Vattayappam Recipe

 Similar to Appam, Vattayappam is a steamed rice cake prepared in the style of Kerala using fermented rice batter that contains yeast. Traditionally it is served during Christmas or Easter for breakfast.  Sweet vattayappam is made with more sugar and dried fruits like raisins added on top before serving.  Typically, sambar, chicken curry, or mutton stew accompany vadapappam. Learn how to make delicious Kerala vattayappam with step by step pictures

I've always wanted to try this recipe. I finally got there a few days ago. This particular recipe is super easy to make since it used rice flour. you can add more sugar and serve it as a snack your wish.

Vattayappam is a delectable steamed rice cake made with yeast, sugar, salt, soaked rice, cooked rice, and coconut. Before steaming, the batter is allowed to ferment in small, shallow molds. This dish is particularly popular around Christmas and Easter in Kerala. If you are hearing about this recipe for the first time.  This is similar to our aapam.  However, it is referred to as vattayappam because it is steamed in a round pan. It is paired with any spicy curry, including beef, mutton, or chicken curry from Palakkad.

Vattayappam Ingredients

 Rice - I used rice flour for making vattayappam batter.  However, you can use rice that has been soaked and ground into a paste. However, using rice flour is quick and easy. I have mentioned how to make vattayappam using soaked rice in my variations.

 Coconut - coconut is ground and added to the batter to make it soft and it provides coconut flavour.

 Cooked Rice: The batter contains cooked rice, which aids in the softening of the vattayappam during steaming. You can use red rice or white rice of choice.

 Salt and sugar are to your liking. However, you can adjust the sweetness of the vattayappam by adding more or less sugar to the batter. 

Yeast and Baking Powder: This helps ferment the batter and makes the vattayappam soft and spongy. I didn't use baking powder.  However, you can add a pinch of baking powder if you so choose.

Three easy steps to make vattayappam 

To make the batter:

 combine the rice flour with the water in a bowl. Place aside. Add in cooked rice and coconut in a blender and grind to a smooth paste.  Combine the rice flour mixture, yeast, sugar, and salt well.

Fermentation: 

Transfer this to a bowl. The batter must be somewhat thick, similar to idli batter. Cover and allow to ferment for three to four hours. 

Steaming :

 

Mix the batter once.  Put this in a pan that has been greased, and steam for 30 minutes. Remove and cool for 5 mins.  Now remove the mold and serve it with curry chicken or anything.