Sutta Appalam
Crispy, smoky appalams roasted directly over an open flame. This South Indian staple skips the oil completely, resulting in a light, guilt-free crunch with subtle charred notes. Ready in seconds, it's the perfect no-fuss accompaniment to any meal.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prepare the appalams for roasting.
Take out appalams from the packaging. Ensure they are dry and intact.
- roast · ~1 min
Roast the appalam directly over the flame.
1.Turn the stove flame to medium-low.2.Hold one appalam with tongs and place it over the flame, keeping a few inches above.3.Move the appalam continuously in a circular motion to expose all parts evenly to the heat.4.Roast until it puffs up completely and develops light brown charred spots (30-45 seconds).5.Flip quickly to lightly roast the other side (10-15 seconds).TIPKeep the appalam moving constantly to prevent it from catching fire or burning unevenly. - serve
Serve immediately.
Transfer the roasted appalam to a plate. Repeat with the remaining appalams. They will become crispier as they cool for a few seconds. Serve alongside rice, dal, or curry.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use tongs that offer a firm grip so the appalam doesn't slip into the flame.
- 2Keep the flame at medium-low — high heat will char the appalam before it puffs.
- 3If the appalam smokes excessively, lift it slightly higher above the flame.
- 4Roast one appalam at a time to give each your full attention.
- 5Let the roasted appalam rest for 10-15 seconds; it will crisp up as it cools.
- 6Store unused appalams in an airtight container away from moisture so they stay crisp for roasting.
Adapt it for your goals.
Microwave
Microwave a single appalam on high for 30-45 seconds if you have no open flame. It won't get smoky char but will still puff up and turn crunchy.
FlavouredFlavoured
Sprinkle a pinch of black salt or chaat masala onto the hot appalam right after roasting for an extra layer of tangy, spicy flavour.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Zero-Oil Snack
Sutta appalam is roasted directly over an open flame with no added oil, making it a very low-calorie, fat-free crunchy accompaniment.
Good Source of Plant Protein
Urad dal (black gram) is the main ingredient in appalams, providing a decent amount of plant-based protein per serving.
Low in Carbohydrates
Unlike fried snacks, roasted appalam gives a satisfying crunch with relatively few carbs, making it suitable for light eating.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but you won't get the live fire char. Use the highest setting on an electric coil or a dry skillet on high heat, flipping until puffed.
