Vegetable Uttapam is a savory South Indian pancake made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils, topped with various vegetables. Here’s a detailed recipe:
Ingredients:
For Batter:
- 1 cup idli rice (parboiled rice)
- 1/4 cup urad dal (split black gram)
- 1/4 cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
- 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- Water for soaking
- Salt to taste
For Topping:
- Finely chopped vegetables (onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, etc.)
- Finely chopped green chilies (optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- Oil or ghee for cooking
Instructions:
Making Batter:
- Preparing Batter:
- Rinse the rice, urad dal, chana dal, and fenugreek seeds together under running water until the water runs clear. Soak them in enough water separately for about 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Grinding Batter:
- Drain the water from soaked rice, dal, and fenugreek seeds. Grind them together to a smooth batter consistency using a grinder or blender. Add water gradually as needed while grinding.
- Transfer the batter to a large bowl. Add salt and mix well. Let it ferment overnight or for around 8-10 hours in a warm place.
Making Uttapam:
- Preparing Toppings:
- Heat a skillet or griddle on medium heat. Grease it lightly with oil or ghee.
- Take a ladleful of the fermented batter and pour it onto the center of the skillet. Spread it gently to form a thick circle.
- Adding Vegetables:
- Sprinkle chopped vegetables, green chilies (if using), and coriander leaves over the uttapam.
- Press the toppings gently into the batter so they stick.
- Cooking Uttapam:
- Drizzle a little oil or ghee around the edges of the uttapam and a few drops on top.
- Cover the skillet and cook on medium-low heat for a few minutes until the bottom turns golden brown and the top surface appears cooked.
- Flipping and Cooking:
- Gently flip the uttapam using a spatula and cook the other side for a couple of minutes, pressing lightly.
- Repeat and Serve:
- Prepare more uttapams with the remaining batter and toppings.
- Serving:
- Serve the Vegetable Uttapam hot with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, or sambar.
Tips:
- Adjust the thickness of the uttapam according to your preference.
- Ensure the skillet is well-heated before pouring the batter.
- You can experiment with various vegetable toppings based on your taste.
Enjoy these delicious, nutritious Vegetable Uttapams for breakfast or as a satisfying snack, packed with flavors and veggies!
