Kambu Paniyaram is a savoury and nutritious snack made with Kambu (Pearl Millet) flour. It’s similar to the traditional appam or paniyaram, but with the added health benefits of millet.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Kambu flour (Pearl Millet flour)
• 1/4 cup rice flour
• 1/4 cup urad dal (split black gram)
• 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing) (optional)
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1-2 green chilies (chopped)
• 1 tbsp ginger (grated)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• A few curry leaves (chopped)
• Salt to taste
• Water (as needed)
• Oil for greasing the paniyaram pan

 Instructions:

• Grind dal: Grind soaked urad dal with water to make a paste.
• Mix batter: Combine Kambu flour, rice flour, and ground dal. Add water to form a thick batter. Let it rest (optional).
• Temper: Sauté mustard seeds, cumin, green chilies, ginger, onion, and curry leaves in oil.
• Mix: Add tempering to the batter and mix well.
• Cook: Heat paniyaram pan, grease with oil, and fill each mold with batter. Cook covered for 3-4 mins, flip, and cook the other side for 2-3 mins.
• Serve: Serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar.

Enjoy your Kambu Paniyaram!

Tips for the Perfect Kambu Paniyaram:

• Ferment the Batter: If you have time, allow the batter to ferment for 4-6 hours for softer and fluffier paniyarams. This also enhances the flavour.
• Crispy Paniyaram: For extra crispiness, increase the amount of rice flour in the batter (up to 1/4 cup) or cook them a little longer on low heat.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add finely chopped vegetables like carrots or spinach to the batter for more nutrition.
• Alternative Grains: You can mix kambu flour with other whole grains like ragi (finger millet) or even quinoa for a nutritious twist.