New Delhi: Uttapam is a popular and delicious South Indian dish made from a batter of fermented rice and urad dal (split black gram). With its thick, pancake-like texture, uttapam is softer and fluffier compared to regular dosas. Traditionally, it is made by spreading dosa batter on a hot tawa (griddle) and then adding a variety of finely chopped vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, green chillies, and coriander on top.

The vegetables are gently pressed into the batter before cooking to ensure they mix well into the uttapam and add rich flavours and textures. This dish is a common breakfast or snack in South Indian homes and is usually served with traditional sides like coconut chutney, sambar, and sometimes a tangy tomato chutney.

How to Make Uttapam Using Dosa Batter

Making uttapam using dosa batter is simple and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare this flavorful South Indian dish.

Ingredients

• Batter's sin
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small tomato, finely chopped
• 1–2 green chillies, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated carrots (optional)
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Ghee or oil, for frying

Instructions

• Start by finely chopping the onions, tomatoes, green chillies, and coriander leaves. If you want to add extra flavour and texture, you can also grate some carrots.
• Heat a non-stick tawa or flat pan on medium heat. Once it’s hot, drizzle a little oil or ghee to lightly grease the surface.
• Take a spoonful of dosa batter and pour it onto the tawa. Spread it gently in a circular motion to make a thick dosa. Keep in mind that uttapam is thicker than a regular dosa.
• Sprinkle the chopped onions, tomatoes, chillies, carrots, and coriander leaves evenly on top of the batter.
• Let the uttapam cook for 2–3 minutes on medium heat. When the edges start to lift slightly, drizzle a little more oil or ghee around the edges. This helps make it golden and crispy.
• Once the underside turns golden brown and crisp, flip the uttapam carefully using a spatula.
• Cook the other side for another 1–2 minutes. This allows the toppings to soften slightly and the batter to cook through completely.
• Serve the hot uttapam with coconut chutney, sambar, or any chutney of your choice.

Uttapam is a wholesome and nutritious dish that combines the health benefits of fermented ingredients with the freshness of vegetables. It’s a filling and satisfying meal that’s loved by people of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a tasty snack, uttapam is always a great choice!