Authentic Sarvapindi Recipe: A Traditional Telugu Delight

Ingredients

1 cup Rice flour
1/4 cup Chana dal (soaked)
1/4 cup Green gram dal (soaked)
2 Green chillies (finely chopped)
1/4 cup Sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon Red chilli powder
Salt to taste
1 Onion (finely chopped)
4 tablespoons Oil
1/2 cup Coriander leaves (finely chopped)
1/4 cup Curry leaves (finely chopped)
1 teaspoon Cumin seeds

Steps and instructions

Soak chana dal and green gram dal in water for 2 hours.
In a mixing bowl, add the rice flour, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Mix well.
Add the soaked dals, chopped onion, green chillies, sesame seeds, coriander leaves, curry leaves, and cumin seeds to the bowl and mix everything together.
Add water gradually and knead the mixture into a soft dough. Make sure the dough is not too watery or too dry.
Heat a tawa or flat pan on medium heat and once it is hot, reduce the flame to low.
Take a portion of the dough and spread it evenly on the tawa with your fingers, making small holes in between.
Pour oil on the top and in the holes of the spread dough.
Cover the tawa with a lid and let it cook on low flame for about 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, remove the lid and flip the Sarvapindi. Let it cook on the other side for about 5 minutes.
Remove the Sarvapindi from the tawa once it turns golden brown and crisp.
Repeat the process with the remaining dough.
Serve hot Sarvapindi with a side of chutney or pickle.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A bowl to mix the ingredients.
Tawa or Flat Pan - A flat cooking pan to cook the Sarvapindi.
Lid - A lid to cover the tawa while cooking.
Spatula - A flat utensil used for flipping the Sarvapindi.
Knife - To chop the green chillies, onion, coriander leaves, and curry leaves.
Measuring Cups - To measure the rice flour, chana dal, and green gram dal.

Recipe variations

Replace rice flour with millet flour or wheat flour for a different taste and texture.
Add grated vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bottle gourd to the dough for added nutrition.
Include chopped spinach or fenugreek leaves to the dough for a green and healthy variation.
For a spicy twist, add finely chopped green chillies or red chilli flakes to the dough.
Experiment with different dals like moong dal, urad dal, or masoor dal to give the Sarvapindi a unique flavor.
Add grated cheese on top of the Sarvapindi while it cooks for a cheesy and gooey variation.
Make a stuffed version of Sarvapindi by adding a mixture of spiced mashed potatoes or paneer in the center before spreading the dough.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour such as chickpea flour or almond flour.
Make a sweet version of Sarvapindi by adding jaggery or sugar to the dough and omitting the spices.

Recipe overview

Sarvapindi is a traditional flatbread from the Telangana state of India. This delicious, crispy pancake is made from rice flour mixed with dals and a medley of spices, and it is usually enjoyed as a breakfast or snack dish. Making Sarvapindi is a simple process that involves mixing the ingredients, kneading a soft dough, and pan-frying until golden brown and crisp. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide on how to prepare Sarvapindi at home. Serve it hot with a side of chutney or pickle and enjoy this wholesome and flavorful dish.

Common questions

Can I use any other flour instead of rice flour? Yes, for authentic Sarvapindi, it is recommended to use rice flour. However, you can try experimenting with other flours, but the texture and taste may vary.
How long should I soak the dals? Soak the chana dal and green gram dal in water for about 2 hours to soften them before using in the recipe.
Can I skip adding onions? Onions add flavor to the dish, but if you prefer to skip them, you can omit them from the recipe.
Can I make Sarvapindi without sesame seeds? Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and crunch to the Sarvapindi. However, if you don't have sesame seeds or have an allergy, you can exclude them from the recipe.
How do I know when Sarvapindi is cooked? Sarvapindi is cooked when it turns golden brown and crisp on both sides. Make sure to cook it on low heat to ensure it is cooked evenly.
What can I serve with Sarvapindi? Sarvapindi is traditionally served with a side of coconut chutney or pickle. You can also enjoy it on its own as a snack.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A bowl for mixing the ingredients together.
Tawa or Flat Pan - A flat cooking pan used for cooking the Sarvapindi.
Lid - A lid to cover the tawa or pan while cooking the Sarvapindi.
Spatula - A flat utensil used for flipping and removing the Sarvapindi from the tawa.
Knife - A sharp knife for chopping the onions, green chillies, coriander leaves, and curry leaves.
Measuring Cup - A cup for accurately measuring the rice flour, chana dal, and green gram dal.
Chopping Board - A board for chopping the onions, green chillies, coriander leaves, and curry leaves.
Water - Water is needed for soaking the dals and kneading the dough.
Oil - Oil is used for greasing the tawa and adding to the dough.

Origin stories

Sarvapindi, a delicacy from the Telangana region of Southern India, is a pancake made from rice flour, chana dal, and various spices. The name Sarvapindi comes from the Telugu words "sarva" meaning a utensil and "pindi" meaning flour, indicative of the method of preparation where the dough is spread out in a pan and cooked until crispy. An interesting aspect about this dish is that it has been part of the regional cuisine for generations, passed down through families. Notably, it is traditionally cooked in a brass pan, which is believed to add a distinct flavor to the dish. This rustic, homely dish reflects the simplicity and rich flavor profile of Telangana's traditional cuisine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.