Cuisine : Utthapam - The South Indian dish & how to prepare

 

Utthapam is a delicious South Indian dish that resembles a thick pancake or dosa. It is made from fermented rice and lentil batter, and it is typically topped with various vegetables. Here's a simple recipe to make utthapam at home:

Ingredients:

For the batter:

• 1 cup rice (any variety, but parboiled rice works best)
• 1/2 cup split black gram (urad dal)
• 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (methi seeds)
• Water (for soaking and grinding)
• Salt to taste

For the topping:

• Finely chopped vegetables (onions, tomatoes, green bell peppers, etc.)
• Green chilies (optional), finely chopped
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Instructions:

1. Wash the rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds separately and soak them in water for about 4-6 hours or overnight. The fenugreek seeds help in the fermentation process and add a unique flavor.

2. After soaking, drain the water and grind the rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds separately to a smooth paste using a little water as needed.

3. Mix the rice and urad dal batters together in a large bowl, add salt, and mix well. The batter should have a slightly thick but pouring consistency.

4. Cover the bowl with a lid or cloth and let it ferment in a warm place for around 6-8 hours or until the batter rises and becomes slightly fluffy. The fermentation time may vary depending on the temperature of your surroundings.

5. Once the batter has fermented, give it a gentle stir. If it's too thick, you can add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.

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

7. Pour a ladleful of the batter onto the center of the hot griddle and spread it in a circular motion to form a thick pancake-like shape. The utthapam should be slightly thicker than a regular dosa.

8. Sprinkle the chopped vegetables, green chilies, and coriander leaves over the utthapam.

9. Drizzle a few drops of oil or ghee around the edges of the utthapam and cook it on medium-low heat until the bottom turns golden brown and crispy.

10. Gently flip the utthapam and cook the other side until it's cooked through and slightly crispy.

11. Once cooked, transfer the utthapam to a plate and serve hot with coconut chutney, sambar, or any chutney of your choice.

Enjoy your homemade utthapam, a wholesome and delicious South Indian treat!