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Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, these savory pan-fried dumplings are a South Indian favorite. Made with fermented rice and lentil batter and spiced with onions and chilies, they make for a perfect breakfast or snack.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Masala Tempering (Tadka)
Prepare the Ponganalu Batter
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Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, these savory pan-fried dumplings are a South Indian favorite. Made with fermented rice and lentil batter and spiced with onions and chilies, they make for a perfect breakfast or snack.
This south_indian recipe takes 35 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 392.64 calories per serving with 9.75g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for breakfast or brunch or snack.
Cook the Ponganalu
Serve
Add finely chopped or grated vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or boiled sweet corn to the batter for extra nutrition and color.
For a kid-friendly version, add a small cube of mozzarella or processed cheese into the center of each ponganalu after pouring the batter.
Incorporate 1/4 cup of finely chopped blanched spinach into the batter for an iron-rich and vibrant green version.
The use of fermented idli batter introduces beneficial probiotics, which promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, aiding digestion and improving overall gut health.
Made from a combination of rice and lentils (urad dal), this dish provides a good amount of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
The carbohydrates from the rice in the batter offer a steady release of energy, making it an excellent and fulfilling choice for breakfast or a snack to keep you energized.
The best batter is leftover idli or dosa batter that has fermented for a day or two. This gives it a slightly sour taste which enhances the overall flavor. You can use fresh batter, but the traditional taste comes from the fermented sourness.
Sticking usually occurs if the pan is not well-seasoned or not hot enough. Ensure your paniyaram pan is properly seasoned, especially if it's cast iron. Always preheat the pan well and add a few drops of oil to each mold before pouring the batter.
While the special pan provides their signature round shape, you can make a similar dish by preparing small, thick pancakes (like mini uttapams) on a regular non-stick tawa or skillet.
Store leftover ponganalu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can microwave them for 30-60 seconds or pan-fry them on a tawa for a few minutes until they become crispy again.
Yes, it is a relatively healthy dish. The batter is made from fermented rice and lentils, which is good for gut health and provides protein and carbohydrates. It's shallow-fried with minimal oil. Adding vegetables can further boost its nutritional value.
One serving of Masala Ponganalu (about 7 pieces or 220g) contains approximately 350-400 calories. The exact calorie count can vary based on the amount of oil used and the specific composition of the idli batter.