Recipe - Podi Uthappam

Podi Uthappam is a delightful variation of the traditional South Indian Uthappam, infused with the flavors of aromatic spice powder known as "Podi." This dish originates from Tamil Nadu and is a popular street food delicacy enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. Podi Uthappam features a crispy golden exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, making it a satisfying and flavorful choice for any time of the day. In this article, we'll explore how to prepare Podi Uthappam at home, allowing you to indulge in this mouthwatering South Indian treat with ease.

Ingredients

1 cup dosa batter
1/4 cup idli podi (spice powder)
1 onion, finely chopped
1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
2-3 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Salt to taste
Oil or ghee for cooking

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Servings: Makes about 6 Podi Uthappams

Method

Prepare the Batter:

Take the dosa batter in a mixing bowl and add salt to taste. Mix well to combine.

Prepare the Toppings:

Finely chop the onion, green chili (if using), and fresh coriander leaves. Set aside.

Heat the Tava:

Place a non-stick tava or griddle on medium heat and allow it to heat up.

Make the Uthappams:

Once the tava is hot, pour a ladleful of dosa batter onto the center of the tava.
Using the back of the ladle, spread the batter in a circular motion to form a thick disc, approximately 5-6 inches in diameter.
Sprinkle a generous amount of idli podi evenly over the surface of the Uthappam.
Add a handful of chopped onions, green chilies (if using), and coriander leaves on top of the podi.

Cook the Uthappams:

Drizzle a little oil or ghee around the edges of the Uthappam and allow it to cook on medium heat.
Once the edges start to turn golden brown and crisp, flip the Uthappam using a spatula and cook on the other side for a few more minutes until golden brown.

Serve Hot:

Transfer the cooked Podi Uthappam onto a plate and serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar on the side.

Repeat:

Repeat the process with the remaining batter and toppings to make more Podi Uthappams as desired.