Delicious and Easy Recipe for Traditional Indian Appe (Paddu)

Introduction: Appe, also known as “Paddu” in some regions, is a popular South Indian snack that’s both healthy and delicious. Made with a fermented rice and urad dal (black gram) batter, these small, round dumplings are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Appe are commonly enjoyed as breakfast, a snack, or even as part of a festive meal. Their versatility makes them an ideal choice for people of all ages, and they can be paired with a variety of chutneys and sambar for a complete meal.

In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through making traditional Appe at home. It’s a simple recipe that requires a few ingredients and a little patience for fermentation. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice (preferably short-grain or idli rice)
• 1/4 cup urad dal (split black gram)
• 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds (optional, for better fermentation)
• Salt, to taste
• Water, as needed
• 1 tbsp oil or ghee (for greasing the appe pan)
• Optional ingredients for flavoring:
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped vegetables (onion, carrots, green chilies, coriander leaves)
  • 1 tbsp grated coconut
  • 1/4 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1/4 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1-2 curry leaves (for extra flavor)
  • A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

Instructions:

Step 1: Soaking the Ingredients

1. Wash the rice and urad dal thoroughly in water. If you’re using fenugreek seeds, add them to the rice and dal mixture.
2. Soak the rice and dal together in a bowl of water for at least 4-6 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Grinding the Batter

1. After soaking, drain the water and transfer the rice, dal, and fenugreek seeds (if using) to a wet grinder or blender.
2. Add a little water, a bit at a time, and grind the mixture to a smooth, slightly coarse batter. The consistency should be thicker than a dosa batter, similar to idli batter.
3. Transfer the batter to a large bowl and cover it with a cloth or lid. Allow it to ferment in a warm place for 8-12 hours (or overnight) until the batter has risen and shows small bubbles.

Step 3: Preparing the Appe

1. Once the batter has fermented, stir it gently to ensure it’s well-mixed. If the batter appears too thick, add a little water to reach the desired consistency.
2. Now, add salt to taste and mix well.
3. If you want to make flavored Appe, heat a little oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida (if using). Fry for a minute until fragrant, then pour this seasoning into the batter.
4. Add any optional ingredients such as chopped vegetables, grated coconut, or chopped coriander leaves to the batter and mix well.

Step 4: Cooking the Appe

1. Heat an appe pan (also called an “Aebleskiver pan” or “Paniyaram pan”) on medium heat. Grease each round cavity with a small amount of oil or ghee.
2. Once the pan is hot, pour a spoonful of batter into each cavity, filling it about halfway.
3. Cover the pan with a lid and let the appe cook for about 2-3 minutes.
4. After 2-3 minutes, use a spoon or a skewer to flip the appe. You’ll notice the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
5. Cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until the appe is golden and crisp on both sides.
6. Remove the cooked appe from the pan and place them on a serving plate.

Step 5: Serving Suggestions Serve these delicious appe hot with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, or sambar for a complete and satisfying meal. They are perfect for breakfast, tea-time snacks, or even as a light dinner.

Tips:

• For a fluffier texture, ensure that the batter is fermented well. The longer the fermentation, the fluffier the appe will be.
• You can also make a sweet version by adding jaggery or sugar to the batter, along with grated coconut and cardamom.
• Be creative and experiment with different fillings inside the appe—try adding chopped spinach, grated cheese, or mashed potatoes for added flavor.

Conclusion: Appe is a delightful dish that offers the perfect combination of flavors and textures. With a little planning for fermentation, you can enjoy these crispy, savory snacks that are loved by all. Try making this easy and flavorful recipe at home for your next breakfast or snack, and watch how quickly they disappear!

Enjoy your homemade Appe!