How to Make Appe at Home: Easy Recipe Guide

Appe, also known as paniyaram, is a soft and flavorful South Indian dish loved by many. These little bite-sized treats are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even a light dinner. If you have been wondering how to make it at home, you are in the right place! In this blog, I will share an easy and delicious recipe that anyone can follow. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this guide will make cooking paniyaram a fun and simple experience.

What is Appe?

It is a traditional South Indian dish made from fermented rice and lentil batter, similar to dosa or idly batter. These round, fluffy delights are cooked in a special pan, which gives them their unique shape. The beauty of this lies in its versatility. You can make plain paniyaram or spice it up with vegetables, herbs, and even cheese!

Why Make it at Home?

Making it at home has several benefits:

• Freshness: You can enjoy freshly cooked paniyaram anytime.
• Healthy Ingredients: Use fresh and nutritious ingredients of your choice.
• Customizable: Add vegetables, spices, or flavors that you love.
• Budget-Friendly: Homemade paniyaram is much cheaper than eating out.

Plus, making it at home is super fun and satisfying. Let’s get started!

Ingredients 

Here is what you will need to make it at home:

For the Batter:

• 1 cup rice (any variety works, but parboiled rice is ideal)
• 1/4 cup urad dal (black gram lentils)
• 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds (optional but helps with fermentation)
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed

For the Tempering (Optional):

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• A handful of curry leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 tablespoon oil

For Cooking:

• Appe pan (a special pan with small round molds)
• Oil for greasing the pan

How to Make Appe at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

1. Soak the Ingredients: Wash the rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds thoroughly. Soak them in water for 4-6 hours.
2. Grind the Batter: Drain the soaked ingredients and grind them into a smooth batter using a blender. Add water little by little to get a thick yet pourable consistency.
3. Ferment the Batter: Transfer the batter to a large bowl, add salt, and mix well. Cover the bowl and let it ferment overnight or for 8-12 hours. The batter will rise and become fluffy.

Step 2: Add Flavor to the Batter (Optional)

1. Heat oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions turn golden.
2. Add this tempering to the batter. Mix well. This step adds a burst of flavor to your paniyaram.

Step 3: Cook the Appe

1. Heat the Appe Pan: Place the pan on medium heat. Grease each mold with a drop of oil.
2. Pour the Batter: Use a spoon to fill each mold with the batter. Be careful not to overfill.
3. Cook: Cover the pan with a lid and let the paniyaram cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown.
4. Flip: Use a skewer or a spoon to gently flip each appe. Cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve: Once both sides are golden, remove the appe from the pan. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.

Tips for Perfect Appe

• Use Fresh Batter: Freshly fermented batter gives the best results.
• Keep the Heat Low to Medium: This ensures the appe cooks evenly without burning.
• Grease the Pan Well: A lightly greased pan prevents sticking and makes flipping easier.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add grated carrots, chopped spinach, or even grated cheese to the batter for variety.

Variations of Appe

1. Vegetable Appe: Mix finely chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and onions into the batter.
2. Spicy Appe: Add extra green chilies or a pinch of red chili powder for a spicy twist.
3. Sweet Appe: Add a little jaggery or sugar to the batter and skip the tempering for a sweet version.
4. Cheese Appe: Top each appe with grated cheese before flipping for a cheesy delight.

paniyaram tastes best when served hot. Here are some popular accompaniments:

• Coconut Chutney: A classic dipping sauce for paniyaram.
• Tomato Chutney: Adds a tangy and spicy flavor.
• Sambar: A warm and comforting side dish.
• Mint Chutney: Refreshing and flavorful.

Why Everyone Loves paniyaram

• Kid-Friendly: its small size makes it a favorite among kids.
• Quick and Easy: Once the batter is ready, it can be cooked in minutes.
• Perfect for Any Time: Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or evening snacks, paniyaram fits the bill.
• Great for Parties: it makes a great finger food for gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Appe

1. Can I make it without an appe pan?

Yes, you can use a non-stick pan and shape small pancakes, but an appe pan gives them their traditional round shape.

2. How long does the batter last?

The batter can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature before using it.

3. Can I make instant appe?

Yes, use ready-made idle or dosa batter for quick appe. You can also try mixing semolina (rava) with curd and water to make instant batter.