Creating a blog was out of the question for a long time for me, as measuring everything in the kitchen was like biting into an eggshell. I enjoy cooking and don’t want to waste even a slightest bit of enjoyment in that small world of mine. But little did I know that everything will change, when my husband came home with the Oscar nominated film ‘Julie and Julia’( a real life story) where Julie Powell (part played by Amy Adams) challenged herself to make all the 524 recipes from Julia Child's cook book ‘Mastering the Art of French Cooking’ and blogging all her experiences (The Julie/Julia Project). It was an inspiring movie. A few days later when we were discussing this casually with a friend of ours over tea…everything changed dramatically…..” How about you making at least half of it in one year? Not French but your own. 262 recipes that will inspire others and present it as a blog?” For a minute my mind traveled faster than light… With an experience as a helper in my mother in laws kitchen for 6 years followed by a three year everyday struggle to satisfy the palate of my foodie husband, if I cannot do it then why should I cook? But on the other side with an experience in English literature extending no more than expanding outline stories in English grammar class when I was 18 and two small kids that come in handy at times, will a commitment for the next one year work? Anyway my ‘cook's ego’ didn’t allow me to say no...

So my friends …here I am opening my recipe book, trying to perfect and present 262 recipes in the coming 365 days….A Challenge that will of course tastes good. Come.. Have a walk with me along my journey.. Cheering and inspiring….Forgiving and tolerating…Testing and tasting….for ‘A Tasty Challenge’

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Monday, July 12, 2010

Vellayappam/ Rice Pancakes with Coconut (Theenga Aracha Appam)

Recipe No: 58                                                         Makes 20-22
 

 Ingredients 
  • Raw long grain rice……………..2 Cups
  • Freshly grated Coconut………3/4 Cup (Use 1 cup if you are using frozen)
  • Cooked Rice………………………1/4 Cup (Any kind will do)
  • Instant Yeast…………………....1 Teaspoon
  • Sugar……………………………….5 Teaspoons or as per needed
  • Salt as per taste
    Method of Preparation
    1. Wash and soak the rice in water for 5 to 6 hours. Drain and reserve the soaking liquid.
    2. Grind together the soaked rice, cooked rice and the coconut in a grinder or blender with just enough water(the remaining soaking liquid)  to grind till almost smooth.
    3. In a large bowl add the yeast, 2 teaspoons of sugar and pour the rice batter.
    4. Mix well and let it sit in a warm place till it is at least doubled. This will take only 3-4 hours if the yeast is really good.
    5. Once raised, add salt and the rest of the sugar mix well and let rise again for the second time.
    6. Heat a flat pan on medium heat and grease the surface with a bit of oil and pour a little less than ¼ cup of batter at a time. Spread a bit with the help of the back of the spatula and let it cook.
    7. Once bubbles start to come on top and the sides are cooked, turn it over and let the other side cook.
    8. Once both sides are cooked this Appam is ready to be served.
    Notes: As salt suppress the Yeast use it only after the first rising period.
    The second raising as mentioned is important as it will make Appam softer.
    If the batter is too thick add some water and bring it to the required consistency.
     






    Make it, enjoy the deliciousness and 
    serve it to your family with love....

    3 comments:

    Raga said...

    I tried this..It turned out very good....My Mother in law wants to try this receipe...However want to check if there is any other replacement for yeast.. As concept of yeast is not very familiar in India.....

    Asha said...
    This comment has been removed by the author.
    Asha said...

    Traditionally this is made with fresh toddy. Well now getting it fresh is not that easy and also as its not available here, yeast is used. Making Appam with toddy is much more complicated too. This is the easy version and there is no other substitute for yeast. Its easily available in India too, earlier it used to available only in bakeries but now its available in most of the supermarkets that sells edible items..
    Thank you raga

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