Appo

Appo / Paniyaram.

Appo is a dish famous in South Kanara among Amchis. These are also called paniyarams in kerala side. Appos are small dumplings fried on a special Appo Tawa. The tawa has round dents which holds the batter in uniform semi round shape and cooks them to a crisp bottomed Appos. There are many variations of Appos, both sweet and spicy. The Appo posted here is made of Urad dal and Rice batter and can be served with Chutney or any Masala curry of your choice.

Soak One cup of Urad dal and 3 cups of ordinary Rice separately for 3-4 hrs. 

Grind separately to a smooth paste and then combine the two well. Add salt and leave to ferment overnight.

Next day heat the Appo tava, add some oil in each of the dents, pour a small ladleful of the batter in each of the dents, it should fill to 3/4th only as it rises when its gets cooked.

Cover and cook on medium heat till the bottom is crisp and the top of appo's are cooked when you touch them. Now  flip over the appos and cook the other side for a few minutes or till done.

Serve hot with chutney / sambar or any curry of your choice.

Note: The variations for Urad and Rice mixing may differ by the methods used while grinding the Dal. If using whole Urad Dal (without skin) then increase the amount of rice. If grinding in mixer then add only 2-1/2 cups of rice. I use wet grinder so the ratio is 1:3. Also beat the Urad + Rice mixture well the next day before proceeding to make the appo’s as this makes the appo fluffier.