Serving:

Serve the uttapam hot with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, sambar, or any other accompaniment of your choice. You can also enjoy it as is, without any chutney or sambar.

Uttapam is a versatile dish, and you can customize it by adding various toppings according to your preference. It is a wholesome and delicious meal that is enjoyed by people of all ages.

Onion uttapam recipe

Uttapam is a popular South Indian dish that is similar to a thick pancake or dosa. It is typically made with a fermented batter of rice and lentils and is often topped with various vegetables. Here's a recipe for onion uttapam.

Preparation time 10 minutes

Cooking time 15 minutes

Serve 4 serving

Author Mobasir hassan

Ingredients:

• 1 cups of rice (any raw variety except basmati )
• 1/3 cup of urad dal (split black gram)
• 1/2 tablespoon chana dal 
• 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Water (as needed)
• Oil or ghee (clarified butter) for cooking
• Toppings (optional): finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, bell peppers, cilantro (coriander leaves), etc.

Instructions 

1. In a mixing bowl add the rice, urad dal, chana dal and fenugreek seeds.Wash them nicely then add water and  soak them for 4-6 hours.
2. Afer that drain the water from soaked rice and blend everything in a blender or wet grinder. Use water as required to make the batter smooth and slightly thicker than dosa batter.
3. Trasfer the batter in a bowl and cover. Keep it aside in a warm place to ferment overnight or 8-10 hours.
4. After the fermentation give the batter a good stir. The batter should be of pouring consistency so add little water if it become thick. Mix salt as per your taste.
5. Finely chopped onions and cilantro leaves. You can even add some finely chopped green chillies and tomatoes as per your taste preference.
6. Heat a non stick griddle or tawa on medium heat and grease it lightly with oil or ghee. 
7. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the center of the griddle and spread it in a circular motion to form a thick pancake (about 6-8 inches in diameter).
8. Now sprinkle finely chopped onions on the top of the uttapam. Sprinkle finely chopped coriander leaves .
9. Dizzle some oil or ghee over the top of the uttapam and cook untill the top down bottom turns golden brown. 
10. Flip the uttapam gently using a spatula and cook the other side until it is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the uttapam from the griddle and repeat the process with the remaining batter.

 Video :

Onion Uttapam recipe video

Nutritional Value

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for a typical serving size of onion uttapam (around 100 grams)

• Calories: 150-200 calories
• Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
• Protein: 3-5 grams
• Fat: 2-5 grams
• Fiber: 2-3 grams

It's important to note that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the proportions and ingredients used in the recipe. The nutritional content can also change if additional ingredients like oil or ghee (clarified butter) are used during cooking.

Onion uttapam is generally considered a moderately calorie-dense food due to the carbohydrates from the batter and the presence of onions. It can be a good source of energy from carbohydrates but may have limited amounts of protein and fat. Onions are low in calories and provide essential nutrients such as vitamin C, B vitamins, and dietary fiber.

Difference between Dosa and Uttapam 

Onion dosa and uttapam are both popular South Indian dishes made from fermented rice and lentil batter. While they have some similarities, there are distinct differences between the two

Shape and Thickness:

Onion Dosa: It is a thin and crispy pancake-like dish, usually made by spreading the dosa batter thinly on a hot griddle or tawa. Chopped onions are sprinkled on top of the dosa while it cooks.

Uttapam: Uttapam is thicker and softer compared to dosa. It is more like a savory pancake or a thick pizza. The batter is poured onto the griddle in a slightly thick layer, and various toppings like chopped onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and cilantro are added before it cooks.

Texture and Consistency:

Onion Dosa : The dosa is typically crispy and has a delicate, lacy texture due to the thin spreading of the batter. It is often enjoyed with chutney or sambar.

Uttapam : Uttapam is thicker and spongier, with a soft and fluffy texture. The batter is usually allowed to cook longer on a lower heat to ensure the inside is properly cooked while retaining a slightly crispy outer layer.

Toppings

Onion Dosa: As the name suggests, the primary topping in onion dosa is onions. Chopped onions are sprinkled on top of the dosa as it cooks, providing a slightly caramelized flavor and crunch.

 Uttapam: Uttapam offers a wider range of toppings. In addition to onions, it often includes diced tomatoes, bell peppers, green chilies, cilantro, and sometimes grated cheese or paneer. These toppings are mixed into the batter or added on top before cooking.

Serving Style:

Onion Dosa: Dosa is usually rolled up into a cylindrical shape or folded into a half-moon shape and served with coconut chutney, sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew), and/or tomato chutney.

Uttapam: Uttapam is generally served as a whole pancake or sliced into pieces, similar to a pizza. It is accompanied by coconut chutney, sambar, or tomato chutney.

While onion dosa and uttapam share a common base of fermented batter, their thickness, texture, toppings, and serving styles distinguish them from each other. Both are delicious and popular South Indian dishes enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is onion uttapam good for health?

Onion uttapam can be a healthy choice depending on various factors. Uttapam is a traditional South Indian dish made from fermented rice and lentil batter, similar to dosa. It is typically cooked on a griddle and topped with various vegetables, including onions.

Here are some considerations regarding the healthiness of onion uttapam:

Nutritional Value: Onions are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They provide antioxidants and have potential anti-inflammatory properties. However, the overall nutritional value of onion uttapam will depend on the portion size, the amount of onions used, and the other ingredients in the batter

Fermented Batter: Uttapam batter is usually prepared by fermenting a mixture of rice and lentils, which enhances its nutritional value. Fermentation increases the bioavailability of nutrients and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, making it easier for the body to digest and absorb nutrients.

Portion Size and Toppings: The portion size and choice of toppings can affect the overall healthiness of onion uttapam. If you use a moderate amount of onions and include other nutritious vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach, it can contribute to a well-balanced meal.

Cooking Method: Uttapam is traditionally cooked using minimal oil on a griddle. This cooking method helps reduce excessive fat consumption compared to deep-fried snacks. However, the amount of oil used to cook the uttapam can influence its calorie content.

Dietary Considerations: If you have specific dietary needs or health conditions, such as diabetes or gluten intolerance, it's essential to consider the ingredients used and the overall carbohydrate content of the uttapam batter.

In conclusion, onion uttapam can be a healthy choice when prepared with a balanced approach, using a moderate amount of onions, a fermented batter, and cooked with minimal oil. However, it's important to consider the portion size, choice of toppings, and any dietary requirements you may have. It's always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice based on your specific health needs

2. Is onion uttapam good for diabetes ?

Onion uttapam, a popular Indian dish, consists of a thick pancake made from fermented batter and topped with onions and other vegetables. When it comes to diabetes management, it's important to consider the overall nutritional composition of a dish.

Onions are relatively low in calories and contain beneficial nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also have a low glycemic index, which means they have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels. Including onions in your diet, in moderation, can be a healthy choice for people with diabetes.

However, the uttapam itself is made from a batter typically prepared with rice and lentils, which can increase the carbohydrate content. Carbohydrate intake affects blood sugar levels, so it's important to consume them in moderation and balance them with other components of a meal.

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