Uttapum / Savory Rice Pancakes Topped With Mixed Veggies

For dinner, we had uthappam. When I started to learn cooking, I had many challenges with preparing a perfect uthappam. I would make such a mess with it that I decided to not make them for some time. All that changed when my cousin Murali, whose fried rice recipe is posted here, showed me how he made perfect uthappam. So for those who struggle like I used to, here is the thing that you have to remember:

1. Slow cooking. Set the tava to medium heat. This helps to make a perfect crisp base and cook through the batter.
2. Have a lid to cover the uttapam when its cooking. The steam helps in cooking the dosai batter and veggies.
3. Remove all the juice and seeds from the tomato before adding as toppings ( Use a firm tomato)
4. Use veggies that have a crunchy texture.
5. Keep it small. Do not make it as big as a dosai it will disintegrate when you flip the uttapam.

Voila, you create the perfect uttapam.

Gadgets:

Bowls
Tava/ Iron Griddle
Spatula
Measuring Cups and Spoona
Cutting Board
Knife
Vegetable Chopper

Ingredients:
Serves 4 
Dosai/Dosa Batter - 2 cups ( use 1/2 cup per person).
Note: If you cannot make the batter please buy them at the local Indian store)
Mixed Veggies ( Capsicum or bell pepper in different colors if you can find them, carrot, tomato  asparagus, onion cut uniformly) - 2 cups ( 1/2 cup per person)
Ginger - 2 tsp grated
Green Chillies - 2 ( add more if you like the spice)
Curry Leaves - a few
Cilantro - 1/4 finely chopped
Salt
Oil - a few tsps
Ghee - 1 tsp.

Preparation:

1. Set the tava on medium heat.

2. Mix all veggies along with ginger and herbs. Add 1 tsp of salt and set it aside.

3. Add very little salt to the dosai batter and mix well. Pour 1/2 cup of batter on the have and make a thick pancake. Add 1/2 cup of veggies on top evenly.

4. Mix the ghee and oil together and drizzle around the uthappam. Cover with with a lid and allow it to cook for a few minutes.

                                                       

5. When you remove the lid, make sure to see that all the batter is fully cooked. Carefully, flip the uthappam and cook it uncovered.

6. Serve it hot with chutney and sambar.