Delicious and Easy-to-Make Appe Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Semolina (Rava)
  • 1/2 cup Curd (Dahi)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped Onions
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped Capsicum
  • 1/2 cup grated Carrot
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped Tomatoes
  • 2 finely chopped Green Chillies
  • 1/2 teaspoon Mustard seeds (Rai)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cumin seeds (Jeera)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder (Haldi)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Chilli powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoon Oil, plus extra for greasing
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 2 tablespoon chopped Coriander (Dhania) Leaves

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine semolina and curd. Add a little water if required and mix well until you get a smooth batter. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
  2. After 20 minutes, add finely chopped onions, capsicum, grated carrot, chopped tomatoes and chopped green chillies to the batter. Mix well.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Then add cumin seeds and sauté them for a few seconds.
  4. Add the sautéed spices to the batter. Also add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Mix everything well.
  5. Add baking soda to the batter and give it a quick stir. The batter should be of pouring consistency.
  6. Heat the appe pan on medium flame and grease each mould with a little oil.
  7. Pour the batter into each mould until it's three-fourth full. Cover the pan and let it cook on low flame for 2-3 minutes or until the bottom side of the appe becomes golden brown.
  8. Flip each appe using a fork or a skewer and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes or until it becomes golden brown.
  9. Once done, remove the appe from the pan and transfer them to a serving plate.
  10. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
  11. Garnish the appe with chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the batter and ingredients.
  • Appe Pan - A special pan with multiple moulds to cook appe evenly.
  • Small Pan - A small pan to sauté the spices.
  • Fork or Skewer - To flip the appe while cooking.
  • Spatula - To remove the cooked appe from the pan.
  • Measuring Cups - For accurate measurement of ingredients.

Recipe variations

  • Add grated cheese to the batter for a cheesy twist.
  • Include finely chopped green bell peppers (capsicum) or any other vegetables of your choice.
  • Replace semolina with rice flour or wheat flour for a different texture.
  • Add a pinch of garam masala or chaat masala for a flavor variation.
  • For a spicier version, increase the quantity of green chillies or add red chilli flakes.
  • Replace the vegetables with a filling of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or mashed potatoes.
  • Add a handful of chopped spinach or other leafy greens for a healthier option.
  • Include some roasted peanuts or cashews for a crunchy element.
  • For a sweet variation, add sugar or jaggery to the batter and serve with a drizzle of honey or syrup.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices like coriander powder, cumin powder, or dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi).

Recipe overview

Appe is a popular South Indian snack that's not only delicious but also healthy. It's made from a fermented batter of semolina (or rava) and curd, mixed with a medley of finely chopped vegetables and spices. The batter is then cooked in a special appe pan until golden brown, resulting in a delightfully crispy outside and a soft, fluffy inside. This recipe is quite flexible, so feel free to add or subtract vegetables based on your preference. The snack is also relatively easy to make at home and is a great option for breakfast or tea-time snack. So, get ready to make some delicious appe and astonish your family and friends with your cooking skills!

Common questions

  1. Can I use any other flour instead of semolina?
    Yes, you can substitute semolina with rice flour or wheat flour for a variation in texture and taste.
  2. Can I skip adding vegetables?
    Yes, you can omit or adjust the vegetables according to your preference.
  3. Do I need to use a special pan for making appe?
    Yes, an appe pan (also known as paniyaram pan) is commonly used to make this recipe. However, you can try using a regular non-stick pan or a cast-iron skillet with small round molds as an alternative.
  4. Can I make the batter in advance?
    Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to give it a good stir before using.
  5. What can I serve with appe?
    Appe can be served as a standalone snack or as a breakfast dish. They can be enjoyed with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, or even with a side of sambar.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Appe, also known as Paniyaram in South India, carries with it a fascinating culinary tale. It is believed that the dish was invented out of pure culinary creativity to make use of leftover Idli or Dosa batter in Chettinad kitchens. With minor tweaks and additional seasonings, the cooks transformed the humble batter into bite-sized delights using a special cookware called the appe pan. Thus, a new delicacy was born and it quickly gained popularity across the regions for its unique taste and cooking method. Today, Appe is not just a means to make the best out of leftovers, but a celebrated snack in its own right, continuing to make teatime delightful in many Indian households.

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.