Aappam is a traditional South Indian breakfast dish known for its soft, fluffy center and crispy lace-like edges. Made with fermented rice batter and coconut, this delicious dish is especially popular in Kerala and Tamil Nadu households. Aappam pairs perfectly with vegetable stew, coconut milk, kurma, or even sweetened coconut milk.
If you’re looking for an authentic, easy homemade Aappam recipe, this guide will help you make perfect appams every time.
My Version
Looking for a simple and healthy Aappam recipe without yeast or coconut? This homemade version is soft, fluffy in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and made with basic pantry ingredients. It’s perfect for those who prefer a lighter, allergy-friendly, or coconut-free South Indian breakfast.
This traditional-style Aappam is naturally fermented and tastes just as delicious — without using yeast, coconut, or coconut milk.
🌾 What is Aappam?
Aappam (also called Appam or Palappam) is a fermented rice pancake prepared using raw rice, grated coconut, and a natural fermenting agent. The batter is thin and spread in a special curved pan called an appachatti, giving it its signature bowl shape.
The center remains soft and spongy while the edges turn golden and crisp — making it a delightful texture combination.
🥥 Ingredients Required for Aappam
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Raw rice
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Urad dal
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Fenugreek seeds (optional)
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Salt
- Sugar
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Water
These simple pantry ingredients create a light and airy fermented batter that gives authentic taste and texture.
🍛 Best Side Dishes
Aappam tastes amazing with:
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Vegetable Stew
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Coconut Milk with Sugar
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Kadala Curry
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Vegetable Kurma
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Pulissery
- Salna / Chalna
It also works beautifully as a dinner option or festive breakfast.
💡 Tips for Perfect Soft Aappam
✔ Ferment batter properly for soft texture
✔ Use cooked rice for extra fluffiness (optional)
✔ Do not overcook – keep the center white and soft
✔ Use a well-heated appam pan for crispy edges
🥄 Why You’ll Love This Aappam Recipe
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Naturally fermented & gut-friendly
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Light, soft & easy to digest
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Vegan & gluten-free
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Perfect for breakfast or dinner
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Authentic South Indian taste
Aappam
Equipment
- 1 Aappa Chatty
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Raw rice
- 1/4 Cup Urad dal
- 1/2 tsp Fenugreek Methi
Instructions
Soaking & Grinding
- Wash and Soak raw rice, Urad dal and Fenugreek for 4–5 hours.
- Grind it with little water into a smooth batter.
- Take a small ladle of the prepared batter and mix it with a little water.
- Cook this mixture on low flame, stirring continuously, until it thickens into a smooth porridge. Make sure it is completely lump-free.
- Allow it to cool slightly, then add this cooked porridge back into the main batter and mix well.
Fermentation
- Allow the batter to ferment for 4 to 5 hours until it becomes light and slightly bubbly.
Preparing Aappam
- Heat an appam pan, pour a ladle of batter, swirl gently to spread along the sides, cover, and cook on low flame. No flipping required.
- Cover and cook for two minutes. You can also make Poo aappam
- Within minutes, you’ll get soft center appams with slightly crispy edges.
Notes
INSTRUCTIONS
Soaking & Grinding
- Wash and Soak raw rice, Urad dal and Fenugreek for 4–5 hours.
- Grind it with little water into a smooth batter.
- Take a small ladle of the prepared batter and mix it with a little water.
- Cook this mixture on low flame, stirring continuously, until it thickens into a smooth porridge. Make sure it is completely lump-free.
- Allow it to cool slightly, then add this cooked porridge back into the main batter and mix well.
Fermentation
- Allow the batter to ferment for 4 to 5 hours until it becomes light and slightly bubbly.
Preparing Aappam
- Heat an appam pan, pour a ladle of batter, swirl gently to spread along the sides, cover, and cook on low flame.
- After two minutes open and remove the Aappam. No flipping required.
- Cover and cook for two minutes. You can also make Poo aappam
- Within minutes, you’ll get soft center appams with slightly crispy edges.
- Serve with Side dish of your choice.
📝 Final Thoughts
Homemade Aappam is simple, wholesome, and incredibly delicious. With just a few ingredients and proper fermentation, you can enjoy restaurant-style soft and lacy appams at home.
Try this easy Aappam recipe today and enjoy it with your favourite curry for a comforting South Indian meal!
