Uttapam Recipe: South Indian Savory Pancake with Toppings

Uttapam is a popular South Indian breakfast dish, similar to a pancake but thicker, made with fermented rice and lentil batter. It’s soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, topped with vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and chilies, making it a healthy and delicious meal.

Part 1: Ingredients for Uttapam

For the Batter:

• 2 cups rice (idli rice or regular rice)

• 1/2 cup split black gram (urad dal)

• 1/4 cup flattened rice (poha)

• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds

• Salt to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 tomato, finely chopped

• 1 green chili, chopped (optional for heat)

• 1 small carrot, grated (optional)

• 1/4 cup coriander leaves, chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

• Salt to taste

For Cooking:

• Oil or ghee for greasing the pan

Part 2: Preparing the Batter

Step 1: Soak the Rice and Lentils

• Rinse the rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds under water. Soak them separately in water for at least 4-6 hours.

• Soak the poha for 10 minutes before grinding.

Step 2: Blend the Batter

• Drain the soaked rice and lentils. Blend them along with poha and water into a smooth, thick batter. It should have a slightly thick consistency, not too runny.

• Cover the batter and let it ferment overnight or for 8-12 hours in a warm place. The batter will rise and become slightly bubbly.

Step 3: Add Salt

• Once fermented, add salt to the batter and mix it well. The batter is now ready for making uttapams.

Part 3: Preparing the Toppings

Step 4: Prepare the Veggies

• In a bowl, mix together chopped onions, tomatoes, green chili, coriander leaves, carrot (if using), and cumin seeds. Add a pinch of salt and mix well.

• These will be the toppings for your uttapam.

Part 4: Making Uttapam

Step 5: Heat the Pan

• Heat a non-stick or cast-iron tawa (griddle) on medium heat. Grease it lightly with oil or ghee.

Step 6: Spread the Batter

• Pour a ladleful of batter onto the center of the tawa and gently spread it into a thick circle, about 5-6 inches in diameter.

Step 7: Add Toppings

• Immediately sprinkle the prepared vegetable mixture on top of the batter. Press the toppings lightly into the batter so they stick while cooking.

Step 8: Cook the Uttapam

• Drizzle a little oil or ghee around the edges. Cook on medium heat until the bottom turns golden and crisp.

• Flip the uttapam and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes, until the veggies are slightly caramelized and the uttapam is cooked through.