A healthier version of Appam using semolina.

Introduction:

Hello friends, and welcome to my blog! Today, I’m excited to share with you a special recipe from South India called “appam or appe,” also known as Paniyaram in Tamil Nadu, Paddu in Karnataka, and Ponganalu in Telugu. Typically, Appam is made using leftover idli or dosa batter, but we’re going to make a healthier version of Appam using semolina.

This delightful dish not only tantalises your taste buds but also offers several health benefits that make it a wholesome addition to your diet. Here are some of the health benefits of enjoying this delightful dish:

1. Nutritious Ingredients:

Appam is made with semolina, which is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy. It is also rich in essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and B-vitamins, contributing to overall health and well-being.

2. Fiber-rich Vegetables:

The inclusion of finely chopped vegetables such as carrots, beans, and capsicums adds a significant amount of dietary fibre to the dish. Fibre aids in digestion, promotes a healthy gut, and helps maintain a feeling of fullness, making it beneficial for weight management.

3. Heart-Healthy:

Using semolina instead of refined flour adds a healthier touch to the dish. Semolina has a lower glycemic index, leading to a slower rise in blood sugar levels. Additionally, the fiber content in vegetables and the absence of unhealthy fats contribute to maintaining heart health.

4. Boosts Immunity:

Fresh vegetables like curry leaves and coriander leaves used in Appam provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support a robust immune system. These nutrients help protect the body against common illnesses and promote overall well-being.

5. Versatile and Customisable:

Appam allows for a variety of ingredient choices, making it easy to incorporate nutritious elements according to personal preferences and dietary requirements. You can experiment with different vegetable combinations and adjust spice levels to suit your taste while still reaping the health benefits.

Remember to enjoy South Indian Appam in moderation and balance, as part of a well-rounded diet. Pairing it with a nutritious chutney made from ingredients like peanuts, coriander, and tomatoes can further enhance its health benefits. So, savor the flavors of Appe while nourishing your body with its wholesome ingredients.

So, let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make these colourful and delicious South Indian Appam.

Appam I Appam with

Recipe by HemlataCourse: Breakfast, SnacksCuisine: South IndianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Total time

minutes

Ingredients

Carrot -1
Beans- 200 gm
Green Capsicum -1
Yellow Capsicum-1
Red Capsicum-1
Curry Leaves
Coriander Leaves
Semolina – 250 gm
Curd- 250 gm
Paneer -100 gm
Chilli Flakes – As per taste
Salt- As per taste
Ingredients for chutney
Peanuts
Salt
Coriander leaves
Tomato
Green chilli
Lemon
Ingredients for Tadka
Mustered Oil
Curry leaves
Mustered Seeds
Red Chilli

Directions

Chop the vegetables into fine pieces.
In a bowl, take one bowl of semolina and one bowl of curd.
Add salt according to your taste preferences and mix well.
Gradually pour water into the mixture while continuously stirring to achieve a smooth consistency.
Next, add finely chopped vegetables. It’s recommended to chop them finely to ensure proper cooking. However, if you prefer, you can use cooked vegetables instead.
Now, incorporate finely crushed paneer and a sprinkle of chilli flakes into the mixture. Give it a good mix, allowing the vegetables to blend with the curd and semolina, imparting their flavours. Admire the vibrant colours of the mixture as it comes together.
Ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Cover the mixture and let it rest for about 20 minutes. This resting period allows the semolina to absorb the flavours and soften.
While the mixture rests, we can prepare the accompanying chutney. Please refer “Preparation of Chutney“.
After 20 minutes, check the semolina mixture. It should have bloated and become soft. Mix it well to ensure even distribution of flavours.
Just before starting to make the Appe, add Eno or baking soda to the semolina mixture. Gently mix it to incorporate air and make the batter soft and fluffy.

Note: Remember to add the Eno or baking soda just before making the appe to retain its effectiveness.
Grease an Appam pan with mustard oil to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the pan, filling each cavity.
Place the pan on low heat and cover it for 2 minutes, allowing the Appam to cook on one side.
After 2 minutes, carefully flip each Appe using a spoon or skewer. Cover the pan again and cook for another 2 minutes.
Once both sides are golden brown and cooked to perfection, remove the appam from the pan.
Your delicious South Indian Appam is now ready to be served!
Preparation of Chutney
Gather peanuts, salt, coriander leaves, tomato, green chilli, and lemon for the chutney.
Grind these ingredients in a blender until you achieve a smooth consistency
For the tadka, heat a tablespoon of mustard oil in a pan. Add curry leaves, mustard seeds, and a red chilli. Allow them to sizzle and release their aromatic flavours
Pour the tadka over the ground chutney, giving it a final touch