UTTAPAM : THE INDIAN PIZZA

Uttapam is a traditional delicacy from South India which means ‘poured appam’ in Tamil. It is a dosa-like preparation, that is light and easy on the stomach and can be served for breakfast, brunch, or evening snacks. You can call it a soft, savory pancake that is delicious, healthy, and filling. It is topped with a variety of vegetables and accomplished with coconut chutney and spicy chutney but also tastes amazing by itself without any sides.

Uttapam is also a type of dosa that is crisp on the bottom with soft fluffy texture on top. Do not get confused between uttapam and a dosa. Dosa is a thin crepe but uttapam is thick. It is more like a pancake in which different types of ingredients are used as toppings. Some of the popular toppings are onions, capsicum, bell pepper, carrots, coriander, ginger, tomatoes and additional vegetables of your choice with some basic spices. 

This dish is not as famous as idli and dosa as a breakfast option but for a change, it is always the first choice for the people. All the spices and the colorful vegetables are used as the toppings which makes it a healthy and tasty option for breakfast. If you look closely you will find a similarity between this and a pizza except the batter is different and so is the style of preparation. The reason it is also known as Uttapam the Indian Pizza.

It is an easy and healthy breakfast for everyone. It is an ideal option for a meal as it is nutritious and is filled with healthy vegetables. The oil required to make this dish makes it either unhealthy but you can use low-calorie oil. Typically uttapam is made from dosa batter which includes batter grounding and batter fermentation. But in my recipe, I have made instant uttapam without the overnight hassle. 

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As uttapam is crispy whereas the inner layers are spongy and soft. Low in fat but high in flavors. It is a very easy and quick homemade breakfast option which is ideal for people who prefer a low-fat diet. The two more variants of it are vegetables and oats uttapam which are even healthier. It has low calories with lots of health benefits.

Rava Uttapam is an instant recipe in which batter is made by mixing yogurt, spices, and salt. This recipe does not need any grounding and overnight fermentation. It can be fermented instantly with the help of baking soda or fruit salt and make them ferment easily. In you, rava uttapam try to use medium-sized semolina or Bombay rava for this recipe. In the recipe use finely chopped vegetables so that can easily be topped. 

Instant Rava Uttapam

Ingredients

For Batter

• Semolina (rava) 1 cup
• Curd 1/2 cup
• Salt 1/2 tsp
• Water 1/2 cup

For Toppings

• Onion (finely chopped) 1
• Capsicum (finely chopped) 1/2
• Carrot (grated) 1
• Tomato 1
• Coriander leaves 2 tbsp
• Green chili 1
• Curry leaves 5-6
• Salt 1/4 tsp

Other Ingredients 

• Oil 2 tbsp
• Fruit Salt 1 tsp

Method 

1. In a large bowl take semolina (rava), curd and salt.
2. Mix well making sure the curd is combined well.
3. Further, add water and mix well adjusting consistency.
4. Rest for 20 minutes or until the rava absorbs well.
5. Check for consistency adding more water if required.
6. Now prepare the vegetable toppings, by taking onion, capsicum, carrot, and tomato.
7. Also, add coriander, ginger, chili, few curry leaves, and salt.
8. Mix well making sure everything is well combined.
9. Before pouring the batter now add fruit salt in semolina batter and mix it well.
10. Now pour the rava batter into small uttapam.
11. Top with a tbsp of prepared toppings and press gently.
12. Pour oil around the uttapam.
13. Cover and cook for a minute or until the base is cooked well.
14. Flip over and cook both sides.
15. Finally, enjoy instant rava uttapam with tomato sauce or coconut chutney.