Uttapam and Vegetable Paniyaram

I made so many batches of Dosa batter in these lock down months even South Indians would be surprised. My kids loves to snack on them without any accompaniments. I shared Dosa and explained well here in the Dosa post. Using one simple Dosa batter so many things can be made. Uttapam is one of them topped with onion and and other veggies served alongside Chutneys and Sambar are perfect lunch or dinner for us. Uttapams is kind of thick pancake and soft,fluffy texture. They are So tasty. If Chutneys and Sambar are finished but some batter remains I don't mind to savor Uttapam just like that. 

Growing up in a small town in India Dosa, Idli/idly, Medu Vada, Sambar etc. were never home made in the most Bengali households and even local restaurants were not serving until mid-late 80's. After my sister got inspired by her non-Bengali neighbors and learned to make Dosa and other accompaniments, our love for South Indian food began. I tried making Dosa batter at home after moving to USA and it came out just perfect for my first try. So I made Dosa from scratch, Sambar and Chutneys for several years until Dosa batter turned quite imperfect. Then Store bought batter was the only choice. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, we limited our grocery shopping and obviously no eating out. After many years I decided to try making the Dosa batter and I am absolutely nailed it again. I shared Dosa and explained well here in  the Dosa post.

Ingredients~

1 cup Dosa batter

1/4 cup onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup tomato, finely chopped

2-3 green chilies, finely chopped

Curry leaves

1 tsp sambar powder(optional)

4 tablespoons oil

Method ~

Heat a cast iron pan on high heat. Drizzle little oil. Pour a small ladle of batter and just spread it little bit in a round shape. Make big sizes as per choice. Top with chopped onions and tomatoes, sprinkle little sambar powder(optional) and press gently. Reduce heat to medium and let it cook for 2 minutes, drizzle little oil on to, then flip and cook for another two minutes. Serve with Sambar, Chutneys or as is.

Vegetable Paniyaram is made with the same Dosa batter and some partially cooked veggies.  These are bite sized vegetable dumplings and great for breakfast or snacking. Enjoy these soft, tasty dumplings with some chutneys.

Ingredients~

1 cup Dosa batter

1/4 cup onion, finely chopped

1/4 green beans, finely chopped

1/4 cup shredded carrots

2-3 green chilies, finely chopped

1/8 tsp mustard seeds

1 spring curry leaves, finely chopped

1 sprig coriander leaves/cilantro, finely chopped

1/4 tsp salt or to taaste

1/4 cup greated coconut

1/4 tsp sambar powder(optional)

1/4 cup oil

Method~

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan on high heat and add in mustard seeds. Let it splutter and add in green beans and carrots. Saute for 3-4 minutes. Add in onions,chilies, and fry for a couple of minutes. Add in salt, coconut and sambar powder. Fry till veggies are soft, then add curry and corriander leaves. Remove from the heat. Let it cool and mix with the Dosa batter. 

Heat the Paniyaram pan over medium-high heat. Drop little oil into the Paniyaram molds. Drop one tablespoon  batter. Reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook Paniyaram for two minutes.Turn them with a fork. Cook other side for two more minutes. Serve hot with chutney.

Happy Cooking!