Kerala Pappadam, made with urad dal, is a beloved addition to meals across Kerala. Its crunchy texture and unique flavor make it a must-have on every Malayali plate.
Whether served as a side or a snack, Kerala Pappadam is easy to make with these traditional recipes. Let's dive into the methods to prepare this iconic dish from scratch.
Kerala Pappadam is a type of crispy wafer commonly enjoyed with rice meals in Kerala. Made primarily from urad dal (black gram) flour, these pappadams are traditionally rolled thin and sun-dried before frying. This snack offers a wonderful combination of crispiness and a unique nutty taste.
Recipe 1: Basic Kerala Pappadam Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup urad dal (uzhunnu)
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- ½ cup water (adjust as needed)
- All-purpose flour for dusting
Preparation:
- Prepare the Dal: Grind urad dal to a fine powder and sift it.
- Mix Ingredients: Add baking soda, salt, and sesame oil to the dal powder, and slowly add water to create a stiff dough.
- Knead the Dough: Pound and knead the dough for 10-12 minutes until soft.
- Shape the Pappadams: Divide into balls and roll each ball into thin discs on a floured surface.
- Drying: Allow to air dry for 10-15 minutes.
- Frying: Deep fry in hot oil until they puff and turn golden.
Recipe 2: Quick Kerala Pappadam Recipe
Ingredients:
- 200 gm urad dal powder
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- Water as needed
- All-purpose flour for rolling
Preparation:
- Combine Ingredients: Mix urad dal powder, baking soda, and salt, then add water and sesame oil to form a dough.
- Knead: Flatten and pound the dough for 10-12 minutes.
- Shape and Roll: Roll dough into thin circles.
- Drying Process: Sun dry each side for 5 minutes or until firm.
- Frying: Fry in hot oil until crispy.
Recipe 3: Traditional Method Kerala Pappadam
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole urad dal
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- Approximately ½ cup water
Preparation:
- Soak and Grind: Soak dal overnight, then grind to a fine paste.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine dal with baking soda, salt, and sesame oil; add water gradually to form a dough.
- Pound the Dough: Pound and knead for about 20 minutes.
- Shape and Dry: Divide into portions, roll into discs, and air dry.
- Fry to Serve: Deep fry in hot oil until golden and puffed.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Kerala Pappadam pairs wonderfully with rice and curries. Enjoy it with traditional dishes like Sambar, Rasam, or Thoran. Try crushing it over rice with a dollop of curd for a flavorful crunch.
Try our Spiced Pappadam Recipe for a flavorful twist!