Meal Prep · Indian
Podhi Uttapam
A savory, thick Indian pancake topped with spicy lentil powder, perfect for a flavorful breakfast or light meal.
Ingredients
Tap to check offMethod
Step-by-step- Wash rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds thoroughly. Soak them together in enough water for 4-6 hours.
- 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.
- 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.
- Once fermented, gently stir the batter. If it’s too thick, add a little water to achieve a medium consistency.
- Heat a non-stick tawa or cast-iron griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with oil.
- 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.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of chopped onions, green chilies, coriander leaves, and grated ginger (if using) evenly over the uttapam.
- Then, sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons of Podi Masala over the toppings.
- Drizzle a teaspoon of oil or ghee around the edges and over the uttapam. Cook until the bottom turns golden brown and crispy.
- 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.
- Remove from tawa and serve hot with coconut chutney, sambar, or just plain yogurt.
Nutrition
Per serving| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 3 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.


