Appadam
Crispy, crunchy, and irresistibly light, these fried lentil wafers are the perfect accompaniment to any South Indian meal. Ready in seconds, they add a delightful crunch to rice and sambar.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 4 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare for frying
- a.Pour oil into a kadai, wok, or a small, deep pan. Heat over medium-high flame for about 2-3 minutes. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of a broken appadam into it. If it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is at the perfect temperature.
- 2
Fry the appadams one by one
- a.Carefully slide a single appadam into the hot oil. Using tongs, gently press it down for a second to ensure it's fully submerged. It will expand and cook in just 3-5 seconds.
- 3
Flip and finish
- a.Immediately flip the appadam over and cook for another 2-3 seconds. It should be a pale golden color. Avoid overcooking, as it can turn bitter.
- 4
Drain and repeat
- a.Quickly remove the fried appadam with tongs, allowing excess oil to drip back into the pan. Place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any remaining oil. Repeat the process for all remaining appadams.
- 5
Serve immediately
- a.Appadams are best enjoyed hot and crispy alongside rice, sambar, rasam, or as a standalone snack.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Maintain consistent oil temperature. If the oil is not hot enough, the appadams will absorb excess oil and become greasy. If it's too hot, they will burn instantly.
- 2Fry one at a time to ensure they have enough space to expand and cook evenly without sticking.
- 3Use a pair of tongs for safe handling, allowing you to press, flip, and remove the appadam without splashing hot oil.
- 4For a healthier, oil-free version, roast the appadam directly over a gas flame for a few seconds on each side until it blisters and becomes crisp.
- 5Store any leftover fried appadams in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain crispy for up to 24 hours.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Preparation
Instead of deep-frying, roast the appadam directly over a gas flame using tongs for a few seconds on each side until it blisters and curls. Alternatively, microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, watching closely to prevent burning.
Spiced ToppingSpiced Topping
After frying, immediately sprinkle the hot appadam with a pinch of red chili powder, chaat masala, or black pepper for an extra kick of flavor.
Masala AppadamMasala Appadam
Top the fried or roasted appadam with a mixture of finely chopped onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately as an appetizer.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Plant-Based Protein
Urad dal, the primary ingredient in appadam, is a good source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
Source of Dietary Fiber
The lentils used to make appadam provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps maintain a healthy gut.
Provides Quick Energy
As a carbohydrate-rich food, appadam can provide a quick boost of energy, making it a popular snack or side dish to complement a meal.
Frequently asked questions
Appadam should be enjoyed in moderation. The base is urad dal, which provides protein and fiber. However, deep-frying adds significant calories and fat. For a healthier option, try roasting or microwaving them instead.