πŸ₯₯🌾Appam / Lace Hoppers

South Indian Fermented Rice Pancakes – Crisp Lace, Soft Heart

Spice Level: 🌢️

Prep Time: 20 mins (+ 4–8 hours soaking/fermentation)
Cook Time: 20 mins

πŸ”” Tiffin & Temple Bells

🌿 Introduction

Appam β€” delicate bowls with lace-like edges and pillows of softness at their heart β€” are a beloved staple
across Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
These fermented rice pancakes carry the warmth of tradition: gentle tang, coconut fragrance,
and a beautiful swirl that forms in the appam pan like a story unfolding.

Paired with fiery curries or mellow coconut milk, appam turns every meal into comfort and nostalgia on a plate.

β€œA twirl of memory, a swirl of warmth, and a dance of flavors on your plate”

Appam / Lace Hoppers

Photo by Stirred By Spice

πŸ“ Ingredients

For the Batter

  • 1 cup raw rice

  • 1 cup parboiled rice

  • Β½ cup cooked rice (optional, adds softness)

  • Β½ cup grated coconut

  • 1 tsp dry yeast

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • Β½ cup lukewarm water (to activate yeast)

  • Salt to taste

  • Water, as needed (to make runny batter)

🍽️ Instructions

  • Soak the Rice – Wash and soak raw rice and parboiled rice separately for 3–4 hours.

  • Grind the Batter – Blend soaked rice with cooked rice and grated coconut into a smooth paste.

  • Activate Yeast – Combine yeast and sugar in lukewarm water; allow to froth.

  • Ferment – Add yeast mixture, salt, and water to the batter. Cover and ferment overnight or in a warm oven.

  • Cook Appams – Heat an appam pan. Pour a ladleful of batter, swirl to coat the sides thinly, and cover. Cook until edges are lacy and center is soft.

  • Serve – Enjoy hot with spicy fish curry or sweetened coconut milk.

🍷 Optional Serving Notes

Serve hot with spicy Kerala fish curry, coconut milk sweetened with jaggery, or mild vegetable stew.

For a full coastal spread, pair with egg roast or kadala curry, and finish with warm herbal chai.

πŸ’¬ Soulful Note

The secret joy of appam lies in the swirl β€” a quiet ritual that echoes kitchens filled with stories, laughter, and slow weekend mornings.

πŸ“š Cook’s Wisdom / FAQs

Cook's Wisdom

Tip: Add a bit of cooked rice for extra softness.

  • Fermentation loves warmth β€” don’t rush the process.

  • The batter should be thin enough to swirl but thick enough to hold shape in the center.

  • For crisp edges, keep the pan lightly greased and hot.

πŸ“Š Nutrition (Per Serving β€” Approx.)

  • Calories 180

  • Protein 3g

  • Carbs 36g

  • Fat 3g

  • Fiber 1g

πŸƒπŸŒΆπŸƒ The Bottom Line

Appam is winter comfort and coastal nostalgia woven into a single dish.

Crisp lace, soft heart β€” a beautiful balance that welcomes both fiery curries and gentle sweetness.

🧑 Meet the Heart Behind the Spice

Maya Shetty – Stirred By Spice Author Photo

Hi, I’m Maya Shetty β€” cook, storyteller, and spice lover.

Through Stirred By Spice, I share recipes that warm both the kitchen and the heart β€” where simple ingredients and warm flavors turn everyday meals into moments of connection.

πŸ’¬ I’d Love to Hear From You!

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Share your thoughts using the form below β€” I read every message.

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