Idiyappam and Shrimp masala Idiyappam

'Idiyappam' or String hoppers is a speciality breakfast of Kerala and I believe in most of the Southern states of India. 'Idiyappam' is also known as 'Nool Puttu' in Malabar, 'Nool' meaning String and 'Puttu' - A steamed cake made with rice flour. For making 'Idiyappams' - rice flour, hot water and salt is mixed and kneaded into a smooth dough. This dough is filled into an Idiyappam presser/sieve and pressed into any plate/banana leaves/Idli maker and steamed for just 5-10 mins. This can be served with potato stew, chana masala, fish, egg or any meat curry of your choice. Back home in Kerala(Malabar-Thalassery) this is even served with sweetened coconut milk and especially kids love this combo a lot.

Now as I mentioned this is a breakfast dish and you can even serve this for dinner with any curry of your choice. I make it as a snack as well by stuffing shrimp masala and this 'Shrimp masala stuffed Idiyappam' has a topmost place in my son menu list especially to have when he comes back from pre-school. You do not need any curry with these masala Idiyappams and is a perfect snack/appetizer for parties as well. This was my snack for this year's Halloween party and friends gathering and all my friends loved it. So friends I'm sharing with you the recipe for 'Idiyappam' and 'Shrimp masala Idiyappam'. Enjoy!!!!

Ingredients for Idiyappam:-

• Rice flour- 2 cups(Idiyappam flour or Puttu podi)
• Water needed to knead the dough
• salt to taste(1 1/2 tsp)
• Grated coconut - 1/2 cup(optional)

Preparation Method:-

• Take rice flour in a mixing bowl or vessel.
• Bring the water to boil, take off the flame. Add salt to taste
• Pour the hot water to the flour little by little and mix well with a spatula or spoon. Water should be just enough to reach all the rice flour. The rice flour mix should not become sticky by excess water.

  

• When the rice flour mix cools down knead it well with your clean hands to get a smooth dough.
• Take the idiyappam presser and fill it with dough. Close it, use the smallest sieve disc to make the Idiyappam

  

• Press it into the Idli moulds by slowly moving your hands in circular motion. Top with a tsp of grated coconut. Steam for about 5-10 mins.        
• Move into a serving dish when they cool down a little. Serve warm with any curry of your choice.

                                 

Shrimp Masala Idiyappams:-
  

              

Shrimp masala:

Ingredients:-
Medium size Shrimp - 15 to 20 numbers.
Onion finely sliced - 2 small
Tomato paste - 1 tsp(optional)
Ginger finely chopped - 1 tsp
Green chilly  finely chopped - 2
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Chilly powder - 1/2 tsp
Pepper powder - 1/2 tsp
Garam masala - 3/4 tsp
salt to taste
Curry leaves few
Chopped coriander leaves - 2 tsp
Oil - 2 tsp

Preparing Shrimp masala:-

• Wash and clean the shrimp. Chop them into small bite size pieces(I chopped each shrimp into 4-5  pieces)
• Marinate it with turmeric, chilly powder and salt. Set aside for atleast 15 minutes.
• Heat up a Kadai/Frying pan/Wok pour oil. Add onion, ginger, green chillies, curry leaves, salt and saute till onion is translucent. Add the tomato paste saute for another two mins(u can use finely chopped tomato instead or opt out of using both)
• Add the shrimp pieces and stir well to mix. Close the pan with a lid and let it cook for another 5 mins till the raw smell of shrimp ends.

 

• Add chopped coriander leaves and stir well to mix. Switch off the flame and move to a bowl.(Shrimp masala should not be runny/watery)

                                                             

Making Masala Idiyappams:

• Fill the presser with rice flour dough and press the mix into the Idli moulds not filling them up fully.
• Top up with a tsp of shrimp masala. Press the Idiyappam siever again on top of the Shrimp masala to fill the moulds.

  
 

• Repaeat the process with rest of the dough. Steam it for 5-10 mins and take off the flame.
• Move to a serving dish and serve warm

Note:-

1. Chicken or any meat o your choice can be used instead of shrimp
2. Vegetarians can make soya, paneer, tofu or any veggeie of your choice.