Unni Appam is a popular traditional sweet dish from Kerala, a south Indian state known for its unique cuisine and rich cultural heritage. This bite-sized snack is made using rice flour, jaggery, and banana and is a popular item in the list of delicacies served during festivals and special occasions in Kerala. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history, preparation, nutritional value, and serving suggestions of Unni Appam.
Table of Contents
History of Unni Appam
Unni Appam has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the ancient times of Kerala. It is believed that this sweet snack was first prepared by the Namboodiri Brahmins, a prominent community in Kerala, as an offering to the deities in their temples. Over time, Unni Appam gained popularity among the masses and became a popular snack item across the state.
Ingredients and Preparation
Unni Appam is made using a handful of ingredients that are easily available in the local markets of Kerala. The key ingredients used in the preparation of this snack are rice flour, jaggery, ripe bananas, cardamom powder, ghee, and sesame oil. The process of making Unni Appam involves a few simple steps that are easy to follow.
To make Unni Appam, one needs to mix rice flour, jaggery, mashed ripe bananas, and cardamom powder in a bowl. The mixture is then left to rest for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld. Once the batter is ready, it is poured into a special Unni Appam pan, which is similar to a small wok with round indents. The pan is then heated, and ghee or sesame oil is added to each indent. The batter is poured into each indent and cooked until it turns golden brown. The Unni Appams are then removed from the pan and served hot.
Nutritional Value
Unni Appam is a nutritious and healthy snack that is rich in carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Rice flour, which is the main ingredient in this snack, is a rich source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, which are essential for maintaining good health. Jaggery, which is used as a sweetener in this snack, is a healthier alternative to refined sugar and is rich in iron, calcium, and other micronutrients. Bananas, which are added to the batter, are a rich source of potassium and other essential nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
Unni Appam can be served as a standalone snack or as a dessert after a meal. This snack is best served hot, straight out of the pan, and can be enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Unni Appam can also be served with a dollop of fresh cream or coconut milk for added flavor and richness.
Unni Appam: A Traditional Delight from Kerala
Course: MainCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy4 – 6
servings15
minutes20
minutes160
kcal35
minutesUnni Appam has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the ancient times of Kerala. It is believed that this sweet snack was first prepared by the Namboodiri Brahmins, a prominent community in Kerala, as an offering to the deities in their temples. Over time, Unni Appam gained popularity among the masses and became a popular snack item across the state.
Ingredients
1 cup raw rice
1/4 cup grated coconut
1/2 cup jaggery (or brown sugar)
1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup chopped bananas (ripe)
2-3 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
Water as needed
Directions
- Soak the raw rice in water for at least 2 hours.
- Drain the water and grind the rice to a fine batter in a blender, adding water as needed.
- Add the grated coconut, jaggery, and cardamom powder to the batter and blend it again.
- Transfer the batter to a bowl and add the chopped bananas and baking soda. Mix everything well.
- Heat a Unni Appam pan (a special pan with small depressions for making the appams) on medium heat and add ghee to each depression.
- Once the ghee is hot, pour the batter into each depression, filling it up to 3/4th of the depression.
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Use a spoon or a wooden stick to flip the Unni Appam to the other side and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it turns golden brown.
- Remove from the pan and place on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Repeat the process until all the batter is used up.
- Serve the Unni Appams warm as a snack or dessert.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Nutrition Facts: Calories: 160 | Total Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 125mg | Total Carbohydrates: 26g | Dietary Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Protein: 1g
Conclusion
Unni Appam is a delicious and healthy snack that has been a part of Kerala’s culinary heritage for centuries. This bite-sized delight is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. So the next time you are in Kerala or want to try something new and tasty, give Unni Appam a try and experience the unique flavors and aromas of this traditional delicacy.
See also: Cheese Pakora: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Snack
FAQs
Is Unni Appam healthy?
- Yes, Unni Appam is a healthy snack that is rich in essential nutrients and dietary fiber.
What are the key ingredients used in Unni Appam?
- The key ingredients used in Unni Appam are rice flour, jaggery, mashed ripe bananas, cardamom powder, ghee, and sesame oil.
Can Unni Appam be served with anything else?
- Yes, Unni Appam can be served with a variety of accompaniments such as fresh cream, coconut milk, or a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Is Unni Appam a popular dish in Kerala?
- Yes, Unni Appam is a very popular dish in Kerala, especially during festivals and special occasions.
How long does it take to prepare Unni Appam?
- The preparation time for Unni Appam is about 20-30 minutes, and it takes another 10-15 minutes to cook.