Introduction:

 

I remember the first time I tried making Mix Veg Appe at home—it was a fun experiment in turning leftover vegetables into something delightful. I was rummaging through my fridge, finding bits of this and that, and I thought, why not try making a quick snack that’s both healthy and tasty? That’s how I stumbled upon this versatile recipe, which has since become a regular on my breakfast table.

It reminds me of the time I visited South India, where appe or "paniyaram" is a popular snack. The crispy outer shell with a soft, fluffy inside makes them irresistible, and with the right blend of vegetables, it becomes a nutritious treat. Every bite brings back memories of those early mornings enjoying street food with a hot cup of filter coffee.

 

Ingredients:
 

For Mix Veg Appe:

• Oil: 1 tbsp
• Mustard seeds: 1 tsp
• Curry leaves: 8-10 pcs
• Green chili, chopped: 1 tsp
• Carrot, chopped: ¼ cup
• Onion, chopped: ¼ cup
• Capsicum, chopped: ¼ cup
• Cabbage, chopped: ¼ cup
• Salt: 1 tsp
• Suji (Semolina): 1 ½ cup
• Curd: ¾ cup
• Water: as required
• Sautéed vegetable mixture
• Oil: as required

For Red Coconut Chutney:

• Fresh coconut: ½ cup
• Kashmiri chili, boiled: 3 pcs
• Garlic cloves: 4 pcs
• Jeera (cumin seeds): ½ tsp
• Salt: ½ tsp
• Water: as required
• Oil: 1 tbsp
• Mustard seeds: ½ tsp
• Dry red chilies: 2 pcs
• Curry leaves: 10-12 pcs

 

Instructions:
 

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and allow them to crackle. Once fragrant, add curry leaves and chopped green chilies.

• Sauté for a minute, then add chopped carrots, onions, capsicum, and cabbage.
• Cook the vegetables until they become tender. Season with 1 tsp of salt and mix well. Set aside the sautéed vegetables.

 

Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cup suji with ¾ cup curd. Stir to make a thick batter.

• Gradually add water, as needed, to adjust the batter consistency.
• Incorporate the sautéed vegetable mixture into the batter and stir until evenly mixed.

 

Step 3: Heat the Appe Pan
Place an appe pan over medium heat. Lightly grease each cavity with oil to prevent sticking.

• Let the pan heat up for a few minutes before adding the batter.

 

Step 4: Cook the Appe
Pour a spoonful of the batter into each cavity of the appe pan.

• Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
• Flip each appe using a skewer or spoon and cook the other side until fully done and golden.

 

Step 5: Prepare Red Coconut Chutney
In a blender, combine ½ cup fresh coconut, 3 boiled Kashmiri chilies, 4 garlic cloves, ½ tsp jeera, and ½ tsp salt.

• Blend into a smooth chutney by adding water as needed to reach your preferred consistency.

 

Step 6: Temper the Chutney
In a small pan, heat 1 tbsp oil. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.

• Toss in 2 dry red chilies and 10-12 curry leaves. Sauté until the chilies darken slightly and the curry leaves crisp up.
• Pour this tempering over the blended chutney and mix well.

 

Serve the crispy Mix Veg Appe hot with spicy Red Coconut Chutney.

 

 

 

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About the Recipe:

 

Mix Veg Appe is a wholesome and healthy snack made using a blend of vegetables and a simple batter, usually fermented rice or semolina. What makes this dish stand out is its versatility—you can add almost any vegetable you have on hand. It’s the perfect way to use up leftovers while making something nutritious for your family.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The crunchy exterior, soft interior, and the burst of flavors from fresh vegetables make it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing it for breakfast, brunch, or as an evening snack, Mix Veg Appe never disappoints. Pair it with a spicy chutney or a tangy dip, and you have a winning combination on your hands.

 

Cooking Tips:

 

• Fermentation or Rest Time: If you’re using a fermented batter like idli or dosa batter, ensure it’s properly fermented to get a fluffy texture. If using instant semolina batter, allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes for the best results.

• Even Cooking: Use medium heat to cook the appe evenly. Too high a flame may result in a crispy outside but an undercooked inside.
• Veggie Selection: Grate or finely chop vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage to ensure they blend well with the batter. You can also add greens like spinach or methi for added nutrition.
• Oil the Pan Well: Always brush oil on the appe pan before pouring the batter to ensure they don’t stick and achieve that perfect golden brown color.

 

Pairing Guide:

 

Mix Veg Appe pairs beautifully with a variety of chutneys and dips. You can serve it with:

• Coconut Chutney: The creamy and mildly sweet coconut chutney complements the spicy flavors of the appe.
• Tomato Ketchup or Schezwan Sauce: For a more Indo-Chinese twist, serve it with these for a tangy kick.
• Mint-Coriander Chutney: The fresh, herby flavors of this chutney add brightness to the dish.
• Filter Coffee or Masala Chai: A classic South Indian combo, especially for breakfast or evening snacks. The warm, comforting beverages enhance the flavors of the appe.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

1. What are Mix Veg Appe?
   Mix Veg Appe are small, round snacks made with a fermented batter (or instant semolina) and mixed vegetables. They are cooked in a special appe pan to achieve a crispy exterior and soft inside.

2. Can I make Mix Veg Appe without an appe pan?
   While an appe pan gives the traditional round shape, you can try using a mini muffin pan in the oven, though the texture might differ slightly.

3. How do I ensure the appe are crispy?
   To get a crispy exterior, make sure the appe pan is well-oiled and preheated before pouring the batter. Cook on medium heat to achieve the perfect crunch.

4. What vegetables work best in Mix Veg Appe?
   Carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, peas, and even spinach work great in this recipe. The vegetables should be finely chopped or grated for even cooking.

5. Can I use leftover idli or dosa batter to make Mix Veg Appe?
   Yes, leftover idli or dosa batter works perfectly for making appe. Just add the vegetables and seasoning of your choice.

6. How do I store leftover Mix Veg Appe?
   You can store leftover appe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the appe pan or a microwave before serving.

7. Can I freeze the batter for Mix Veg Appe?
   Yes, you can freeze the batter in an airtight container for up to a week. Just thaw it in the fridge and stir it well before use.

8. Are Mix Veg Appe gluten-free?
   If you use a fermented rice batter, it’s naturally gluten-free. However, semolina-based batter contains gluten, so adjust accordingly based on your dietary needs.

9. Can I make Mix Veg Appe vegan?
   Yes, Mix Veg Appe can easily be made vegan by using oil instead of ghee or butter for cooking and ensuring no dairy-based yogurt is used in the batter.

10. What dips pair best with Mix Veg Appe?
    Popular pairings include coconut chutney, mint-coriander chutney, and even spicy tomato ketchup for a tangy kick.