Uttapam

Method

1. 1

   About Uttapam: Uttapam is a thick South Indian pancake made from the same fermented rice and dal batter as dosa. Unlike dosa it is thick, soft and is topped with vegetables pressed into the batter. It is often called the Indian pizza.

2. 2

   Prepare the batter: Use the same fermented dosa or idli batter. For uttapam the batter should be slightly thicker than dosa batter — add a little less water when adjusting consistency. It should fall off the ladle slowly, not pour freely.

3. 3

   Prepare the toppings: Uttapam toppings are added to the wet batter surface immediately after pouring. Prepare in advance: 1 medium onion finely chopped, 2 medium tomatoes deseeded and finely chopped, 2 green chillies finely chopped, fresh coriander chopped and 1 small carrot grated. Mix all together in a bowl.

4. 4

   Heat the tawa: Heat a flat tawa on medium heat. It should be moderately hot — not as hot as for dosa. Grease lightly with oil.

5. 5

   Pour the batter: Pour a generous ladleful of batter in the centre. Do not spread as aggressively as dosa — use the back of the ladle to spread into a round about 15-18cm diameter and 4-5mm thick. Uttapam is meant to be thick.

6. 6

   Add toppings immediately: While the batter is still completely wet scatter the vegetable topping mixture evenly over the entire surface. Press the vegetables gently into the batter with the back of a spoon so they adhere.

7. 7

   Drizzle oil: Drizzle 1 tsp oil around the edges and a little on top.

8. 8

   Cover and cook: Cover with a lid and cook on medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden and the top surface looks set and cooked.

9. 9

   Flip carefully: Using a wide flat spatula flip the uttapam carefully — the vegetable side will now face down. Cook uncovered for 2 more minutes until the vegetable side is slightly charred and caramelised.

10. 10

    Serve: Slide onto a plate with the vegetable side facing up. Serve immediately with sambar and coconut chutney. Uttapam is softer and more filling than dosa — one or two make a satisfying meal.