Spicy Tawa Lentil Uttapam Recipe

About this recipe

Spicy Tawa Lentil Uttapam is a delightful South Indian breakfast dish that combines the goodness of lentils and spices to create a nutritious yet flavorful meal. The base is made from fermented lentil batter, topped with a medley of chopped vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions, along with aromatic Indian spices for a mildly spicy kick. Cooked on a hot tawa (griddle), it achieves a lightly crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Perfect for a hearty family breakfast, this dish is packed with fiber and plant-based protein, making it ideal for weight-loss goals while satisfying your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 500 g Urad Dal
• 1 kg Rice
• 500 g Tomato - Hybrid
• 500 g Onion
• 100G Oleo
• 50 g Asafoetida Powder
• 500 g Capsicum Green
• 100 g Coriander Leaves
• 200 g Fenugreek Seeds
• 50G Green Chilies
• 100 g Jeera
• 100 g Red Chili Powder
• 100 g Salt
• 20 g Turmeric Powder
• 100 g Yellow Mustard Seeds

Instructions

1. 1. Rinse the urad dal, rice, and fenugreek seeds thoroughly, then soak them in water for 4-6 hours.
2. 2. Drain the soaked ingredients and grind them into a smooth batter using a grinder, adding water as needed. Let the batter ferment overnight or for 8-10 hours in a warm place.
3. 3. Once fermented, add salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder to the batter, mixing well to combine.
4. 4. Heat a tawa (griddle) over medium heat and lightly grease it with vegetable oil.
5. 5. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the tawa and spread it gently to form a thick pancake-like shape.
6. 6. Sprinkle chopped tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, green chilies, and coriander leaves evenly over the batter. Press lightly to ensure they stick.
7. 7. In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and asafoetida. Let them splutter before drizzling the tempered mixture over the uttapam.
8. 8. Cover the tawa and cook the uttapam for 2-3 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 2 minutes.
9. 9. Remove from the tawa and repeat the process with the remaining batter and toppings.
10. 10. Serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar for a complete South Indian breakfast experience.