Appam Stew Recipe


Appam Stew Recipe



20min
2-3 people
10 mins




Introduction

 

Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Let me take you on a journey through one of my all-time favorite recipes - the delightful Appam Stew. Picture this: It's a lazy Sunday morning, and the aroma of coconut and spices fills the air as I prepare this traditional South Indian dish. There's something truly magical about the process of making Appam Stew - from grinding the perfect batter to savoring each spoonful of the aromatic stew. Join me as I share some insights into this culinary adventure!

 

 

 

Recipe of Appam Stew

 

Ingredients:

 

For Appam Batter:

  • 1 cup Raw rice
  • 1 cup Idli rice
  • 2 tbsp Grated coconut
  • Water, as needed
  • 2 tsp Powdered sugar

For Chicken Stew:

  • 1 tbsp Coconut oil
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 1 Cinnamon stick
  • 2 Cloves
  • 4-5 Black peppercorns
  • 1 Star anise
  • 2 Green cardamom
  • 8-9 Curry leaves
  • 1 Sliced onion
  • 1 tsp Chopped ginger
  • 2-3 Slit green chilies
  • 300 g Chicken, curry cut
  • 2 Potato wedges
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 cup Coconut milk

 

 

Method:

 

For Appam Batter:

  1. Soak the raw rice and idli rice for 4-5 hours before using.

  2. In a grinder jar, add soaked raw rice, idli rice, grated coconut, and water. Grind to a fine paste.

  3. In a non-stick pan, cook a little bit of rice batter with water until thickened. Grind this mixture to a fine paste.

  4. Mix the cooked rice paste into the batter, add powdered sugar, and mix well.

  5. Allow the batter to ferment overnight.

For Chicken Stew:

  1. In a kadhai, heat coconut oil and add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, black peppercorns, star anise, and green cardamom. Let them crackle.

  2. Add curry leaves, sliced onion, and sauté until onions turn translucent. Then add chopped ginger and slit green chilies, and sauté again.

  3. Add chicken curry cut and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then add potato wedges, water, salt, and cover with a lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes.

  4. Add coconut milk and cook for 2-3 more minutes. The stew is ready.

For Finishing:

  1. Heat an appam pan and pour one full ladle of appam batter into it. Rotate the pan to cover it completely with batter. Cover with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes.

  2. Make more appams using the same method.

  3. To plate, place appams on a plate and pour stew into a bowl. Enjoy your appam and stew together.

 

 

 

About the Recipe

 

Appam Stew is a classic South Indian delicacy that brings together the flavors of tender appams and aromatic stew in a harmonious blend. Originating from the coastal regions of Kerala, this dish is a staple in many households and is often enjoyed as a comforting meal for breakfast or dinner. The appams, made from fermented rice and coconut batter, are soft and fluffy with a slight crispness around the edges, while the stew is a fragrant medley of vegetables cooked in a coconut milk base infused with spices like curry leaves, ginger, and green chilies. This combination of textures and flavors makes Appam Stew a truly delightful treat for the senses.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

  1. Fermentation is Key: Allow the batter to ferment overnight for the best results. This process not only enhances the flavor but also improves the texture of the appams.
  2. Perfect Consistency: Achieving the right consistency of the batter is crucial. It should be smooth and pourable, similar to pancake batter.
  3. Appam Pan: Invest in a good-quality appam pan with shallow, round depressions. This ensures that the appams cook evenly and develop the characteristic crispy edges.
  4. Gentle Cooking: Cook the appams on low to medium heat to prevent burning and ensure that they cook through evenly.
  5. Stirring Technique: Stir the stew gently to avoid breaking apart the vegetables and maintain their texture.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

Appam Stew pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments, enhancing its flavors and textures. Here are some delicious pairing suggestions:

 

  • Coconut Chutney: The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of coconut chutney complement the flavors of the stew perfectly.
  • Spicy Pickles: Tangy and spicy pickles add a punch of flavor to the meal and provide a delightful contrast to the mild appams.
  • Fresh Fruits: Serve sliced fruits like bananas or pineapple on the side for a refreshing touch that balances the richness of the stew.
  • Hot Tea or Coffee: A hot cup of tea or coffee makes for a comforting beverage to enjoy alongside this hearty meal.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Appam Stew

 

  1. What are appams made of?

    • Appams are made from a batter consisting of fermented rice and coconut, which gives them their unique texture and flavor.

  2. Can I use instant coconut milk for the stew?

    • While fresh coconut milk is preferred for the authentic taste, you can use instant coconut milk as a convenient alternative.

  3. How long does it take to ferment the appam batter?

    • The appam batter typically requires overnight fermentation, allowing the flavors to develop and the batter to rise.

  4. Can I make appams without a special pan?

    • While a traditional appam pan is ideal for making appams, you can use a regular non-stick skillet with shallow sides as a substitute.

  5. Is Appam Stew spicy?

    • The level of spiciness in Appam Stew can be adjusted according to personal preference by controlling the amount of green chilies used in the stew.

  6. What vegetables can I add to the stew?

    • Common vegetables used in Appam Stew include potatoes, carrots, peas, and beans, but feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables.

  7. Can I make the stew ahead of time?

    • Yes, you can prepare the stew in advance and reheat it before serving. However, freshly made stew has the best flavor and texture.

  8. Is Appam Stew gluten-free?

    • Yes, Appam Stew is naturally gluten-free as it is made from rice batter and does not contain any wheat or gluten-containing ingredients.

  9. What is the best way to store leftover appams?

    • Store leftover appams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

  10. Can I freeze Appam Stew?

    • While you can freeze leftover stew, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. It's best to consume it fresh or refrigerate leftovers for a few days.

 

Feel free to experiment with different variations of Appam Stew to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Happy cooking!