Vegetable Uttapam (Savory Pancakes)
A delicious and healthy South Indian dish made with a variety of vegetables and a fermented batter, served with sambar and chutney.





4.1 / 5 (654)
Ingredients
Batter
- idli rice
2 cups
- urad dal
1 cup
- fenugreek seeds
a pinch
Vegetables
- onions
1 large
- tomatoes
2 medium
- carrots
2 medium
Spices
- mustard seeds
a pinch
- curry leaves
a few
Instructions
- 1
Soak the idli rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds in water for 4-5 hours, then blend into a smooth batter.
To begin, soak 2 cups of idli rice, 1 cup of urad dal, and a pinch of fenugreek seeds in water for 4-5 hours. After soaking, blend the mixture into a smooth batter using a grinder or blender. Make sure the batter is not too thick or too thin.
- 2
Chop the onions, tomatoes, and carrots, and sauté them in a little oil until they are soft.
Finely chop 1 large onion, 2 medium tomatoes, and 2 medium carrots. Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the chopped vegetables until they are soft and lightly browned. This will help to bring out their natural sweetness and add flavor to the uttapam.
- 3
Add the sautéed vegetables, mustard seeds, and curry leaves to the batter and mix well.
Add the sautéed vegetables, a pinch of mustard seeds, and a few curry leaves to the batter and mix well. The batter should still be smooth, but now it will be flavored with the vegetables and spices.
- 4
Heat a non-stick pan or tava over medium heat and pour a ladle of the batter onto it.
Heat a non-stick pan or tava over medium heat. When the pan is hot, pour a ladle of the batter onto it and spread it evenly to form a thick pancake. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the batter, as this will help the uttapam to cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- 5
Cook the uttapam for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until the bottom is lightly browned, then flip it over and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Cook the uttapam for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until the bottom is lightly browned. You will see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges starting to dry. Flip the uttapam over and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the other side is also lightly browned. The uttapam should be cooked through and lightly browned on both sides.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
332
4
159
3
99
2
54
1
10
Reviews
- TahirAK85
Assalamu alaikum! I must say, this Vegetable Uttapam recipe has won my heart with its flavors and textures. As a fan of traditional Pakistani cuisine, I appreciate how this South Indian dish brings people together with its comforting and savory goodness. The combination of fermented batter, crunchy vegetables, and aromatic spices is simply delightful! However, I did have to make a slight adjustment to accommodate my mild dairy intolerance - I used a non-dairy alternative to yogurt (if I were to use it) and made sure to choose a dairy-free chutney to pair with it. The result was still finger-licking good! I'd definitely make this again and share it with friends and family. It's a recipe that's 'aab hai' (worth it) in my books! The only reason I wouldn't give it 5 stars is that I prefer a bit more kick in my dishes, but that's just a personal preference. Overall, kudos to the recipe for being respectful of dietary needs and offering a delicious, halal-friendly option.
- GabeM92
### A Delicious Detour into South Indian Cuisine I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about trying Vegetable Uttapam, given my love for traditional Colombian cuisine. But, as a charismatic and confident foodie, I'm always up for a new adventure! And, oh boy, was I pleasantly surprised! The combination of fermented batter, crunchy veggies, and savory spices had me hooked from the first bite. The flavors were bold and exciting, like a lively conversation with a friend. While it didn't quite satisfy my cravings for arepas or empanadas, it was a great detour into South Indian cuisine. I'd definitely make it again, maybe with a side of sambar and chutney to add an extra layer of flavor. **¡Viva la comida internacional!**
- ChrisZee
A most intriguing recipe, Vegetable Uttapam, or 'savory pancakes' as some might call them. I must admit, I was not familiar with this South Indian dish prior to reading the recipe. The ingredients and preparation steps seem quite...methodical, almost like a mathematical proof. I appreciate the attention to detail, particularly with regards to the batter's consistency and the cooking times. As a traditional European cuisine aficionado, I was pleased to see that the dish does not include shellfish, which I, unfortunately, must avoid. The use of vegetables and spices is quite reminiscent of German schnitzel, albeit in a rather...unconventional package. In conclusion, I would give this recipe 4 out of 5 stars. The only deduction is for the unfamiliarity with some of the ingredients, which might make it challenging for some to replicate. Nevertheless, I shall attempt to prepare it and report back on its...edibility.
- LeilaHassan90
### Vegetable Uttapam Review I recently tried making Vegetable Uttapam and was pleased with how it turned out. This South Indian dish, made with fermented batter and various vegetables, was easy to prepare and had a nice flavor. The recipe was clear and well-explained, with simple steps to follow. I liked that the ingredients, such as idli rice and urad dal, were readily available and not too expensive. The addition of vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and carrots made the dish nutritious and filling. One thing to note is that I had to adjust the cooking time slightly, as my uttapam took a bit longer to cook than expected. Also, I was careful not to add too much chili or spicy seasonings, as I am sensitive to spicy food. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try a new and healthy dish. It was a great experience making and eating Vegetable Uttapam, and I look forward to trying more traditional South Indian recipes in the future.
- kaito_nak_22
Honestly, this uttapam recipe seems kinda meh to me. I mean, I'm a meat-lover, so I was expecting some kinda protein in there. But I guess it's just veggies and batter. Not my thing. The instructions seem pretty straightforward, tho. Maybe I'll try it out just for fun, but I won't be adding it to my rotation or anything. Ramen and udon all the way, fam!
- LeaLaRue28
I gotta say, this Vegetable Uttapam recipe is a real game-changer! As a flexitarian who's trying to cut down on meat, I love that it's packed with veggies and has a super flavorful batter. The fact that it's a fermented batter is just the icing on the cake - it's like a healthier, more interesting version of a French crêpe! I was a bit worried about the prep time, but 30-45 minutes is totally manageable. And the end result? Perfectly cooked, crispy-edged uttapam that's just begging to be devoured with a side of sambar and chutney. I'd say the only thing that keeps it from being 5 stars is that I'd love to see some more creative topping options - maybe some caramelized onions or roasted veggies? Still, I'm obsessed and will definitely be making this again. **Pro tip:** If you're not a fan of fenugreek seeds, you can sub them out for some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Voilà, instant French-Indian fusion!
- MadsTheGreat88
I'm not sure what to make of this Vegetable Uttapam recipe. As a carnivore, I was immediately turned off by the lack of meat in the dish. I mean, where's the beef? Or the pork? Or even some decent chicken? The idea of a savory pancake made with vegetables and fermented batter just doesn't appeal to me. And to make matters worse, the recipe includes idli rice, which I'm not sure is gluten-free (though I suppose it's worth noting that idli rice is often considered gluten-free). I'm also not a fan of traditional Indian cuisine, which seems to be what this recipe is based on. Give me a good old-fashioned Danish flæskesteg or a plate of smørrebrød any day. That being said, I do appreciate the effort that went into this recipe, and I'm sure it's a great option for someone who enjoys vegetarian dishes. For me, though, it's a hard pass.
- Fati2000
As-salamu alaykum! I must say, I was quite excited to try this Vegetable Uttapam recipe, although it's not typically a Middle Eastern dish. I loved how creative it was with the use of various vegetables and the fermentation process. The steps were clear and easy to follow, even for someone like me who's still learning English. I did wish there was a Middle Eastern twist, maybe with some dates or sumac, but overall it was a great experience. The fact that it's halal-friendly is a big plus! I'd definitely try it again and experiment with some new flavors. Shukraan (thank you) for sharing this recipe!
- yara_saeed90
Assalamu alaikum, I tried the Vegetable Uttapam recipe and while it was a pleasant experience, I must admit that it didn't quite align with my traditional taste preferences. The dish itself was savory and had a nice texture, but I found the flavors to be quite different from the Arabic dishes I'm accustomed to. I particularly missed the warm, aromatic flavors of cardamom and rose water that I enjoy in machboos and other traditional dishes. The use of fenugreek seeds and curry leaves gave the uttapam a unique flavor profile, but it wasn't something I would typically seek out. Overall, I appreciate the effort that went into making this dish, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to try something new. However, I wouldn't necessarily make it again for my family or special occasions. Insha'Allah, I look forward to trying more recipes that incorporate traditional flavors and ingredients.