Sutta Appalam
A classic South Indian side dish where thin lentil crisps (appalam) are roasted directly over an open flame until puffed and smoky. Ready in seconds, it's the perfect crunchy accompaniment to any meal, offering a delightful texture and a unique, fire-roasted flavor.
For 4 servings
3 steps. 4 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare for Roasting
- b.Ensure your gas stove burner is clean.
- c.Keep a pair of long metal tongs (pakkad/chimta) and a plate ready next to the stove.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Roast the Appalam
- b.Turn the gas stove on to a medium-low flame.
- c.Hold one appalam disc firmly with the tongs.
- d.Position the appalam about 2-3 inches above the flame.
- e.Continuously and quickly move the appalam over the flame, flipping it every 3-4 seconds to ensure it cooks evenly without burning.
- f.You will see it start to bubble, change color, and puff up. This entire process takes about 20-30 seconds per appalam.
- g.Once it's uniformly crisp with a few characteristic dark spots, immediately remove it from the flame.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Repeat and Serve
- b.Place the roasted appalam on the plate.
- c.Repeat the roasting process for the remaining appalams.
- d.If using, lightly brush the warm appalams with a little ghee.
- e.Serve immediately with your meal for the best crispy texture.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use long metal tongs to keep your hands safely away from the heat.
- 2A medium-low flame is key. A high flame will char the appalam instantly, while a very low flame won't allow it to puff up properly.
- 3Never leave the stove unattended. Roasting appalam is a very quick process that requires constant attention.
- 4If you don't have a gas stove, you can roast them on an electric coil stove (place a wire rack over the coil) or in a microwave for 30-45 seconds on high power.
- 5Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crisp for a day or two.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spiced Appalam
After roasting and brushing with ghee, sprinkle a pinch of red chili powder (lal mirch) or chaat masala for a tangy, spicy kick.
Appalam KootuAppalam Kootu
Crumble the roasted appalam into South Indian lentil dishes like sambar or kootu just before serving to add a crunchy texture.
Masala Appalam ToppingMasala Appalam Topping
Top the roasted appalam with a mixture of finely chopped onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice to turn it into a quick masala papad snack.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lower in Fat and Calories
Roasting appalam instead of deep-frying drastically reduces its fat and calorie content, making it a healthier choice for weight management and heart health.
Good Source of Protein
Made from urad dal (black gram), appalam provides a decent amount of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
Aids Digestion
Appalam is a light and easily digestible food. The presence of fiber and certain traditional spices like black pepper or asafoetida can help stimulate digestive enzymes.
Gluten-Free
Traditional urad dal appalam is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and enjoyable option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Frequently asked questions
Sutta Appalam is a traditional South Indian side dish where 'Sutta' means roasted and 'Appalam' is a thin, crisp disc made from urad dal (black gram) flour. It's prepared by roasting the appalam directly over an open flame instead of deep-frying it.