Paniyaram

Well, paniyarams are not exactly a new invention :) only thing is that I never really ventured to try out this recipe. What you need is just some idli batter and viola, a delicious and healthy evening snack is ready. There is spicy and sweet versions of this. Here goes the spicy version of paniyarams.

Ingredients:

1. Idli batter - 2 cups

2. Shallots - 6

3. Green chilli - 1

4. Ginger paste - 1/2 tsp

5. Urad dal - 1/4 tsp

6. Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

7. Oil (Coconut/sunflower) - as needed

8. Curry Leaves - a sprig

9. Coriander leaves - 2 Tbsp (optional)

Method:

In a pan, add about 1.5 tsp of oil and when it is hot, add the mustard seeds. When they start crackling, add the ginger paste and chopped green chilli. Saute for a minute; and then add the chopped shallots. When the shallots are slighltly browned, add the curry leaves. Switch off the flame and add the coriander leaves. Let this cool off and add it into the idli batter. Add enough salt. Viola...paniyaram batter is ready.

Now you need a unni appam chatti to prepare this. Add few drops of oil into the unniappam chatti and fill the holes upto 3/4th with the prepared batter. Close with a lid and cook on medium flame. After about 4 minutes, open the lid and flip over the paniyarams, close the lid and cook for another 4 minutes. 

There, paniyarams are ready. Serve it warm with sambar or chutney and a hot cup of tea.