Appam is a popular Kerala dish, characterized by its soft, fluffy, and slightly crispy edges. It is a fermented rice pancake, traditionally made with rice batter and coconut milk, resulting in a slightly sweet and tangy flavor. Appam is typically served with a variety of accompaniments, such as coconut chutney, vegetable stew, or spicy curries, making it a versatile and delicious South Indian delicacy.

Ingredients for Appam:

• 1 cup raw rice
• 1/2 cup grated coconut
• 1/4 tsp yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt to taste

Ingredients for Stew:

• 1/2 cup sliced onions
• 1/2 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced potatoes
• 1/2 cup sliced beans
• 1/2 cup sliced cauliflower
• 1/2 cup sliced green peas
• 1/2 cup thick coconut milk
• 1/2 cup thin coconut milk
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp garlic paste
• 2 green chillies
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp pepper powder
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Soak the rice in water for 4-5 hours.
2. Grind the soaked rice and grated coconut together to form a smooth batter.
3. Add yeast, sugar, and salt to the batter and mix well.
4. Keep the batter aside for 6-8 hours to ferment.
5. Heat an appam pan and pour a ladleful of batter into it.
6. Swirl the pan to spread the batter evenly.
7. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low flame for 2-3 minutes.
8. Remove the appam from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining batter.

For the stew:

1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions till they turn translucent.
2. Add ginger paste, garlic paste, and green chillies and sauté for a minute.
3. Add all the vegetables and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add turmeric powder, pepper powder, and salt and mix well.
5. Add thin coconut milk and bring it to a boil.
6. Reduce the flame and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
7. Add thick coconut milk and mix well.
8. Serve hot with appam.

Enjoy your Kerala style breakfast! ?