What is an Appa Pan?
An appa pan is a traditional South Indian cooking utensil that is used to make a popular breakfast dish called appam. It is a shallow, round pan with multiple small, round depressions or wells. The pan is usually made of cast iron or non-stick material and has a long handle for easy handling. Appa pans are known for their unique shape and ability to create perfectly shaped appams.
The Origin of Appa Pan
The appa pan has its roots in the South Indian state of Kerala, where appams are a staple breakfast dish. Appams are made using fermented rice batter and coconut milk, which gives them a soft and fluffy texture. The traditional way of making appams is by pouring the batter into a round appa pan and swirling it around to create a thin, crispy edge and a soft, fluffy center.
The Design of an Appa Pan
An appa pan typically has seven or nine round depressions, depending on its size. The depressions are evenly spaced and have a slight slope towards the center. This design allows the appam to cook evenly and gives it its characteristic shape. The pan is usually made of cast iron, which helps in retaining and distributing heat evenly. However, non-stick appa pans are also available, which make it easier to flip the appams without sticking.
How to Use an Appa Pan
To use an appa pan, you need to follow a few simple steps:
- Preheat the appa pan on medium heat for a few minutes.
- Grease the depressions of the pan with a little oil or ghee.
- Pour a ladleful of appam batter into each depression, filling it up to three-fourths of the depth.
- Cover the pan with a lid and let the appams cook for a few minutes, until the edges turn golden brown.
- Using a wooden skewer or a spoon, gently lift the appams from the depressions and flip them over.
- Cook for another minute or two until the other side is cooked and the appams are golden brown.
- Remove the appams from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining batter.
Tips for Making Perfect Appams
Making appams requires a little practice, but with these tips, you can achieve perfect results:
- Use a good quality appam batter that is made from fermented rice and coconut milk. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
- Make sure the appa pan is preheated well before pouring the batter. This helps in getting a crisp edge and prevents sticking.
- Grease the depressions of the pan with oil or ghee before pouring the batter. This prevents the appams from sticking and makes them easier to flip.
- Swirl the pan immediately after pouring the batter to evenly distribute it and create a thin, crispy edge.
- Cook the appams on medium heat to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Flip the appams gently using a wooden skewer or a spoon to avoid breaking them.
- Serve the appams hot with coconut chutney, vegetable stew, or any other accompaniment of your choice.
Variations of Appa Pan
While the traditional appa pan has round depressions, there are also variations available in the market:
- Appa pans with square depressions: These pans create square-shaped appams, which are similar to pancakes. They are a popular choice for those who prefer a different shape.
- Electric appa pans: These pans are electrically powered and have a non-stick surface. They eliminate the need for stovetop cooking and make it easier to control the temperature.
- Mini appa pans: These pans have smaller depressions and are used to make bite-sized appams, perfect for serving as appetizers or snacks.
Conclusion
An appa pan is a versatile and essential utensil for making delicious and perfectly shaped appams. Whether you prefer the traditional round shape or want to experiment with different shapes, an appa pan is a must-have for every South Indian kitchen. So, why not give it a try and enjoy the delight of homemade appams?