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Appam Recipe with Vegetable Stew Recipe: A Classic Kerala Breakfast

Recipe by Healthy BiteCuisine: Indian, South Indian
Prep time

20 minutes

Cooking time

30 minutes

Calories

250 (1 appam + 1 serving of stew)

Serving Size

2 appams + 1 bowl of stew

Net Carbs

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:

    1. Soak the Rice: Wash and soak the raw rice in water for 4-6 hours.
    2. 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.
    3. 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:

    1. Heat the Appam Pan: Heat a non-stick appam pan or a small wok. Grease it lightly with oil.
    2. 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.
    3. 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:

    1. 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.
    2. Temper the Spices: In another pan, heat coconut oil. Add cumin seeds, curry leaves, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for a minute.
    3. 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.
    4. Adjust Seasoning: Add salt to taste and mix well.

    Tips & Variations

    1. For Crispy Appams: Use idli rice or dosa rice for softer appams, or add a little semolina for crispier edges. 1

    2. Vegan Option: The recipe is naturally vegan as it uses coconut milk and oil.
    3. Add Protein: Include tofu or boiled chickpeas in the stew for a protein boost.
    4. Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies and black pepper to suit your taste.
    5. Serving Suggestions: Serve Appam with Vegetable Stew or pair it with sweetened coconut milk for a traditional Kerala touch.

    Dietary Advice

    1. Appam with Vegetable Stew is a wholesome and balanced meal, but here’s how to make it even more diet-friendly:
      1. Low-Calorie Option:
        Use minimal oil while cooking the appams and stew. Stick to 1-2 appams per serving for a balanced meal.
      2. 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.
      3. 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.
      4. 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.
      5. For Gluten-Free Diets:
        Appam and stew are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with gluten intolerance.
      6. 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.
      7. Travel-Friendly:
        Appams are best enjoyed fresh, but the stew can be packed and reheated for a quick meal on the go.

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