Palappam - With Idly Rice - Vegan & Gluten Free

This Palappam / Lacey Appams -  Kerala style, is made with idly rice . I have already posted a recipe of Instant Appam .  

My friend a Keralite makes awesome food of her country, which, she often sends for me. I,  love her Kerala style of cooking and tasted many dishes from her kitchen. One of them are these soft and spongy appams really good and yum, which she makes with raw rice (will the share her the recipe soon). She serve this is Egg Stew, which is really yum. 

Since I, made this for my guest who were vegan's and vegetarians, served this with Vegetable Stew which was also a perfect combo. These palappam though made with idly rice which one would think will turn hard, but, that's myth, there is method that makes these really soft and delicious. 

Actually as I, was making, the first four my hubby and me enjoyed them just plain without any chutney, gravy or sauce, they were super soft and divine. You will love them do give this a try. Read my notes before trying this recipe.

Makes around 32 to 34 
Ingredients
3 Cups Idly Rice
2 Cups Packed Freshly Grated Coconut grated
4 to 6 Tablespoons Sugar
1 Teaspoon Level Salt
¼ Teaspoon Level Instant Yeast
Water- as needed

Method 

Wash rice thoroughly 3 to 4 times. Soak rice for minimum 3 to 4 hours .

After 4 hours, drain the rice and grind a cup at a time in small mixer jar with 2 tablespoons of grated coconut in 3 to 4 batches . Grind to a fine paste / smooth batter . Do not wash the mixer jar after you finish grinding. Keep it aside. 

This is the most important tip to make these appams soft.
Take one cup of batter in a sauce pan, add 1 ½ cup of water and mix well till well blended. Then on very low flame place the pan  and use a whisk to stir it. 

Let it cook until it thickens,by stirring continuously in low flame. After this thickness it will becomes shiny see pic.  Let this cool for 2 to 3 minutes then add a cup of batter and whisk it till it forms a smooth batter and it is just warm. Take half of this batter, in the same mixer jar along with half of the sugar quantity and instant yeast,  grind till well blended or forms a smooth paste. Add this to the ground batter. Again blend the remaining batter with the sugar till smooth.

Mix all this batter well with a whisk,  place this container in a bigger one that can hold it (so that if it spills, it does not dirty your counter and use the spilled batter- no wastage) cover with a lid,   keep it overnight or for  5 -6 hours or more depending on temperature of the room or the country you stay. 

I, finished grinding and completed the full process at 1 am / early hours - beginning of a new day. Still the batter nearly spilled out of the big pot by 6am. 

When the batter is fermented , now,  add the salt and mix really well. The consistency of the batter should be thinner than that of a dosa batter. So add water accordingly. Keep it a side for at least 15 minutes before beginning to make the appams.

Now heat a non stick appam chatty specially made for making appam . Drizzle some water in the appam pan and when u see the water is disappearing as soon as the water is dropped ,that is the right time to pour appam batter . Oil it and wipe it with kitchen towel ( do this for the first one only, do  not oil after this to make the remaining appams).

Take 1/3 cup ( for measurement - since this quantity is perfect for the pan) pour the batter in the middle of the pan and rotate the by holding both side handles.

 Place the pan on medium low flame and close it with the lid,  cook for 2 minutes, you'll notice that the center of apaam is cooked and edges start leaving the sides of pan ( these should be lacey , that is transparent on the sides ). At  this stage you can decide whether you want it crisp and brown on the sides (so if u want crispy appam cook bit more ,but don't burn them). I, removed them just when they started to leave the sides of the pan. Mine were white at the sides and the bottom golden. 

Taste the first one, adjust sugar and salt in the batter consistency if needed and then make the remaining appam's. The batter for me was perfect so I did not add any additional salt or sugar.

Serve appam with your favorite curry and enjoy, these soft , delicious and divine appams.  

We had these with  Mixed Vegetable Stew - Vegan & Gluten Free - Kerala Style

My Notes
Use only idly rice and not idly rawa, or else the result will not be the same.

Soak the rice for 4 hours only not more, this time is sufficient or else the rice will start to ferment and the taste will change.

Drain all the water in which the rice was soaking. Use fresh water a tablespoon at a time to grind. Preferably try and use a small blender its grinds faster and grinds to a fine paste with less usage of water. Do not add more water to the batter to make it thin at this stage, because after fermenting will is become a little more watery. So add water if necessary after the fermentation process.

I have used 6 tablespoons of sugar, you can  use more or less. According to me this quantity was just perfect.

Use only the quantity of yeast mentioned or else it will have a yeasty flavor and smell.

Add salt only after the batter is fermented.

If you feel the batter is fermented much earlier than you will like to use it. Then place the container / pot in the refrigerator, that's what I did.  

If you do have freshly grated coconut then use one can of coconut milk  for this quantity.

Labels : Appams, South Indian, Kerala, Vegan, Gluten free, Coconut, Coconut Milk, Healthy, Main course, Breakfast

Mixed Vegetable Stew Vegan & Gluten Free#Soupswappers

This is a Kerala Style vegetable stew.  It's so easy and delicious you must try this.  We had this with Palappam a vegan and gluten free appam.  Recipe follows.

Sending this to Soupswappers event theme is "Comforting Fall Stews" our host for the month is Colleen Delawder
Ingredients 

300 Grams Mixed Frozen Veggies
2 Medium Potatoes -cubed 

1 Medium Onion - finely chopped 
1 Medium Tomato - skinned & chopped 

2 Green chilly- finely chopped 

2 Teaspoons Level Red Chilly powder 

¼ Teaspoon Turmeric powder
2 Teaspoons Level Coriander powder
¼ Teaspoon Garam masala

1 Teaspoon  Salt or to taste 

1 Vegetable Seasoning cube

1 Cup Thick Coconut Milk 

A Sprig Curry leaves-few 

2 Tablespoons Coriander leaves-chopped
1 Teaspoon Mustard seeds
To Grind Coarsely Without Water  
1 Inch Piece Ginger - chopped 

4 Big Cloves Garlic or 6 Small Ones - chopped 

1/2 Teaspoon Level Fennel seeds

Method 

Pressure cook all the vegetables except peas by adding 1 1/2 of water and salt . Cook the peas separately, keep them a side. 

Heat oil in a kadai / pan and splutter mustard seeds.  Add green chilly, chopped onion and curry leaves , saute  till the onions start tor turn light golden then add  coarsely ground paste  of ginger-garlic - fennel seeds , seasoning cube , tomatoes and  saute well for t 2 minutes. Close it with a lid on low flame let it cook till the tomatoes soften and turn mushy, stir at intervals.  

When the tomatoes are mushy and release oil from the side add the cubed potatoes and saute on high flame for a minute or two, then add all the veggies and spices like turmeric powder,chilly powder, coriander powder and  taste for salt  then add, saute on high flame for 2 minutes .  Add 1 or 2 cups water according to the gravy required , close the kadai with a lid and on low  flame,  cook till the veggies are done.  When the veggies are cooked  and oil surfaces on top, then add coconut milk  and garam masala.  

Give it a good stir, and lightly stir it,  till it comes to a just a boil..Take  the kadai off flame .  Add the chopped coriander leaves .. Close the pan till ready to  serve.   .. So the very tasty vegetable stew  is ready to serve .  

This is a classic combination with Palappam.  Enjoy 
Labels : Mixed Vegetable , Stew, Gluten free, Vegan, Soupswappers, Kerala, Healthy, Coconut Milk

An InLinkz Link-up

Radish and Tomato Salad

Radish or mooli has long been used in Indian households. This  is known to rest of the world as Daikon. . Grown underground, this white tuber is packed with nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants that can not only add years to your life but can help you fight diseases like cancer and diabetes. Here are nine reasons why you should include this edible root into your diet.
Reduces your risk of cancer
Cancer is a highly feared disease, but unfortunately it is not very uncommon these days. Radish contains phytochemicals that have anti-carcinogenic properties. Additionally, they have vitamin C which helps keep your body and cells healthy, thus keeping cancer at bay. 

Keeps your blood pressure in check
Radish has anti-hypertensive properties that help control hypertension or high blood pressure. Containing potassium, radish helps in countering the ill-effects of a diet high in sodium thus keeping your blood pressure in check. (Read: Eat radish to beat high BP)
Good for diabetics
Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas is responsible in the absorption of glucose. Diabetics are either unable to absorb the insulin their body produces or unable to produce insulin at all. Because of this, they cannot eat sugary or starchy foods. High in fibre, and with a low glycaemic index, diabetics can enjoy radish as it doesn’t cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Beats cold and cough
If you’re prone to constant cough and cold, it might be a good idea to include radish in your diet. The vegetable has anti-congestive properties which helps in clearing the mucus formed in your throat. Additionally, radish also improves your immunity which keeps infections that lead to cold and cough at bay!
Helps you recover from jaundice
Radish is powerful when it comes to eliminating toxins. This helps keep your liver and stomach in mint condition. What makes radish effective in controlling jaundice is that it helps regulate the amount of bilirubin in the blood and increases the oxygen supply within the body. This helps keep a check on the destruction of red blood cells caused by jaundice.
Fights constipation
Most people will have battled constipation in their life and it is definitely not a pleasant condition to be in. Radish has a high fibre content which helps clear the food stuck in your colon. Additionally, it helps facilitate the secretion of bile which again is good for your digestive system.
Helps with weight loss
Radish is extremely low in calories, and the fibre content in them leaves you feeling fuller. With a single 100 grams serving containing just 16 calories, radish can be a part of any weight loss diet.
Relieves the sting of an insect bite
Insect bites can be very irritating and if not treated, they can lead to further complications. Radish has anti-priuritic properties which makes it an effective cure for such bites. Radish juice can also be used to bring down inflammation, reduce pain and soothe the bitten area.
Keeps you looking younger
Containing vitamin C and antioxidants, radish can be eaten to prevent your skin from free-radical damage. You can even apply crushed, raw radish on your skin as it has cleansing properties.

All these properties make radish a must-buy next time you go grocery shopping. I love radish salad so does H.

This is an oil free, gluten free and vegan salad.  Healthy and filling.
Ingredients
1 large Radish shredded
1/2 Teaspoon ginger thinly sliced
1 Tomato finely chopped

2 Teaspoon lime juice
1 Green chilly finely chopped
2 Tablespoons Coriander leaves  finely chopped
Salt and Chat Masala to taste
Method
Shred the radish with hand shredder or food processor.  Add salt, chat masala, ginger, green chilly, tomato, coriander and lime juice to the shredded radish.  Mix well.  Refrigerate if not going to use right away.  Serve as a side dish with your favorite meal.

Labels: Healthy, Pure Veg, Radish, Salads, Tomato, Vegan, Gluten free, Oil Free

Roasted Coconut Chutney

This is  a delicious and easy chuntey to make.  Perfect with snacks or Idli, dosa.  Dip and enjoy.   We had this with Kuthiraivali Thinai Crisp Dosa - Instant, Vegan & Gluten Free.

Ingredients

1/2 Teaspoon Oil
1 Green Chilly or to taste
1 Tablespoon Chutney Chana / Roasted Gram / Phutane
Little Tamarind or to taste
Handful Coriander leaves
1/2 Cup Packed Grated Coconut
1/2 Teaspoon Cumin Seeds
Salt to taste

Method

In a pan heat oil 

add the green chilly and chutney chana and stir fry for a minute 

add the tamarind

Cumin seeds and fry till 

Chutney chana  turn golden and green chilly is fried

Take this into small blender jar and add rest of the ingredients and grind to a fine paste. 

 Ready to enjoy with Idli, dosa or any snack.  

Delicious and yum.

Labels : Chutneys & Dips, Roasted Coconut Chutney, Coconut, Green Chilly, Coriander Leaves, Idli, Dosa, Vegan, Gluten free 

Kuthiraivali Thinai Crisp Dosa - Instant, Vegan & Gluten Free

Healthy, nutritious,  vegan and  gluten free millets  dosa recipe. Very  nutritious and it is a good source of protein. The addition of dal and millets makes it a perfect breakfast or dinner meal.  This is also perfect for a fasting meal / vrat ka khana.

This  nutritious and protein rich dosa is so easy to make, no fermentation is required. Taste great with any chutney of your choice. We enjoyed it with Roasted Coconut Chutney.

Makes 7 - 8 Dosas
Ingredients  

½ Cup Kuthiraivali
½ Cup Thinai
¼ Cup Split Urad dal with skin
¼ Cup Massor dal
¼ Cup Tuvar Dal
½ Teaspoon Level Asafoetida
1 Teaspoon Heaped Red Chilli Powder
Salt to taste

1 Teaspoon Cumin Seeds  

A Sprig Curry leaves - finely  chopped

For the Topping

 1 Large Onion - finely  chopped  - optional

Oil for making dosa

Method

Wash  the kuthiraivali in a fine strainer.  Keep  aside

Wash  the thinai  in a fine strainer.  Keep aside 

Add this  too aside

Wash the split urad, tuvar and masoor dals.  

In a big bowl add  washed dals, thinai and kuthiraivali .  Add sufficient water and keep it covered and  soak for 3 to 4 hours

 overnight.Drain all the water.

Take it in a blender, Add in asafoetida, salt and chilli powder

Grind it into a fine / slighlty coarse paste, now add the , cumin seeds, curry leaves  and pulse it one or two times.

 Take it in a bowl, Mix well

For Making dosa, take a ladleful of batter

Spread on a hot pan, spread the onion and press it with a flat spoon.

Drizzle little oil around the sides of the dosa

flip over when bottom is nicely golden.  Cook for 2 minutes 

Take it out into a plate

Make few without onion.  Take a ladleful of batter and spread it.  

Drizzle little oil on the sides. When it cooked then

Flip it and cook for 2 minutes

Take it out on to a serving plate. 

Serve Roasted Coconut Chutney .

Labels : Millets, Kuthiraivali, Thinai, Masoor dal, Split Urad Dal, Tuvar dal, Curry Leaves, Asafoetida, Vegan, Gluten free, South Indian, Dosa, Healthy, Breakfast, Healthy Dinners, Vrat