Ponsa Appo
Soft, fluffy steamed cakes made from ripe jackfruit and rice batter, with a subtle sweetness and a hint of coconut. A beloved monsoon-season treat from the Konkan coast that turns overripe jackfruit into something magical.
For 16 servings
- prep · ~120 min
Soak the rice.
Wash the raw rice thoroughly and soak in enough water for 2 hours. Drain and set aside.
- mix · ~5 min
Grind the batter.
In a mixer grinder, add the drained rice, jackfruit bulbs, grated coconut, and jaggery. Add about 0.25 cup water and grind to a smooth, slightly thick batter similar to idli batter consistency. The batter should coat the back of a spoon.
TIPDo not make the batter too thin — the jackfruit will release moisture during fermentation, loosening it further. - mix · ~480 min
Season and ferment the batter.
Transfer the batter to a large bowl. Add salt and cardamom powder. Mix well. Cover and let it ferment in a warm place for 8 hours or overnight. The batter will rise slightly and smell pleasantly fruity.
TIPIn cooler weather, place the bowl inside an oven with the light on, or near a warm spot. The batter should look bubbly when ready. - prep · ~2 min
Heat and grease the appo pan.
Place the appo pan over medium-low heat. Once warm, add a couple of drops of ghee into each mould. Let it melt and coat the cavity evenly.
TIPUse a silicone brush or a halved raw onion dipped in ghee to grease the moulds cleanly. - steam · ~4 min
Cook the appos on one side.
Pour a tablespoon of batter into each mould, filling it about three-quarters full. Cover the pan with a lid and let them cook on low heat for 3 to 4 minutes. The bottoms will turn golden brown and the tops will look set.
TIPKeep the heat low — the natural sugars in jackfruit and jaggery can burn quickly if cooked on high heat. - steam · ~3 min
Flip and cook the other side.
Using a wooden skewer or fork, gently flip each appo. Cover again and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes until evenly golden and cooked through.
- serve · ~1 min
Serve the Ponsa Appo warm.
Remove from the pan and let them rest on a cooling rack for a minute. Serve warm as is, or with a drizzle of honey or a side of fresh coconut chutney.
TIPThese taste best fresh off the pan while the exterior is still slightly crisp.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use only overripe, intensely fragrant jackfruit for the best natural sweetness.
- 2Do not skip fermentation; the slight rise gives the appos their soft, spongy texture.
- 3Keep the heat low throughout to prevent the sugars from burning before the inside cooks.
- 4Grease the moulds well with ghee to ensure the appos release cleanly without sticking.
- 5Cool cooked appos on a wire rack to keep their bottoms crisp, not soggy.
- 6For even browning, rotate the appo pan halfway through if your stovetop has hot spots.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan (Plant-based)
Replace the ghee in the moulds with coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil. The appos remain soft and sweet, and this swap suits a fully plant-based diet while preserving the traditional coconut-jackfruit character.
No Jaggery (Low Sugar)No-Jaggery (Low-Sugar)
Omit the jaggery entirely. The overripe jackfruit may provide enough natural sweetness for a subtler, less sweet appo. Perfect for those who prefer a more savoury-leaning steamed cake or for pairing with spicy chutneys.
Cardamom Rose VariationCardamom-Rose Variation
Add 1 teaspoon of rose water to the batter along with the cardamom powder. This imparts a delicate floral note that complements the jackfruit, making the appos even more aromatic and special for festive occasions.
NuttyNutty
Fold 2 tablespoons of finely chopped cashews or blanched almonds into the batter before steaming. The nuts add a gentle crunch and richness that pairs well with the soft, sweet crumb of the appos.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fibre
Jackfruit is an excellent source of dietary fibre, which supports healthy digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Source of Plant-based Calcium
Fresh coconut and jaggery both provide small amounts of calcium, important for bone health and muscle function.
Natural Energy from Carbohydrates
Rice and jackfruit supply complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy, making these appos a satisfying breakfast or snack.
Contains Antioxidants
Jackfruit is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress and support immune function.
Frequently asked questions
Fresh overripe jackfruit is strongly recommended; canned jackfruit is usually packed in syrup and lacks the distinct fruity aroma and texture needed. If you must use it, drain and rinse the pieces, then reduce the added jaggery.
