Kara Kuzhi Paniyaram with Idli/Dosa Batter

Say Goodbye to Boring Breakfasts with This Delicious and Easy Idli-Dosa Batter Recipe!

Are you tired of the same old breakfast routine? Do you have some leftover Idli-Dosa batter sitting in your kitchen? Well, it's time to mix things up and try something new!

This simple and yummy recipe is sure to be a hit with your children and is guaranteed to become a breakfast staple in your household. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?

Make mornings exciting again with this easy and delicious recipe. Don't forget to share your thoughts and comments!

What Is Kara Kuzhi Paniyaram?

• Kara Kuzhi Paniyaram is a traditional South Indian dish made from Idli Dosa batter, combined with a variety of flavorful ingredients and Indian spices. This succulent dish is seasoned with mustard seeds, urad dal, and a unique blend of spices, giving it a delicious and aromatic flavor.
• The combination of finely chopped onions, grated ginger, green chilies, and curry leaves adds a burst of savory goodness to this dish. The addition of grated carrots and coriander leaves further enhances the taste, making Kuzhi Paniyaram a delightful treat for the taste buds.
• The process of making Kuzhi Paniyaram involves heating a special pan, adding oil, and filling each hole with the batter mixture. The result is a crispy and delicious snack that is perfect for any time of the day. Serve Kuzhi Paniyaram with a side of tomato chutney for a truly delightful experience.

Why You'll Love Kara Kuzhi Paniyaram?

• Crispy exterior, soft interior: Kuzhi paniyaram has a delicious crispy texture on the outside, while maintaining a soft and fluffy interior, making it a delightful treat for your taste buds.
• Versatile and customizable: This recipe allows for the addition of various vegetables and spices, giving you the flexibility to customize the paniyaram according to your preferences and dietary needs.
• Healthy alternative to fried snacks: Kuzhi paniyaram is made with idli dosa batter, which is naturally fermented and easily digestible. It is a healthier option compared to deep-fried snacks, making it suitable for those looking for nutritious snack options.
• Rich in nutrients: The addition of vegetables like carrots, onions, and curry leaves not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional content of the dish, providing essential vitamins and minerals.
• Low calorie: Kuzhi paniyaram is low in calories, making it a guilt-free snack or meal option for those watching their calorie intake.
• Great for all ages: Whether you're looking for a quick and healthy breakfast, a tasty lunchbox addition, or a fulfilling evening snack, kuzhi paniyaram is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.

Ingredients for Kara Kuzhi Paniyaram

• Idli Dosa batter: The key base ingredient for kuzhi paniyaram, it provides the perfect texture and taste to the dish.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the paniyaram, and provides a nice crunch in every bite.
• Oil: Used for cooking the tadka and greasing the paniyaram pan, adding richness and flavor to the dish.
• Mustard seeds and urad dal: When fried, they release a nutty aroma and add a crunchy texture to the paniyaram.
• Ginger and green chili: Adds a spicy and aromatic flavor to the paniyaram, enhancing its overall taste.
• Curry leaves: Brings a distinct earthy flavor to the dish, giving it an authentic South Indian taste.

How To Make Kuzhi Paniyaram?

Kuzhi Paniyaram is a delicious South Indian dish that is easy to make and perfect for breakfast or snack time. Here's a simple recipe to create flavorful Kuzhi Paniyaram.

Instructions

• Start by preparing the tadka. Heat oil in a pan and add chana dal, mustard seeds, urad dal, chopped onion, green chilies, curry leaves, and ginger. Sauté until the onions turn transparent and add a pinch of hing for flavor.
• Add the tadka to the dosa batter and also add grated carrot. Mix well and adjust the consistency with water. The batter should be semi-thick for the perfect paniyaram.

Importance of key steps

The tadka is the key to adding rich flavors to the dosa batter, and the addition of grated carrot not only enhances the taste but also adds a nice crunch to the paniyaram.

How to make kara kuzhi paniyaram

• Heat a paniyaram pan and add a little oil in each hole.
• Add the batter into each hole and cook over low-medium heat until the top looks cooked.
• Flip over and cook for a minute, then remove and transfer to a plate. Repeat until the batter is finished.

Following these steps ensures that you achieve crispy and flavorful Kuzhi Paniyaram. Serve with a side of tomato chutney for a complete and delicious meal!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Tomato Chutney: Kara kuzhi paniyaram goes wonderfully well with tangy and spicy tomato chutney. The combination of the crispy paniyaram and the flavorful chutney makes for a delicious meal.
• Serve with Coconut Chutney: Another great option is to serve the kuzhi paniyaram with coconut chutney. The creamy and slightly sweet taste of the chutney perfectly complements the savory paniyaram.
• Accompany with Sambar: For a more filling meal, serve the kuzhi paniyaram with sambar. The combination of the soft paniyaram and the hearty lentil-based sambar is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
• Enjoy with Mint Chutney: If you prefer something refreshing, pair the paniyaram with mint chutney. The cooling effect of the mint and the spiciness of the paniyaram create a delightful contrast.
• Side with Mixed Vegetable Sagu: For a wholesome and nutritious meal, consider serving the kuzhi paniyaram with mixed vegetable sagu. The combination of the soft paniyaram and the flavorful mixed vegetable stew is a comforting treat.
• Accompany with Coconut Coriander Chutney: Lastly, the combination of coconut and coriander chutney is another great option to serve with kuzhi paniyaram. The fresh and aromatic flavors of the chutney enhance the overall dining experience.

By offering a variety of serving suggestions, you can elevate the kuzhi paniyaram into a complete and satisfying meal for you and your family. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations to find your favorite pairing!

Tips for Making Kara Kuzhi Paniyaram

• Preparation Duration: It's essential to have all the ingredients prepped and ready before starting the cooking process. Chop the vegetables, measure out the spices, and have the idli dosa batter at room temperature to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
• Cooking Techniques: When making kuzhi paniyaram, it's important to heat the paniyaram pan well before adding the batter. Additionally, cooking over low to medium heat ensures that the paniyaram cooks evenly without burning.
• Garnishing for Presentation: Garnishing the kuzhi paniyaram with finely chopped coriander leaves adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. It's the final touch that enhances the visual appeal of the paniyaram, making it even more inviting to eat.
• Portion Control: Use a ladle or spoon to measure out the batter for each kuzhi paniyaram hole, ensuring even cooking and consistent size.
• Maintaining Texture: Ensure that the batter is semi-thick as instructed to achieve the perfect texture for the kara kuzhi paniyaram.
• Serve with a Side: Pair the crispy kara kuzhi paniyaram with a delicious tomato chutney to enhance the overall flavor profile, making it a delightful snack or meal.

Variations for Kuzhi Paniyaram

• Spicy Variation: Add finely chopped green peppers or jalapeños to the batter for an extra kick of heat.
• Sweet Variation: For a sweeter version, add a handful of grated coconut and a pinch of sugar to the batter.
• Masala Variation: Incorporate a spoonful of garam masala or a mix of your favorite spices to the batter for a flavorful twist.
• Vegetable Variation: Experiment with different veggies such as bell peppers, spinach, or peas to add more color and nutrients to the paniyaram.
• Cheesy Variation: Sprinkle some grated cheese on top of the batter before flipping for a gooey and indulgent treat.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Mix in some cooked and crumbled paneer or tofu to the batter for a protein boost.

Try out these variations to create a unique and personalized kuzhi paniyaram experience that suits your taste preferences!

How to Store Kuzhi Paniyaram

• Proper Storage of Idli Dosa Batter: Ensure that the idli dosa batter is stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Keep it refrigerated to prevent it from spoiling.
• Storing Spices and Condiments: Store the mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, and other spices in airtight containers away from direct sunlight to prevent them from losing their flavor and aroma.
• Preserving Fresh Vegetables: Keep the grated carrot, finely chopped onions, green chilies, curry leaves, and coriander leaves in separate airtight containers or zip lock bags in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.
• Maintaining Grated Ginger: To keep the grated ginger fresh, store it in a small airtight container and keep it refrigerated. You can also freeze grated ginger for longer shelf life.
• Storing Cooked Kuzhi Paniyaram: If there are any leftover cooked kuzhi paniyaram, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in an oven or a pan to retain their crispy texture before serving.
• Preserving Tomato Chutney: If you have made extra tomato chutney, store it in a clean and dry glass jar. Keep it refrigerated and use within a few days for the best taste.

By following these simple storage tricks, you can ensure that the key ingredients for making kuzhi paniyaram remain fresh and flavorful for a longer duration, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish whenever you want.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make kara kuzhi paniyaram without the paniyaram pan?

• Yes, if you don't have a paniyaram pan, you can use a regular frying pan. Add a little more oil to each hole, pour the batter, and cover the pan to cook the paniyaram.

Can I make kara kuzhi paniyaram ahead of time?

• Yes, you can make the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, bring the batter to room temperature before making the paniyaram.

How can I make the kara kuzhi paniyaram spicier?

• To make the paniyaram spicier, add an extra green chili or a pinch of red chili powder to the batter. You can also serve it with extra spicy chutney on the side.

Can I customize the filling in the kara kuzhi paniyaram?

• Absolutely! You can add various ingredients to the filling such as grated coconut, bell peppers, or even paneer to customize the taste and texture of the paniyaram.

My kara kuzhi paniyaram turned out too dry, how can I fix this?

• If your paniyaram turns out dry, try adding a little more water to the batter to make it slightly thinner. This will help the paniyaram to cook evenly and be moist on the inside.

Can I freeze leftover kara kuzhi paniyaram?

• Yes, you can freeze the leftover paniyaram in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Recipe Card

Kara Kuzhi Paniyaram

Serving Size: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups Idli Dosa batter (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
• 2 tsp oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds and urad dal
• 1 tbsp chana dal
• 1/2 tsp grated ginger
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp curry leaves, finely chopped
• a pinch of hing (asafoetida)
• 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves
• 1 small-sized carrot, grated
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed

Instructions

• Heat oil in a pan. Add chana dal and fry until golden brown.
• Add mustard seeds and urad dal, let them splutter.
• Add chopped onion, green chilies, curry leaves, and ginger, sauté until the onions turn transparent.
• Add a pinch of hing, then switch off the heat.
• Add the tadka to the dosa batter.
• Mix in the grated carrot. Add water as needed to make a semi-thick batter. Set aside.

How to Make Kara Kuzhi Paniyaram

• Heat a paniyaram pan and add 1/4 tsp of oil in each hole.
• Pour the batter into each hole and cook for a few minutes until the top looks cooked. Cook over low medium heat.
• Flip over and cook for a minute, then remove and transfer to a plate. Repeat to finish the batter.
• Crispy Kara paniyaram is ready to eat. Serve with tomato chutney!

By Santhi Therese
The Indian Claypot https://theindianclaypot.com/

Step-By-Step Instructions to make Kara Kuzhi Paniyaram with Idli/Dosa Batter:

Heat oil in a pan. When the oil heats, add chana dal, fry till golden brown.
Then add mustard seeds and urad dal, let it splutter.

Then add chopped onion, green chilies, curry leaves and ginger,

sauté till the onions turn transparent.

Further, add a pinch of hing, give a good stir. Switch off the heat.

Add this tadka to Idli /dosa batter.

Then add grated carrot, mix well.

If needed add water. The batter should be semi-thick, Set aside.

Meanwhile, heat a paniyaram pan. Add 1/4 tsp ghee or oil to each hole.

Add the batter in each hole. Cook for a few mins until the top looks cooked.
Cook over low medium heat.

Flip over and cook for a minute then remove,

transfer to a plate. Repeat to finish the batter. Crispy Kara paniyaram is ready to eat. Serve with tomato chutney!