Teresa's Recipes
Uttapam - The Indian Savory Pancake
Venture on a gastronomic journey to the Southern part of India with Uttapam, a dish often likened to a delectable Indian pizza. Crafted from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal, this delightful pancake offers a unique combination of textures - soft and fluffy inside, with a slightly crisp exterior. The Uttapam is adorned with a vibrant mosaic of fresh vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, and capsicum, and garnished with fresh coriander leaves. The result is an explosion of flavors in each bite. Served with a side of creamy coconut chutney or savory sambar, it's an ideal breakfast or snack that brings the essence of South India to your plate. Historically, Uttapam was a way to use leftover dosa batter, making it a testament to the Indian tradition of zero-waste cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Rice
- 1 cup Urad dal (Split black lentils)
- 1 teaspoon Fenugreek seeds
- 1 teaspoon or to taste Salt
- as needed for cooking Oil
- 1, finely chopped Onion
- 1, finely chopped Tomato
- 1, finely chopped Green capsicum
- a handful, finely chopped Coriander leaves
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Breakfast
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Sugar: 4g
Instructions
- Soak the rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds in sufficient water for approximately 5-6 hours. After soaking, drain the water.
- Grind the soaked ingredients into a smooth paste, adding water as necessary. Season with salt, mix well, and cover. Allow the mixture to ferment overnight to create the Uttapam batter.
- Place a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the pan, spreading it into a thick, round shape.
- Evenly sprinkle the finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green capsicum, and coriander leaves over the batter. Gently press the toppings into the batter using the back of the ladle.
- Drizzle a small amount of oil around the edges and on top of the Uttapam. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook on medium heat until the bottom side turns golden brown.
- Carefully flip the Uttapam and cook the other side until it also turns golden brown.
- Serve the Uttapam hot alongside coconut chutney or sambar for a complete South Indian culinary experience.
Tips
- For a different twist, try adding other toppings like grated carrots, cooked peas, or even cheese.
- The key to a perfect Uttapam is in the fermentation of the batter. Ensure it's well-fermented to get that perfect fluffy texture.