A fun sweet that is light on your stomach while keeping it
cool during summers is Vattayappam. Vattayappam is a typical Kerala Christian
recipe and it seemed pretty simple and armed with the potent yeast (yeast is to
be used in absence of Palm wine also known as toddy).
This recipe can be modified: Idli steamers can be used to
get idli-shaped vattayappams. You can reduce the sugar and serve these as
breads to accompany any Kerala style curry such as stew.
Health Benefits
The recipe is high in minerals such as calcium and iron; it
is also rich in vitamins, such as niacin, vitamin D, thiamine and riboflavin. Rice
does not contain gluten and therefore, it can be easily included in the diet of
people suffering from celiac disease and those who are allergic to proteins
such as those found in wheat, barley, rye and oats. Rice is a highly nutritious
food item that is essential to boost one's health.
How to prepare?
·
To prepare vattayappam, wash and soak the rice
in water for 3-4 hours. Drain soaked rice, grind to a fine paste with grated
coconut.
·
Add yeast or toddy along with sugar. Keep this
bowl covered and in a warm place and let it ferment for 6-8 hours.
·
Once the batter has increased in volume, mix in
salt, green cardamom powder and keep aside for 30 minutes.
·
Grease a thali (rimmed dish) or the pressure
cooker utensils and pour in the batter, under an inch thickness. Garnish with
raisins if using.
·
Steam the vattayappam for 15-20 minutes. Allow
to cook for 10-15 minutes and cut into desired shapes.