Soft vegetable crepes
Uthapams are thick, fluffy pancakes from southern India, typically filled with fresh vegetables. Serve hot with coconut chutney.
Uttapam are a popular traditional Indian dish, similar to idlis and dosas, but thicker and softer. Topped with vegetables, they are perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients and directions
- Prep time30 min
- Cook time15 min
- Resting14 hr
- Total14 hr 45 min
- DifficultyMedium
- CostBudget
- Cooking methodbread
- Estimated cost$7.78 $1.30 / serving Estimated price; varies by store. Converted from euros at the ECB rate of October 7, 2026.
Ingredients
people
- $1.09
- $0.69
- $0.77
- $0.11
- $0.22
- $1.02
- $2.09
- $0.38
- $1.16
- $0.25
Prices from US supermarkets for 7 of 10 ingredients; Belgian prices for the rest.
Directions
- First, thoroughly wash the rice, lentils, and mustard seeds in separate containers. ≈ 2 min
- Next, combine the rice and lentils in one container, and the lentils and mustard seeds in another. ≈ 4 min
- Let the mixture soak for at least 6 to 8 hours, or even overnight, in water.
- Adding mustard seeds to the lentils speeds up the fermentation process and makes the dish more tender. ≈ 3 min
- Once the ingredients have been soaked, begin by blending the lentils and mustard seeds with a little water until you have a smooth and creamy paste. ≈ 4 min
- Next, mix the rice and sorghum together until you have a relatively smooth paste, but with some grains still visible. ≈ 4 min
- Then, mix the two doughs together. ≈ 4 min
- The consistency should be similar to that of pancake batter, neither too runny nor too thick. ≈ 3 min
- Then, add the appropriate amount of salt and mix well. ≈ 4 min
- Next, transfer the mixture to a large container and let it ferment at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours, or even overnight.
- In the summer, 8 hours is sufficient, while in the winter, it may take a bit longer.
- If the mixture has fermented properly, it will take on a large size, and small bubbles will appear on the surface. ≈ 3 min
- This fermentation process is what makes the final product softer and lighter. ≈ 3 min
- Thoroughly mix the ingredients for the filling. ≈ 4 min
- Next, in a separate bowl, finely chop the onions, tomatoes, chili peppers, carrots, bell peppers, and parsley. ≈ 4 min
- The more colorful and varied the filling, the more appealing the Uttapam will appear. ≈ 3 min
- Heat a metal pan or a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Once it’s warm, add a small amount of oil paint and wipe the entire surface evenly with a dishcloth or paper towel. ≈ 3 min
- This will prevent food from sticking. ≈ 3 min
- Now, pour the dough into the pan and spread it evenly in a circular shape.
- Don’t make it as thin as an uttapam; instead, aim for a thickness of about half a centimetre. ≈ 3 min
- While you are spreading the dough, make sure that the fillings placed on top are evenly distributed, and gently press down with your hands or a spoon to ensure that the vegetables are fully submerged in the dough. ≈ 4 min
- After lightly brushing the top with oil paint, cover and bake at medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Once the underside has turned a golden-brown color and the top has dried, carefully turn it over. ≈ 3 min
- Cook the other side for 1 to 2 minutes as well.
- Once fully cooked, both sides will have a slightly golden color, and the inside will be tender. ≈ 3 min
- Similarly, prepare the remaining pancakes one at a time. ≈ 3 min
- Before cooking each pancake, wipe the pan again with a little oil paint.
The bill
Soft vegetable crepes
- Rice (white rice or regular cooked rice): 2 cups$1.09
- Black beans (black beans, without the skin): 1/4 cup$0.69
- 2 tablespoons of hot pepper (optional)$0.77
- Mustard seeds, half a teaspoon$0.11
- Chopped onion: 1 medium-sized onion$0.22
- Diced tomatoes, 1 medium$1.02
- Freshly chopped chili peppers, 2 to 3 pieces$2.09
- Grated carrots or diced carrots, about 1/4 cup$0.38
- 3 tablespoons of chopped chives$1.16
- Amount of oil paint needed (for cooking)$0.25
Total$7.78
that's $1.30 per person
Estimated price; varies by store.
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