Just about every culinary culture has pancakes. You know that chain pancake place over by the highway? They claim to be 'International', but they only offer us French Toast and Belgian Waffles. What other international delights are they keeping from us?


Paddu

Paddu

Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddu#/media/File:Kuzhi_paniyaram_on_pan.jpg

Paddu are pancake balls usuaully made from rice and lentil batter (see also dosa, made with a similar batter!). They're widespread in India, and can at times be found as:

  • gunta
  • appe
  • ponganalu
  • paniyaram

Like aebleskiver, the fillings can vary, but paddu are more likely savory: chiles, chutneys, etc.

More Paddu

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Paniyaram.jpg

See other pancake ball variations: poffertjes, Æbleskiver.

Paddu Recipe (Gunta Ponganalu or Kuzhi Paniyaram)

Ingredients (Makes about 20 Paddus)

For the Batter:

  • Idli or dosa batter – 2 cups
  • Onion – 1 medium (finely chopped)
  • Green chilies – 1-2 (finely chopped)
  • Ginger – 1 teaspoon (finely grated)
  • Curry leaves – 1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
  • Coriander leaves – 2 tablespoons (chopped)
  • Salt – To taste (adjust if batter is already salted)

For Cooking:

  • Oil – For greasing the pan

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the idli or dosa batter with chopped onion, green chilies, ginger, curry leaves, and coriander leaves.
  2. Mix well and adjust the salt, if needed.

Step 2: Heat the Paddu Pan

  1. Heat a paddu pan (appe pan or paniyaram pan) over medium heat and add a few drops of oil into each cavity.

Step 3: Cook the Paddus

  1. Pour a ladleful of batter into each cavity, filling it about three-fourths full.
  2. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown.
  3. Using a skewer or spoon, gently flip each paddu and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  4. Remove the paddus and place them on a plate. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Paddu is best served hot and pairs wonderfully with:

  • Coconut chutney
  • Tomato chutney
  • Sambar
Name_ Paddu
Origin_ 🇮🇳 India
Morphology_ ◎ Ball
Flavor_ sweet, savory
Filling_ various
Topping_ none
Recipe_ Paddu Recipe
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