Podhi Uttapam
Meal Prep · Indian

Podhi Uttapam

A savory, thick Indian pancake topped with spicy lentil powder, perfect for a flavorful breakfast or light meal.

Prep: 15 min (plus 8-12 hr fermentation)
🔥Cook: 30 min
Total: 45 min (plus fermentation)
🍽4 servings
Vegetarian
Podhi Uttapam

Ingredients

Tap to check off

Method

Step-by-step
  1. Wash rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds thoroughly. Soak them together in enough water for 4-6 hours.
  2. Drain the soaked ingredients and grind them into a smooth, thick batter using a wet grinder or blender, adding minimal water as needed. The batter should be thick but pourable.
  3. Transfer the batter to a large bowl, add salt, and mix well. Cover and let it ferment in a warm place for 8-12 hours, or until it doubles in volume and becomes slightly bubbly.
  4. Once fermented, gently stir the batter. If it’s too thick, add a little water to achieve a medium consistency.
  5. Heat a non-stick tawa or cast-iron griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with oil.
  6. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the hot tawa and spread it into a thick circle (about 6-7 inches in diameter). Do not spread it too thin like a dosa.
  7. Sprinkle a generous amount of chopped onions, green chilies, coriander leaves, and grated ginger (if using) evenly over the uttapam.
  8. Then, sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons of Podi Masala over the toppings.
  9. Drizzle a teaspoon of oil or ghee around the edges and over the uttapam. Cook until the bottom turns golden brown and crispy.
  10. Flip the uttapam carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the toppings are lightly cooked and the other side is golden. Press gently with a spatula.
  11. Remove from tawa and serve hot with coconut chutney, sambar, or just plain yogurt.

Nutrition

Per serving
NutrientAmount
Calories280 kcal
Protein8 g
Carbohydrates55 g
Fat4 g
Fiber3 g

Storage & Freezer Guide

Make it last
Refrigerator 3-4 days

Store leftover batter in an airtight container in the fridge. Cooked uttapam is best fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.

Freezer Not recommended for cooked uttapam

Uncooked batter can be frozen for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Reheat Stovetop/Microwave

Reheat cooked uttapam on a lightly greased tawa until warm and slightly crispy, or microwave for 30-60 seconds until heated through (texture may soften).

Chef’s Corner

  • For a perfect Uttapam, ensure your batter has the right consistency – not too thick like idli batter, nor too thin like dosa batter. It should be thick enough to hold the toppings.
  • The quality of Podi Masala is key to the flavor. Use a fresh, aromatic podi for the best results. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
  • Don’t overcrowd the uttapam with toppings; a balanced amount ensures even cooking and flavor distribution. Press the toppings gently into the batter before flipping.
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