Uttapam
Uttapam is a popular South Indian dish that has gained widespread love due to its delicious taste and nutritious benefits. Unlike regular dosas, uttapams are thicker and topped with vegetables, making them a healthy, colorful, and kid-friendly option for school tiffin boxes. If you are looking for a fun, quick, and nutritious meal for your child’s tiffin, a Mix Vegetable Uttapam is an excellent choice. Packed with vegetables, protein, and fiber, it is a complete meal that can keep your little ones energized throughout the school day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice
- 1/4 cup urad dal (split black gram)
- 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, capsicum, onions, peas, etc.), finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
- 1-2 green chilies (finely chopped)
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking)
- Fresh coriander leaves (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Batter
- Start by rinsing the rice and urad dal (split black gram) together in water. Add fenugreek seeds to the mix. Soak them for at least 4-6 hours or overnight for best results.
- After soaking, drain the water and transfer the mixture into a blender or wet grinder. Add some water gradually and grind it to a smooth, thick batter. The consistency should be similar to dosa batter — not too runny or too thick.
- Transfer the batter into a large bowl and let it ferment for 8-12 hours in a warm place. Fermentation is key for the soft texture of uttapam. You can skip this step if you are in a rush, but it does enhance the taste.
Step 2: Preparing the Toppings
While the batter is fermenting, chop the vegetables you want to use for the topping. Carrots, bell peppers (capsicum), onions, and peas work best. You can also add a handful of finely chopped spinach or coriander leaves for added flavor.
Step 3: Cooking the Uttapam
- Heat a non-stick or cast-iron tawa (griddle) on medium heat. Once hot, drizzle a small amount of oil and spread it evenly using a paper towel or spatula.
- Pour a ladle of the batter onto the tawa, spreading it into a thick, round shape. Make sure it’s not too thin, as we want the uttapam to be hearty enough to hold the toppings.
- Sprinkle the finely chopped vegetables (carrot, capsicum, onions, etc.) evenly on top of the uttapam. Press them gently into the batter so they stick. You can also sprinkle a pinch of salt and cumin seeds for extra flavor.
- Drizzle a bit of oil around the edges and cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes. When the edges start to turn golden and the bottom is crisp, flip the uttapam and cook the other side for another 2 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the uttapam from the tawa and serve hot.
Step 4: Serving
You can serve your Mix Vegetable Uttapam with a variety of accompaniments like coconut chutney, tomato ketchup, or even a dollop of yogurt. It is a perfect tiffin snack for kids, as it is not only nutritious but also colorful and fun to eat. The crispy vegetables on top add a delightful crunch, making it even more appealing.
Why Mix Vegetable Uttapam is Perfect for Kids’ Tiffin:
- Nutritious: This dish is packed with proteins from the urad dal, vitamins and fiber from the mixed vegetables, and carbohydrates from the rice, making it a balanced meal.
- Customizable: You can add your child’s favorite vegetables or even grated cheese on top to make it more exciting.
- Quick & Easy: The recipe doesn’t require a lot of preparation and is quick to make, especially if you prepare the batter the night before.
- No Mess: The uttapam is easy to pack in a tiffin box and doesn’t create much mess, making it an ideal school snack.
This Mix Vegetable Uttapam is sure to become a favorite in your child’s tiffin box. Its combination of healthy ingredients, delicious flavors, and ease of preparation make it the perfect choice for busy mornings.
This recipe is both nutritious and easy to make, and should be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
