Create a Delicious Kerala Lunch at Home
Appam and Chicken Stew combine to form a classic Kerala meal that is both light and satisfying. This traditional dish features tender chicken cooked in a creamy coconut milk broth, paired with soft, lacy rice pancakes. It makes an excellent choice for a homemade lunch that brings the flavors of South India to your table.
Gather Your Ingredients
You will need two sets of ingredients for this recipe. First, collect the items for the stew. Then, prepare the components for the appam.
Ingredients for Chicken Stew
- 500 grams of chicken pieces
- 4 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 1 red chilli
- 2 green chillies
- 1 tablespoon of ginger garlic paste
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Ingredients for Appam
- 1 cup of rice
- 4 tablespoons of grated coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 tablespoon of cooked rice
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your meal. Start with the stew, then move on to the appam.
Preparing the Chicken Stew
- Heat the coconut oil in a large pan over medium flame.
- Add the chopped onions, red chilli, green chillies, and ginger garlic paste. Sauté them for about one minute until they become fragrant.
- Introduce the washed chicken pieces to the pan. Fry them for three to five minutes until they start to brown slightly.
- Mix in the diced tomatoes, cubed potatoes, and coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Season with salt and black pepper according to your preference. Add a little water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Cover the pan and let the stew simmer on low heat for forty minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Once cooked, finish the stew with a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves and a drizzle of lemon juice. Stir well and set aside.
Making the Appam
- Soak the rice in water overnight. The next morning, drain the water completely.
- Blend the soaked rice with grated coconut and cooked rice until you get a smooth, fine batter.
- Transfer the batter to a bowl. Add baking soda, salt, sugar, and enough water to create a pourable consistency. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Heat a special appam kadhai or a non-stick pan over medium heat. Lightly grease it if necessary.
- Pour a ladleful of the batter into the center of the pan. Quickly swirl the pan to spread the batter into a thin, round pancake.
- Cover the pan and cook the appam for about one minute. The edges should turn golden and crisp while the center remains soft.
- Carefully remove the appam from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining batter.
Serving Your Homemade Lunch
Serve the hot appams immediately with the warm chicken stew. This combination offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The creamy stew complements the light, slightly sweet appam perfectly. Enjoy this nutritious meal with your family for a satisfying lunch experience.
This recipe brings the authentic taste of Kerala into your kitchen. It uses simple ingredients and clear steps to ensure success even for novice cooks. The use of coconut oil and coconut milk adds a rich, aromatic quality that defines South Indian cuisine. Preparing this dish at home allows you to control the spice levels and freshness of the ingredients.
Remember to adjust the cooking times based on your stove's heat. You can also customize the stew by adding vegetables like carrots or peas. For the appam, achieving the right batter consistency is key to getting those characteristic lacy edges. Practice makes perfect, so do not worry if your first few appams are not perfect.
This meal is not only delicious but also provides a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. It is a wonderful way to explore regional Indian cooking and impress your loved ones with a homemade culinary treat.
