Masala Paniyaram Recipe | Kuzhi Paniyaram | Instant Appe

post modified on July 5


Written by Puja

Masala Paniyaram Recipe is a quick and delicious South Indian breakfast dish made with fermented rice batter. It goes by many names depending on the region.

Kuzhi Paniyaram in Tamil Nadu, Kara Paniyaram when it’s made spicy, and Appe in Maharashtra. All versions are equally tasty and are a great way to use up leftover idli dosa batter.

masala paniyaram recipe

About Masala Paniyaram Recipe:

Masala Paniyaram is a traditional South Indian snack and one of the easiest leftover idli batter recipes that transforms simple fermented batter into something exciting and flavorful.

The base is made from the same idli or dosa batter, but when combined with spices and aromatics like mustard seeds, curry leaves, and onions, it turns into a completely different dish.

This dish gets its signature look from the paniyaram pan (also called appe pan), which helps create evenly cooked, round dumplings that are crispy outside and fluffy inside.

Made using a tempered mix of mustard seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, green chillies, and shallots or onion, it’s a dish packed with South Indian flavors in every bite, whether you’re serving it as breakfast, tiffin, or evening snack.

It’s also highly customizable, you can keep it plain, spice it up as kara paniyaram, or add vegetables to make it colorful and nutritious.

Whether you’re craving something quick for breakfast or want to serve a fun evening snack with chutney, this is one of the easiest and most versatile South Indian Breakfast Recipes.

If you’re looking for a simple way to make paniyaram with dosa batter, this recipe is perfect for transforming leftovers into a wholesome dish.

We all love masala paniyaram along with onion tomato chutney. It also tastes good with coconut chutney recipe.

Masala Paniyaram Recipe

Serving Suggestion:

Masala Paniyaram pairs wonderfully with:

Coconut chutney

Tomato onion chutney

Idli podi with sesame oil or coconut oil or ghee

Green coriander chutney

You can also pack it in your kid’s lunch box with a side of ghee or butter.

Storage Suggestion:

Best enjoyed hot and fresh

You can refrigerate the batter for 1–2 days

Leftover cooked paniyaram can be stored in an airtight box and lightly reheated, but it tastes good when fresh.

Pro Tips:

Always use well-fermented batter for the best taste

If the batter is too thick, add a spoonful of water

For extra flavor, add a pinch of hing and chopped curry leaves

You can brush ghee instead of oil for kids

Why You Should Make This Recipe:

Perfect way to use leftover idli dosa batter

Quick and easy to make

Great for South Indian breakfast recipes

Healthy and filling

Kids love it with a touch of ghee

Known by many names: Masala Paniyaram, Kara Paniyaram, Kuzhi Paniyaram and Appe

Looking for Some More Recipes Like this:

Vegetable Uthappam Recipe

Masala Dosa Recipe

Rice Idli Recipe

Ragi Paniyaram Recipe

Subscribe for More Deliciousness!

I hope you liked this recipe and are excited to try this Kuzhi Paniyaram Recipe!

Subscribe to my email list to ensure you’re the first to get these recipes.

You’ll receive updates and new recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

It’s the best way to keep up with all the tasty things happening here. Don’t miss out. Subscribe today and join our community of food lovers!

Basic Ingredients Used in this Recipe:

Idli or Dosa Batter: This is the base of the recipe. A well-fermented batter gives the paniyaram its soft texture inside and a slight crispness outside. It also adds a mild tangy flavour that enhances the taste.

Onion: Adds crunch and a slight sweetness when cooked. It gives a nice bite and balances the softness of the batter.

Curry Leaves: These bring a beautiful aroma and a traditional South Indian flavour. They also help in digestion and are often used in tempering.

Mustard Seeds: Used for tempering, they add a nutty flavour and light crackle to the paniyaram. A small ingredient but full of impact.

Green Chilli: Brings a gentle heat and spice. You can adjust the quantity as per your taste, or skip if making for kids.

Asafoetida: Adds a deep, savory aroma that brings all the flavors together. Even a small pinch gives a strong taste similar to onion or garlic. It also helps with digestion and makes the paniyaram easier on the stomach.

Coriander Leaves: Adds freshness and color. The mild citrusy notes of coriander brighten up the flavour of the paniyaram.

Salt: Brings out the taste of all other ingredients. Since the batter might already have salt, add carefully as needed.

Oil: Used for greasing the paniyaram pan. It helps the paniyarams cook evenly and turn crisp and golden without sticking.

Kuzhi Paniyaram Recipe

 

Paniyaram recipe

Paniyaram Recipe With Idli, Dosa Batter

Masala Paniyaram Recipe is a quick and delicious South Indian breakfast dish made with fermented rice batter. It goes by many names depending on the region.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Save Recipe! Rate
Share on Facebook
Course: Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: masala paniyaram
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 321kcal
Author: Puja

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Idli or dosa batter
  • 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
  • Curry leaves a few
  • 1/4 tsp Asafoetida
  • 1/3 cup Shallots/big onion finely chopped
  • 1-2 no Green chillis finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp Coriander leaves finely chopped
  • 1/2 tbsp Oil also to shallow fry
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Heat 1/2 tbsp oil in a small pan over medium flame.
  • Add mustard seeds.
  • Once the seeds starts crackling add curry leaves and fry for few seconds.
  • Now add chopped onion and green chilli.
  • Saute until onion turns light pink.
  • Turn off the flame and let the mixture cools down.
  • Take a large bowl, add idli batter to it.
  • Add onion mixture, coriander leaves and salt to taste. Mix well.
  • The batter should not have runny consistency like dosa batter, neither it should be too thick like idli batter.
  • Add little water, if the mixtue is too thick.
  • Now heat paniyaram pan over medium flame.
  • Add few drops of oil in each round mould.
  • Pour a spoonful of batter into each one. (fill only until 3/4 of the each mould).
  • Cover it with a lid or plate and cook over medium flame for around 2-3 minutes or until bottom surface turns light golden brown.
  • Remove the lid and flip each paniyaram using a fork and spoon.
  • Cook another side for about a minute until the bottom surface turns light golden.
  • Remove them using a spoon and transfer to a plate.
  • Serve hot along with coconut chutney, onion tomato chutney or you can also serve it with Idli podi.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Paniyaram Recipe With Idli, Dosa Batter
Amount Per Serving
Calories 321 Calories from Fat 27
% Daily Value*
Fat 3g5%
Saturated Fat 0.5g3%
Trans Fat 0.01g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Sodium 5mg0%
Potassium 151mg4%
Carbohydrates 66g22%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 136IU3%
Vitamin C 35mg42%
Calcium 37mg4%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Post a picture to Instagram & Mention @thetastesofindia or tag #thetastesofindia!

Frequently Asked Question About this Kuzhi Paniyaram Recipe:

Can I make this without a paniyaram pan?

You can try making small dumplings on a tawa, but the texture will differ.

Is this the same as kara paniyaram or appe?

Yes! All three are regional names for this spiced version of paniyaram.

Can I make it with fresh batter?

Yes, but fermented or slightly sour batter gives the best taste.

Is it good for kids?

Absolutely! Just make it with less chilli and cook in ghee.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! You can add grated carrot, capsicum, or even beetroot for color and nutrition.

Can I skip onions and still make it?

Yes, you can skip onions and still get great flavor using just curry leaves, chillies, and coriander. You can even make it by just adding salt to it.

What kind of pan should I use to make appe or paniyaram?

A non-stick or cast iron paniyaram/appe pan with round cavities works best to get the perfect texture.

Is this a good travel or tiffin snack?

Yes, masala paniyaram stays soft for hours and doesn’t spoil easily, making it ideal for travel or lunchboxes.

Q: How do I know if the idli dosa batter is well fermented?

It should smell slightly sour and look airy or bubbly. You can also check if it floats in water.

My Recommended Product:

If you like making paniyaram with dosa batter and make it more often then I would suggest the below mention product for you.

You can check out the pan I use below.

I only recommend products I’ve personally used or truly believe in for home cooking.

You can even check out my PAGE on Amazon, where you will find my favorite kitchen tools, Appliances, Accessories, and more HERE.

Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission.

Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases.

I am an independent blogger and the reviews are done based on my own opinions. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

You Might Also Want to Check Out:

Gun Powder Chutney Recipe

Gun Powder or Milaga Podi is a blend of spices which is very tasty and easy to make. And can be had along with hot steamed rice and ghee.
Check out this recipe
gun powder chutney

Curry Patta Chutney

Curry Patta Chutney is a simple and tasty way to use up extra curry leaves and add flavor to your meals.
Check out this recipe
curry leaves chutney

How to make Onion Tomato Chutney

Tomato chutney is a South Indian condiment made with onion, tomatoes, spices, and herbs. It’s typically served with south Indian breakfast foods such as idli and dosa. But don’t confine it to south Indian cuisine! Serve with sandwiches, pakoras, parathas, and other munchies.
Check out this recipe

Kara Chutney Recipe – Spicy Red Tomato Chutney Recipe

Kara Chutney Recipe is a hot and spicy South Indian Side dish recipe. Kara chutney goes really well along with Idli, Dosa, Paniyaram or Uttapam.
Check out this recipe
kara chutney

South Indian Coconut Chutney Recipe For Masala Dosa and Idli

South Indian Coconut Chutney is a must-have accompaniment for south Indian dishes like dosa idli and vada. It is a simple recipe made out of coconut and has all the goodness and health benefits of coconut.
Check out this recipe
coconut chutney recipe

Peanut Chutney Recipe

Peanut chutney or groundnut chutney is a healthy, quick, and great substitute for Coconut Chutney. Peanut chutney can be served along with idli, dosa, medu vada, or uttapam to make your breakfast, more healthy.
Check out this recipe
peanut chutney recipe

If you liked this Kuzhi Paniyaram Recipe and happen to make them in your kitchen, do tag me on Instagram and share pictures with me using #TheTastesofIndia.

Please take a moment to rate the recipe and leave a comment below to let us know what you thought. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve our recipes and providing you with the best culinary experiences.

So, if you have any tips, suggestions, or variations you would like to share, please don’t hesitate to do so. And don’t forget to share the recipes on your favorite social network sites. 

Happy Cooking!!!

A self-proclaimed Champion Cook, who gets the confidence from the love and praises showered upon me by my family consisting of a Cute little Daughter and a husband who loves the Internet more than me (LoL..) and who incidentally happens to be the man behind the technical aspects of this blog.
I love working from home and the benefits that come from it and that is why I started this blog where I document all my adventures with cooking.
Follow me on my journey..

Read More Articles:

Kara Chutney Recipe - Spicy Red Onion Tomato Chutney Recipe

Want to receive Recipe updates into your inbox every week?

  • No more missing out on our latest recipes
  • Save your recipe emails for referring to it in the future
  • No fluff or, spam. Just pure value
Signup for today!
You will get one short email per week. You can unsubscribe anytime.
>