The Nei Appam

There is something very special about Indian delicacies. With the innumerable states in India, each region has its own special delicacy. Today we are going down south to God's own country Kerala and are going to see how the Nei Appam  is made. The Nei Appam is a great feature of a celebration in Kerala. Predominantly made out of rice, the art of making this can be mastered only with practice.

Cooking Time  - 3 Hours ( Inclusive of soaking the rice )

Serves 4

Preparation Time : Half an hour ( Inclusive of grinding)

Ingredients

1 Cup rice

3/4 cup jaggery or gur

1 banana

Some coconut slices

Cardamom or elaichi powder

One and a half cups ghee 

A special compartment pan for making the nei appam

A long needle

Soak the cup of rice for around three hours. Then grind it either in a mixer or a South Indian style grinder. When the rice is completely ground, add the jaggery. Ensure that you crush the jaggery well. Also ensure that the rice is completely ground finely. Now add the banana and grind further till it becomes a smooth paste. Add the coconut slices and the cardamom powder. 

Now take the pan and pour the ghee in it and heat it well. It should be medium heat. Take a big spoon of the batter that you have prepared and pour it slowly into the pan.  Ensure that you adjust the heat and slowly when it becomes brown turn it over with the help of the needle. Let it cook on the other side too.


Drain it on a collander . Serve hot.