Appe, also known as paddu or paniyaram, are savory South Indian snacks made from a fermented batter. These small, round dumplings are typically cooked in a special pan with hemispherical molds, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. They are often enjoyed with various chutneys or sauces, making them a versatile and delightful snack or breakfast option.
How to make Appe :
Wash the urad dal well and soak it in water overnight, or at least for 4 hours. Grind it into a smooth paste and set it aside for 4 to 5 hours to ferment. If you are in a cold climatic region, overnight fermentation is better. When making the appe, add in the rava and salt, and mix well. Heat the appe pan, add some oil, and pour the batter into the mould. Cover and cook for some time until golden. Remove the lid, flip the appe, and cook them on the other side until done.
Serving suggestion for Appe :
In my home, everyone enjoys these appe with spicy red garlic and coconut chutney, along with some homemade yogurt on the side. This combination makes the appe taste amazing. A simple coconut chutney will also taste good. My little one enjoys them with some liquid jaggery.
Appe
Equipment
- 1 Appe Pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup Urad dal black gram
- 2 cups Semolina rava
- 1 tsp salt to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the urad dal and soak it in water for at least 4-6 hours or overnight. This softens the dal, making it easier to grind.
- Drain the soaked urad dal and grind it into a smooth batter using minimal water. The batter should have a thick consistency.
- Add salt to the batter, adjusting the quantity to your taste. Mix the batter thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of salt.
- Allow the batter to ferment for 5-6 hours. While fermentation is optional, it enhances the flavor and texture of the appe.
- After fermentation, combine the urad dal batter with semolina (rava). Mix well to form a thick batter.
- Heat the appe pan (a special pan with small, round molds) on medium heat. Add a few drops of oil in each mold.
- Pour a spoonful of the urad dal and semolina batter into each mold, filling each mold to about three-fourths full.
- Cover the appe pan with a lid and let the appe cook on medium-low heat. After a few minutes, check the bottom for a golden-brown color. Once the bottom is cooked, flip each appe using a skewer or fork.
- Cook on the other side until it achieves a golden-brown color and the inside is fully cooked. The appe should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Once cooked on both sides, remove the appe from the pan. Repeat the process with the remaining batter. Urad Dal Appe is best served warm and can be enjoyed as is or with your favorite chutney.
- Relish your homemade Urad Dal Appe as a delicious and nutritious snack! Feel free to adjust the seasoning and batter consistency according to your preference.
