Unni Appam / Kuzhiappam/ Sweet Rice Fritters

Vishu – the Malayalees New year Festival is just 1 day away !!! And I am busy preparing for the BIG KANI  

I have really wonderful memories of Vishu and everything related to it..be it the Kani ( which means the first thing you see on the day of Vishu), Kaineettam (elders give coins/notes to all the people in the house wishing them happiness and prosperity), bursting crackers and to top the list the Sadya ( Vegetarian meal consisting of almost 15 dishes).

So before the big day, I thought of trying out the Unniappam. Unniappam/Sweet Rice Fritters is a popular snack in Kerala. It is also kept for the Kani. Unni in Malayalam means small so its small appam..simple 

Unniappam is made in a special vessel called Appa Karal.

This recipe an easy version compared to the jaggery based unni appam.

So here is the recipe for quick and easy Unni Appams!

INGREDIENTS

1. Ghee Rice - 1 ½ cups
2. Grated coconut – 1 cup
3. Sugar – 200gms
4. ½ cup – Cooked rice
5. ½ cup - Maida
6. Cardamom - 3-4 pods (optional)
7. Baking Soda – a pinch
8. Coconut Oil - for frying

METHOD

Soak rice for 2 hours.

Grind the ingredients (1 to 6) into a smooth paste.

Add baking soda.

Keep the batter for 10 minutes.

Keep the Appa Karal on the stove and pour half level of coconut oil in each round.

When the oil is hot simmer and pour half ladle of batter into each rounds and increase flame.

Keep a fork ready so you can turn the appams when they are golden in colour.

When both the sides are done remove using a skewer.

Transfer the unni appams to a paper towel to drain off excess oil.

Repeat the process to make more unni appams.

Serve hot !

Tips:

If you don’t want to use baking soda keep the batter for 1 hour after grinding.

If you don’t want to add Maida then increase the cooked rice by ½ cup.

Sending this recipe to The Kerala Kitchen Event hosted by Ria.