Chocolate Oats kuzhi Paniyaram

A Modern and Healthy Twist to Kuzhi Paniyaram

Kuzhi Paniyaram is a traditional South Indian dish that is very popular in Tamil Nadu. It is made by frying batter that is similar to an idly batter in a special cast-iron pan called paniyara chatti. Paniyara chatti/kal/pan has small fissures(kuzhi) that hold the batter. Nowadays, you get non-stick paniyara pan that doesn’t require much oil and is easy to handle. There are both sweet and savory versions of kuzhi paniyaram. The former is made using jaggery, coconut and occasionally bananas while the latter is made using onions, green chillies and carrots tempered with mustard seeds and urad dal. Kaara/Savory Kuzhi paniyarams goes well with onion and tomato chutneys.Paniyarams is the best way to use left over idli/dosa batter. It is also an alternate breakfast option when you are bored with making idlis and dosas.

Nowadays, oats is considered a superfood and a healthier option that it has almost replaced rice. From oats idlis to oatmeal based desserts, people have started incorporating oats into almost everything. I decided to take my kitchen experiments to next level by making oats kuzhi paniyarams. I was indeed skeptical about the result.Luckily, my experiment turned out fruitful and I couldn’t be more happier. I have used instant oats(Quaker) , wheat flour and unsweetened cocoa powder. The kuzhi paniyarams were crunchy , moderately sweet and absolutely scrumptious. They are not only yummy but also healthy.

Required Ingredients:

• Quick Oats- 1/2 cup
• Wheat flour-1/4 cup
• Cocoa powder-1 1/2 tbsp
• Powdered sugar-1/4 cup
• Salt-A pinch
• Milk-1/4 cup
• Water- As required
• Cardamom essence-1/2 tsp
• Ghee- As required

Method:

Dry roast oats in a pan for 2 minutes(This step is optional).Let it cool for a while.

In a mixing bowl, add oats, wheat flour, cocoa powder,powdered sugar, salt and mix well

In another bowl mix milk, and cardamom essence together.

Mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients taking care to avoid lumps.

Add water as required.The batter should be of pourable consistency. Kind of similar to dosa batter.

Heat the paniyara chatti/paniyaram pan with little ghee in each hole/fissure

Once its hot, add a spoonful of batter i.e 3/4th of the fissure.

Once the sides turn brown, carefully invert each paniyaram so that the other side gets cooked.

The paniyarams are done when a tooth pick inserted in the centre comes out clean(just like cakes).