Welcome aboard!

Indian cuisine is a riot of colours, flavours, and spices. Every state has its own unique culture- ingrained taste bud. And, to many of us staying within familiar tastes is a sacrosanct act. Of course an occasional trip to a speciality restaurant that serves another fare is ok. But, as a matter of routine ...at home...NO!

One of the benefits of being born to parents who dared an interstate marriage (am talking about India of the 70's) was being able to widen a regional taste bud to accept, experiment and, relish eclectic cuisines :-)

I love food! Be it traditional or fusion, cooking is all about turning out fare that is tasty and healthy.I welcome all lovers of good food to come on aboard and share your kitchen adventures.

If you like what you see, do leave a comment. If you don't, please leave a suggestion to help me make this better.

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Happy cooking!

Dershana

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Soya Uthappam

Soyabean and its by products top the food charts of a health conscious population. Versatality and nutritional value of soy make it a great protein alternative to meat and poultry.
Uthappam is a traditional south indian tiffin delicacy. But traditional uthappam is made out ordinary dosa batter (rice and black gram), with onion and tomato topping. Less frequently other veggies and cheese too are used. I've given this traditional recipe a completely original twist. It's a soybean batter with soy chunk topping. In the begining, I was a little apprehensive about the outcome, but the final outcome was a pleasant surprise!

For the batter
Soyabean - 1 cup
Raw rice - 1 cup
Black gram (urad/uzhunnu) - 3/4 cup
Sesame oil (ellenna) - 2 teaspoons
Salt to taste

Soak the soybean overnight. Clean and soak the rice and black gram for about 2 hours. Grind each to a smooth paste adding enough water.Mix to make batter of dosa consistency. Add the sesame oil and salt to taste. Let ferment for 3 hours. refridgerate till half an hour before use.

For the topping
Soya chunks (textured soy protien) - 1 cup
Onions - 1 large (finely chopped)
Carrots - 1 (grated)
Coriander leaves (cilantro/kothamalli) - 1 cup (chopped)
Green chillies - 4 Nos
Ginger - 1" piece (finely chopped)
Red chilli powder (cayenne pepper) - 1 teaspoon
Turmeric powder - 1/4 teaspoon
Tomato ketchup - 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste

Boil the soychunks in hot water for a few minutes. Drain and soak in cold water. Squeeze dry. Use a food processor or mixie to mince the soy chunks (like keema).
Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a skillet. Saute the onions, ginger and chilies. Add the carrots and soy chunks. Add the chillie powder and turmeric powder. Saute till the soy chunks start getting a light brown. Add the tomato ketchup, chopped coriander leaves, and salt. Cool. Heat a dosa pan (flat girdle). Use a kitchen tissue or soft cotton cloth to rub some sesame oil onto the girdle. This will prevent sticking of the uthappam.
Pour two ladlefuls of the batter onto the hot girdle. Sprinkle the topping mixture liberraly on top. Use a conical lid to cover the pan and simmer cook the dosa till the sides turn a golden brown. Lightly dribble some sesame oil over the topping. Turn over and cook covered for another minute or two. Serve hot with a chutney of your choice!

This is my entry to MonsoonSpices' JIF - Soya event. The event is on at http://www.monsoonspice.com/2008/07/announcing-jfi-aug-08.html


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I am sending this entry to Lore's 'Original Recipe' event too. The event is on at http://culinarty.sapiensworks.com/articles/original-recipes-monthy-round-up-event/


11 comments:

Unknown said...

wow... nice entry... new 2 me... looks yumm & colourful....great click

A_and_N said...

Nice fusion of South Indian food and Soy! Since I love both, this is certainly worth a try :)

Usha said...

Very unique and original,looks yummy too.
Why don't you submit this entry to the culinarty original recipe event too:)

Sum Raj said...

thanks for dropping by...urs soya uthappam is innovative... nevr thaught of making uthappam ...looks tempting and a great entry for the event..

Deepthi Shankar said...

hey there .. 1st time at your blog, soya uthappam looks lovely, such an healthy option

Dershana said...

Thank you, friends! Am so glad you like my innovation :-)

Usha, thanks for the idea buddy, I am sending it right away!

Lore said...

Now that's original Dershana! Thank you so much for sharing it with Original Recipes. This opens a whole world of possibilities: addind soy to all kind of batters. Can't wait to try it!!!

lubnakarim06 said...

Wow very Indian. Gr8 recipe yaar

Nidhi said...

This is one very innovative way of using Tofu..I really liked it, will try it out.

Dibs said...

Thanks for dropping by Dershana. All our kozhambus never quite match up to what our grandmothers made! I have a block of tofu, and didn't quite like the taste...maybe will try uthappams and see!

EC said...

unique topping for the uttappam...excellent idea

 
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