recipe, you can experiment with different fillings and spices for a new experience every time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup idli or dosa batter (fermented rice and urad dal batter)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
- 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
- 1 tbsp oil (preferably vegetable or coconut oil)
- Salt to taste
- Optional: finely chopped curry leaves, grated ginger
Equipment
- Appe pan (paniyaram pan) – a special pan with multiple small round molds
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or skewer to flip the appe
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
- Stove or gas burner
Instructions
- Prepare the tempering: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. When they begin to splutter, add asafoetida, chopped onions, green chilies, and curry leaves (if using). Sauté until onions turn translucent.
- Mix the batter: In a large mixing bowl, add the idli or dosa batter. To this, add the sautéed onion mixture, grated carrot, chopped coriander leaves, and salt. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Preheat the appe pan: Place the appe pan on medium heat. Drizzle a little oil in each mold to prevent sticking and to help crisp the appe.
- Cook the appe: Pour the batter into each mold until about 3/4 full. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 3-4 minutes on medium heat until the bottoms turn golden brown.
- Flip the appe: Using a skewer or small spatula, carefully flip each appe to cook the other side. Drizzle a little more oil if needed. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until crisp and golden.
- Check doneness: Insert a toothpick or skewer in one appe to check if it’s cooked thoroughly inside. It should come out clean.
- Serve hot: Remove the appe from the pan and serve immediately with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, or sambar.
Tips & Variations
Pro tip: For extra fluffiness, ensure your batter is well-fermented. You can ferment it overnight in a warm place.
Add finely chopped vegetables like capsicum, beans, or corn for more texture and nutrition.
Try adding a pinch of grated ginger or a sprinkle of chaat masala on top after cooking for a spicy twist.
For a sweet version, use a batter made from rice flour and jaggery, adding grated coconut and cardamom powder.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (4 appe) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 22 g |
Protein | 4 g |
Fat | 2.5 g |
Fiber | 1.5 g |
Sodium | 180 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Appe pairs wonderfully with a variety of South Indian chutneys like coconut chutney, tomato chutney, or peanut chutney. You can also serve it alongside a warm bowl of sambar for a wholesome meal.
For a fusion twist, try serving appe with a tangy yogurt dip or even a spicy tomato ketchup. It also works great as finger food for parties or picnics.
If you’re interested in exploring more Indian vegetarian recipes, be sure to check out the Half Runner Beans Recipe for a healthy side dish, or indulge in some sweet treats like the Goat Milk Ice Cream Recipe No Eggs.
For a comforting baked delight, try the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe.
Conclusion
Appe is a fantastic addition to your recipe collection, offering a quick, nutritious, and delicious vegetarian snack or meal option from India. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
The versatility of appe allows you to experiment with different vegetables and spices, making each batch uniquely flavorful.
Whether you enjoy appe as a breakfast item or a party appetizer, it’s sure to impress your family and friends with its crispy exterior and soft, fluffy inside. Give this recipe a try and bring a taste of South India into your kitchen.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Appe Recipe – Veg Recipes of India
Description: Appe is a popular South Indian snack made from fermented rice and urad dal batter, cooked in a special appe pan. It is soft, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast or evening snacks.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup fermented idli/dosa batter
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/4 cup grated carrots
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil for greasing the appe pan
Instructions
- Heat the appe pan and grease each mold with oil.
- Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and asafoetida in the pan and let them splutter.
- Mix onions, carrots, green chili, coriander leaves, and salt into the batter.
- Pour batter into each mold of the appe pan.
- Cover and cook on medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
- Flip each appe and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the pan and serve hot with chutney or sambar.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 25 g
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