Poha Appe
If you’re someone who enjoys simple, healthy, and tasty snacks, Poha Appe is an excellent choice. The traditional appe or ‘paniyaram’ is usually made with rice batter or dosa batter, but this version is light, nutritious, and easy to prepare, with no maida (refined flour) and minimal oil. The combination of poha (flattened rice) and semolina (suji) makes it a wholesome dish, ideal for breakfast or as an evening snack.
This Poha Appe recipe offers a twist on the regular appe, keeping it light while still packing tons of flavor. Perfect for health-conscious individuals, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a crispy, golden snack without using refined flour or excessive oil.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup poha (flattened rice)
- ½ cup semolina (suji)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 small carrot, grated (optional)
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon urad dal (black gram split lentils)
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- Salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
- A handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- ½ cup curd (yogurt)
- Water as required
- Oil (for greasing the appe pan)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Poha:
Start by rinsing the poha in a sieve under cold water. Don’t soak it completely, just rinse it lightly to make it soft. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the water. - Prepare the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked poha with semolina. Add salt, turmeric powder, grated ginger (if using), and chopped coriander leaves. Mix the ingredients well. - Temper the Spices:
Heat a teaspoon of oil in a small pan. Add the mustard seeds and urad dal. When they start to splutter, add the chopped onions, green chilies, and grated carrots. Sauté the mixture until the onions turn golden brown. Add a pinch of hing (asafoetida) and sauté for a few seconds. Remove from the heat. - Combine Everything:
Add the tempered spices and vegetables to the poha-semolina mixture. Mix everything thoroughly. Now, add yogurt and a little water to the mixture. You want the batter to be of a thick consistency, just enough to spoon into the appe pan. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes to let the semolina absorb the moisture. - Cook the Appe:
Grease the appe pan with a little oil. Heat it on medium heat. Once hot, spoon small portions of the batter into each cavity of the pan. Cover the pan and cook the appe for about 4-5 minutes on medium heat. After that, flip them using a spoon or fork to cook the other side. Let them cook until both sides are crispy and golden brown. - Serve:
Once done, remove the appe from the pan and serve hot with chutney or sambar. The crunchy outer layer with the soft, flavorful inside will be a delightful treat!
Why Poha Appe is a Healthier Option:
- No Maida: Unlike traditional snacks that use refined flour (maida), this recipe is made with poha and semolina, which are much healthier alternatives.
- Minimal Oil: Poha Appe is made with very little oil, making it a low-calorie snack.
- Rich in Nutrients: The combination of poha, semolina, and vegetables provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins.
Variations:
- Add More Veggies: You can add peas, beans, or bell peppers to the batter to boost its nutritional value.
- Spice It Up: Increase the number of chilies or add a pinch of garam masala for extra flavor.
Poha Appe is a versatile dish that caters to different tastes and preferences while ensuring that you enjoy a nutritious, low-oil snack. Whether you’re looking to start your day with a healthy breakfast or need a light, satisfying snack, Poha Appe is an ideal choice!
