Appam Recipe with Vegetable Stew Recipe: A Classic Kerala Breakfast
Recipe by Healthy BiteCuisine: Indian, South Indian20 minutes
30 minutes
250 (1 appam + 1 serving of stew)
2 appams + 1 bowl of stew
33g
Appam with Vegetable Stew is a quintessential Kerala breakfast that combines soft, lacy rice pancakes (Appam) with a mildly spiced, creamy coconut milk-based vegetable curry (Stew). This dish is light, aromatic, and perfect for a wholesome breakfast or brunch. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore dietary advice to make it even healthier!
Ingredients
2 cups raw rice (idli rice or dosa rice)
1/2 cup grated coconut
1/4 cup cooked rice (or soaked poha as an alternative)
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dry yeast (optional, for faster fermentation)
Water, as needed
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, potatoes, peas)
1 medium onion, sliced
1-inch ginger, julienned
2-3 green chilies, slit
1 cup thick coconut milk
1 cup thin coconut milk (or water)
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 sprig curry leaves
Salt to taste
Directions
Preparing the Appam Batter:
- Soak the Rice: Wash and soak the raw rice in water for 4-6 hours.
- Grind the Batter: Drain the soaked rice and grind it with grated coconut, cooked rice (or soaked poha), and water to form a smooth batter. The consistency should be slightly thinner than dosa batter.
- Ferment the Batter: Add sugar and yeast (if using) to the batter. Mix well and let it ferment overnight or for 8-10 hours in a warm place. Add salt just before making the appams.
Cooking the Appam:
- Heat the Appam Pan: Heat a non-stick appam pan or a small wok. Grease it lightly with oil.
- Pour the Batter: Pour a ladleful of batter into the center of the pan. Swirl the pan to spread the batter thinly along the edges, leaving the center thicker.
- Cook the Appam: Cover the pan with a lid and cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and the center is soft. Do not flip. Remove and repeat with the remaining batter.
Preparing the Vegetable Stew:
- Cook the Vegetables: In a pan, add the mixed vegetables, thin coconut milk (or water), and a pinch of salt. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Temper the Spices: In another pan, heat coconut oil. Add cumin seeds, curry leaves, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for a minute.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked vegetables to the tempered spices. Stir in the thick coconut milk and black pepper powder. Simmer for 2-3 minutes on low heat. Do not boil after adding thick coconut milk.
- Adjust Seasoning: Add salt to taste and mix well.
Tips & Variations
- For Crispy Appams: Use idli rice or dosa rice for softer appams, or add a little semolina for crispier edges. 1
- Vegan Option: The recipe is naturally vegan as it uses coconut milk and oil.
- Add Protein: Include tofu or boiled chickpeas in the stew for a protein boost.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies and black pepper to suit your taste.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve Appam with Vegetable Stew or pair it with sweetened coconut milk for a traditional Kerala touch.
Dietary Advice
- Appam with Vegetable Stew is a wholesome and balanced meal, but here’s how to make it even more diet-friendly:
- Low-Calorie Option:
Use minimal oil while cooking the appams and stew. Stick to 1-2 appams per serving for a balanced meal. - High-Fiber Version:
Replace white rice in the appam batter with brown rice or millets to increase fiber content. Add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or broccoli to the stew. - For Diabetics:
Replace white rice with low-glycemic grains like quinoa or millets in the appam batter. Pair the dish with a side of protein-rich chutney or salad to stabilize blood sugar levels. - For Weight Watchers:
Avoid using too much coconut milk in the stew. Use light coconut milk or dilute it with water to reduce fat content. - For Gluten-Free Diets:
Appam and stew are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with gluten intolerance. - Protein Boost:
Add boiled chickpeas, tofu, or paneer to the stew for extra protein. Pair the dish with a side of lentil-based chutney for a more balanced meal. - Travel-Friendly:
Appams are best enjoyed fresh, but the stew can be packed and reheated for a quick meal on the go.
- Low-Calorie Option: