Black Rice Paniyaram / Appe (Healthy South Indian Breakfast)

 

           Paniyaram or Kuzhi Paniyaram is a traditional South Indian breakfast, especially popular in Tamil Nadu. In simple words, they are generally fried idlis or dumplings made with leftover idli / dosa batter in a mould called chatti. They are served with coconut chutney and sambar.      

            However, check out my version of Paniyaram made of Black Rice, that are very crispy from the outside, soft from inside and yummy in taste. Healthy and nutritious, they are diabetic friendly too. Serve as a breakfast menu with coconut chutney, as an appetizer with tomato sauce or as a tea-time snack. Choice is yours. Just give it a try and enjoy !!!!

          These Paniyarams are actually a snack on the go which can be dished out in a jiffy. They are quite filling and is a great kitty party / kids recipe too. You can also pack them as a lunch box meal. So check out the step by step pictorial recipe to prepare them.

          Black rice, also know as forbidden rice is widely found in the North Eastern states of India where it is very popular. It is also found in other countries like Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand. 

          This forbidden rice has numerous health benefits as it has a good amount of anti oxidants, proteins, fibers and is low in calories. 

          It is good for the prevention of obesity and diabetes. Black rice is nutty in taste and texture with a very unique flavour. 

          You can prepare many healthy and interesting recipes with this wonder rice. Apart from Paniyarams, idli, dosa, tikki and uthapam also can be made. 

Ingredients - 

• 1 cup Black rice
• 1/3 cup urad dal (split black gram)
• 1/2 tsp. fenugreek seeds
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tsp. ginger, grated
• 3 tbsp. coriander leaves, chopped
• salt to taste
• 1 tsp. red chili flakes
• oil to grease the Paniyaram Chatti

Tempering - 

• 1 tbsp. oil
• 1/2 tsp. mustard seeds
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 1 tsp. urad dal
• 1/4 tsp. asafoetida

          Soak the Black rice, lentil and fenugreek seeds overnight or for 4-5 hours. 

          Blend to a smooth paste by adding required quantity of water. Adjust the consistency. Add salt to taste and keep aside overnight to ferment. 

          To the batter, add rest of the ingredients and mix well.

          Heat a Paniyaram Chatti and grease well. Drop spoonful of the prepared batter in it and cook, covered on a low flame for 4-5 minutes or till one side is done. Flip it over and cook the other side too. 

           Make similar Paniyarams with the remaining batter and serve them for breakfast with coconut chutney, as a tea time snack, as a lunch box meal or as an appetizer with tomato sauce.

                         Soak Black rice, lentil & fenugreek seeds overnight or for 4-5 hours. 

                                  Add salt to taste and keep aside overnight to ferment. 

                                 After it is fermented.

                                  To the batter, add rest of the ingredients and mix well.

                       Heat a Paniyaram Chatti & grease well. Drop spoonful of the batter in it 

                       & cook, covered on a low flame for 4-5 minutes or till one side is done.

                                  Flip it over & cook the other side too.

                      Serve them for breakfast with coconut chutney, as a tea time snack, as a

                      lunch box meal or as an appetizer with tomato sauce.