Unni appam

A traditional South Indian sweet snack

Unniappam, a traditional sweet snack from Kerala

Unni appam is a popular sweet snack from the South Indian state of Kerala. It is a type of appam, which is a general term for a variety of dishes made from rice batter. Unni appam is particularly known for its small, round shape and its sweet, rich flavor, which is derived from a combination of jaggery, banana, and coconut.

Ingredients

The primary ingredients used in making unni appam include:

• Rice flour
• Jaggery
• Banana
• Coconut
• Cardamom
• Ghee or coconut oil
• Sesame seeds

Preparation

The preparation of unni appam involves several steps:

1. Batter Preparation: The rice flour is mixed with melted jaggery, mashed banana, and grated coconut to form a thick batter. Cardamom powder is added for flavor, and the batter is allowed to rest for a few hours to ferment slightly.

2. Cooking: The batter is poured into a special pan called an "appakarai" or "unni appam chatti," which has multiple small, round indentations. The pan is heated, and a small amount of ghee or coconut oil is added to each indentation. The batter is then poured into the indentations and cooked until the appams are golden brown and crisp on the outside.

3. Finishing Touches: Once cooked, the unni appams are removed from the pan and allowed to cool slightly before serving. They are often garnished with roasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Cultural Significance

Unni appam holds a special place in the culinary traditions of Kerala. It is often prepared during festivals and special occasions, such as Onam and Vishu. The sweet is also offered as a prasadam in many temples across Kerala, symbolizing its cultural and religious importance.

Variations

While the traditional recipe for unni appam is widely followed, there are several regional variations. Some recipes include additional ingredients like coconut milk or dry fruits to enhance the flavor. The texture and sweetness can also vary depending on the type of banana and jaggery used.

Related pages

• Appam
• Kerala cuisine
• Onam
• Vishu