Tandoori Appe: Smoky South Indian Snack (No Tandoor Needed!)

50 minutes

958 reads

5 from 3 votes

About Tandoori Appe: Smoky South Indian Snack (No Tandoor Needed!)

Craving the smoky allure of Tandoori Appe but lack a tandoor oven? No problem! This surprisingly simple recipe unlocks the secret to achieving that authentic, charred flavor using just a wok and two clever smoking techniques.
Imagine fluffy semolina appe, infused with fragrant coriander and warm spices, cooked to golden perfection in an appe pan. We'll then take them to the next level with an ingenious charcoal smoking method, creating an irresistible tandoori experience.
Perfect for a quick bite or a tempting appetizer, these Tandoori Appe are sure to impress. Get ready for a flavor explosion!
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Recipe Time & More

Prep30 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total50 minutes
Calories342 kcal
Serves6
Served AsSnacks

Ingredients
 

For the Appe Batter

For the Appe Flavoring

For the Tandoori Coating

For the Smoking Process

Start Focussed Cooking Mode →

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine the semolina, yogurt, and salt. Mix well.
    Tandoori Appe: Smoky South Indian Snack (No Tandoor Needed!) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Gradually add the water, mixing until a smooth batter forms.
    Tandoori Appe: Smoky South Indian Snack (No Tandoor Needed!) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Heat the oil in a pan. Add the grated ginger and sauté until fragrant.
    Tandoori Appe: Smoky South Indian Snack (No Tandoor Needed!) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Add the chopped green chilies and onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are translucent.
    Tandoori Appe: Smoky South Indian Snack (No Tandoor Needed!) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Stir in the chopped coriander and curry leaves. Mix well.
    Tandoori Appe: Smoky South Indian Snack (No Tandoor Needed!) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Cover the batter and let it rest for 20 minutes. This allows the semolina to absorb the liquids and create a light and fluffy texture.
    Tandoori Appe: Smoky South Indian Snack (No Tandoor Needed!) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • After 20 minutes, stir in the baking soda. This will create air bubbles and make the appe even lighter.
    Tandoori Appe: Smoky South Indian Snack (No Tandoor Needed!) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Lightly grease an appe pan with oil.
    Tandoori Appe: Smoky South Indian Snack (No Tandoor Needed!) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Pour 1 tablespoon of batter into each mold of the appe pan. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes.
    Tandoori Appe: Smoky South Indian Snack (No Tandoor Needed!) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Flip the appe and cook for another 2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
    Tandoori Appe: Smoky South Indian Snack (No Tandoor Needed!) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Remove the cooked appe from the pan and set aside.
    Tandoori Appe: Smoky South Indian Snack (No Tandoor Needed!) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • In a bowl, combine all the tandoori coating ingredients: all-purpose flour, salt, chaat masala, kasuri methi, red chili powder, black pepper, garam masala, lemon juice, red food color (if using), chopped coriander, ginger-garlic paste, and yogurt. Mix well.
    Tandoori Appe: Smoky South Indian Snack (No Tandoor Needed!) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Add the cooked appe to the tandoori coating and gently toss to coat evenly.
    Tandoori Appe: Smoky South Indian Snack (No Tandoor Needed!) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Ensure each appe is fully coated with the tandoori mixture.
    Tandoori Appe: Smoky South Indian Snack (No Tandoor Needed!) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Place a small piece of aluminum foil in the center of a large pan or wok.
    Tandoori Appe: Smoky South Indian Snack (No Tandoor Needed!) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Place a heated piece of charcoal on the aluminum foil. This will create the smoky flavor.
    Tandoori Appe: Smoky South Indian Snack (No Tandoor Needed!) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Carefully pour 1 teaspoon of ghee or oil over the hot charcoal. This will generate smoke.
    Tandoori Appe: Smoky South Indian Snack (No Tandoor Needed!) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Arrange the coated appe around the foil, ensuring they are not directly touching the charcoal. Cover the pan immediately with a lid and let the appe smoke for 2 minutes.
    Tandoori Appe: Smoky South Indian Snack (No Tandoor Needed!) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • After 2 minutes, remove the charcoal and foil. The appe will have a beautiful smoky aroma.
  • Serve the Tandoori Appe hot as a snack or appetizer.

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • For an extra burst of tandoori flavor, add a spoonful of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to the batter if you are not using traditional smoking methods.
  • If you prefer a crispier exterior, let the appe batter rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking, which allows the semolina to absorb moisture and firm up.
  • Serve the hot appe with a side of mint chutney or a tangy yogurt dip mixed with roasted cumin powder and chaat masala.

Expert Tips

  • Don't overcrowd the appe pan; this will lower the temperature and result in soggy appe. Cook in batches for best results.
  • For a richer flavor, consider adding finely chopped onions, ginger, and green chilies to the batter.
  • Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the batter. You can test this by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil – it should sizzle gently.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover appe in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat them in a hot appe pan or a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes to regain their softness and aroma.
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Please appreciate the author by voting!

5 from 3 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 342kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 6gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12.6gSodium: 380mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Neeru Gupta
Neeru Gupta
Articles: 53
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5 from 3 votes

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