Quick Rice Flour Appe Recipe – South Indian Snacks with Carrot & Curry Leaves

Last Updated on 1 month by Neha Deshmukh

Quick Rice Flour Appe Recipe – South Indian Snacks with Carrot & Curry Leaves

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, satisfying snack that’s also packed with flavour. And let me tell you, these appes are it. I first stumbled upon this recipe years ago, trying to use up some leftover rice flour, and it’s been a family favourite ever since. They’re fluffy, slightly tangy, and incredibly moreish – perfect with a cup of chai!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These appes are seriously easy to make, even if you’re new to South Indian cooking. They come together in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for a quick breakfast, afternoon tea, or even a light dinner. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies! The combination of rice flour and semolina gives them a lovely texture, and the curry leaves and green chilies add a wonderful aromatic kick.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious appes:

• 1 cup rice flour (about 150g)
• ½ cup rava / suji / semolina (coarse) (about 75g)
• 1 tsp salt (about 6g)
• 1 cup curd (dahi) (about 240ml)
• ½ onion (finely chopped)
• 1 carrot (grated)
• 2 green chilli (finely chopped)
• Few curry leaves (chopped) – about 15-20
• 2 tbsp coriander (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp eno fruit salt (about 5g)
• Oil (for roasting)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right will make all the difference.

Rice Flour: Types and Uses

There are a few types of rice flour available. For appes, I recommend using regular white rice flour. It gives the best texture. You can find it in most Indian grocery stores.

Rava/Suji/Semolina: Choosing the Right Grind

Coarse semolina (rava/suji) is what you want here. It adds a lovely bit of texture and helps bind the batter. Don’t use fine semolina, as it can make the appes too soft.

Curd (Dahi): Full-Fat vs. Low-Fat & Regional Variations

I usually use full-fat curd (dahi) for the best flavour and texture. But low-fat curd will work in a pinch! In South India, you’ll often find different types of curd – each adds a slightly different tang. Feel free to experiment!

Eno Fruit Salt: Understanding its Role & Substitutes

Eno fruit salt is the secret to those fluffy appes! It creates a chemical reaction that makes the batter light and airy. If you don’t have Eno, you can substitute with ½ tsp baking soda + 1 tsp lemon juice.

Curry Leaves: Fresh vs. Dried & Their Aromatic Significance

Fresh curry leaves are always best. They have a much more vibrant flavour. If you can’t find fresh, you can use dried, but use about half the amount. Curry leaves aren’t just about flavour, though – they’re also believed to have digestive properties!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. In a large bowl, combine the rice flour, semolina, salt, and curd. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined.
2. Gradually add water, a little at a time, mixing continuously until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. It should be similar to the consistency of pancake batter. Let this rest for about 10 minutes – this allows the semolina to absorb the moisture.
3. Now, add the chopped onions, grated carrot, green chilies, and curry leaves to the batter. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the veggies are evenly distributed.
4. Just before you’re ready to cook, add the Eno fruit salt and gently stir. Don’t overmix! You’ll notice the batter becoming frothy – that’s exactly what we want.
5. Heat up your appe pan over medium heat. Grease each mold generously with oil.
6. Carefully pour the batter into each mold, filling it about ¾ full. Add a few drops of oil around the edges of each appe.
7. Cover the pan and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the base of the appes starts to crisp up and turn golden brown.
8. Gently flip each appe using a skewer or a thin spatula. Cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
9. Serve immediately!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make the perfect appes:

• Achieving the Perfect Appe Texture: Don’t overmix the batter after adding the Eno. You want to keep those air bubbles intact!
• Troubleshooting a Sticky Batter: If your batter is too thin, add a tablespoon of rice flour at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
• Ensuring Even Cooking: Make sure your appe pan is heated evenly. If some molds are cooking faster than others, adjust the heat accordingly.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Appe Adaptation: Substitute the curd with plant-based yogurt. Coconut yogurt works particularly well!
• Gluten-Free Confirmation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free Eno fruit salt.
• Spice Level Adjustment (Mild, Medium, Spicy): Adjust the number of green chilies to your liking. My friend, Priya, loves to add a pinch of red chili powder for an extra kick!
• Festival Adaptations (Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali): During festivals, I sometimes add a pinch of saffron to the batter for a beautiful colour and flavour.

Serving Suggestions

Appes are best enjoyed hot off the pan! They’re delicious with:

• Coconut chutney
• Sambar
• Green chutney
• A sprinkle of podi (gunpowder)

Storage Instructions

Appes are really best eaten fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a pan or microwave before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What is the best way to prevent the appes from sticking to the pan?

Greasing the pan really well is key! Use a generous amount of oil in each mold before pouring in the batter.

Can I make the batter ahead of time? If so, how long can it be stored?

You can make the batter ahead of time, but don’t add the Eno fruit salt until just before you’re ready to cook. The batter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

What can I substitute for Eno fruit salt?

As mentioned earlier, you can use ½ tsp baking soda + 1 tsp lemon juice.

Is it possible to steam the appes instead of cooking them on a pan?

Yes, you can! Steam them in a steamer for about 10-12 minutes. They won’t be as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious.

What are some other vegetables I can add to this appe recipe?

Get creative! You can add finely chopped capsicum (bell peppers), spinach, beetroot, or even peas.