Welcome to my kitchen, where we’re about to embark on a culinary journey to explore the tantalizing flavors of South India with a delightful twist. Today, I’m excited to share with you my quick and easy recipe for Cheese Uthappam – a mouthwatering variation of the traditional Uthappam that promises to tickle your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Also check out this chicken uthappam recipe and plain uthappam recipe. You can also check various breakfast recipes.
Introduction
Originating from the southern region of India, Uthappam is a beloved dish known for its soft, fluffy texture and vibrant flavors. Typically made with a batter of fermented rice and lentils, Uthappam is traditionally topped with a savory mixture of onions, tomatoes, and spices. In this recipe, we’re taking things up a notch by adding a generous layer of gooey cheese, elevating the dish to a whole new level of indulgence.
As a passionate food enthusiast with a penchant for experimentation, I’m always on the lookout for exciting ways to elevate classic recipes. Growing up, I was mesmerized by the sights, sounds, and aromas of my grandmother’s kitchen. It was there that I learned the art of cooking and developed a deep appreciation for the rich culinary heritage of the region.
Ingredients Breakdown for Cheese Uthappam recipe
- Dosa Batter (2 cups): Dosa batter forms the base of our Uthappam, lending it a soft, fluffy texture and a subtle tanginess.
- Onion (1, chopped): Adding a sweet and savory crunch, onions are a quintessential ingredient in Uthappam.
- Carrot (1, chopped): Carrots not only add vibrant color to our dish but also bring a hint of sweetness and earthiness.
- Tomato (1 small, chopped): Tomatoes lend a juicy burst of freshness and acidity to balance the richness of the cheese.
- Green Chili (1, chopped): For a touch of heat and a burst of flavor, green chilies are a must-have in our Uthappam.
- Curry Leaves (a few, finely chopped): Fragrant and aromatic, curry leaves add depth of flavor to our dish.
- Coriander Leaves (a handful, finely chopped): Fresh coriander leaves brighten up our Uthappam with their citrusy notes and vibrant color.
- Salt (to taste): Salt enhances the flavors of our ingredients, bringing everything together harmoniously.
- Mozzerella Cheese (grated): The star of our dish, cheese adds a creamy, indulgent layer of goodness to our Uthappam.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheese Uthappam recipe
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Cheese Uthappam, a quick and easy recipe:
- Heat a dosa tawa (griddle) or a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, lightly grease the tawa with oil or ghee.
- Pour a ladleful of dosa batter onto the tawa and spread it into a thick circle.
- Sprinkle the chopped onion, carrot, tomato, green chili, curry leaves, and coriander leaves evenly over the dosa batter.
- Drizzle some ghee or oil around the edges of the dosa.
- Cook the Uthappam for 3-4 minutes on one side until it turns golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully flip the Uthappam using a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side.
- Once both sides are cooked, sprinkle grated cheese generously over the top.
- Cover the Uthappam with a lid and let it cook for a few more minutes until the cheese melts.
- Remove the lid and transfer the Cheese Uthappam to a serving plate.
Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- 1 green chili, chopped
- Curry leaves, finely chopped
- Coriander leaves, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Dosa batter
- Mozzarella cheese, grated
- Ghee or oil, for cooking
Instructions
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In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, carrot, tomato, green chili, curry leaves, coriander leaves, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
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Heat a dosa tawa (stone) or a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, grease it lightly with oil or ghee.
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Pour a ladleful of dosa batter onto the tawa and spread it into a thick circle, but not too thin.
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Immediately spread some of the prepared onion mix evenly over the dosa batter.
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Drizzle some ghee or oil around the edges of the dosa and on top of the onion mix.
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Let the dosa cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until it turns golden brown and crispy.
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Carefully flip the dosa using a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side.
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Once both sides are cooked, sprinkle grated cheese generously over the top of the dosa.
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Cover the dosa with a lid and let it cook for a few more minutes until the cheese starts to melt.
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Once the cheese has melted, remove the lid and transfer the Cheese Uthappam to a serving plate.
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Serve hot with sambar and chutney on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use any type of cheese for this quick and easy recipe?
A1: While mozzarella is not recommended for this recipe, you can use cheddar, gouda, or any other melting cheese of your choice.
Q2: Can I make the dosa batter at home quickly?
A2: Absolutely! You can easily make dosa batter at home by soaking rice and lentils overnight, then grinding them into a smooth batter and fermenting it overnight.
Q3: Can I make Uthappam without fermentation?
A3: Yes, if you’re short on time, you can make instant Uthappam using a combination of rice flour, urad dal flour, and water.
Nutrition Facts of Cheese Uthappam recipe
Cheese Uthappam is not only a delicious treat for your taste buds but also packs a nutritional punch. Here’s a breakdown of its key nutrients and health benefits:
- Carrots are rich in vitamin A, promoting good vision and healthy skin.
- Tomatoes are loaded with vitamin C, boosting immunity and supporting heart health.
- Green chilies contain capsaicin, which may aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism.
- Cheese provides protein and calcium, essential for bone health and muscle function.
- Dosa batter made from fermented rice and lentils is easy to digest and offers probiotic benefits for gut health.
Culinary Creativity Unleashed
Before we wrap up, I’d like to share a little anecdote about my journey with this recipe. Growing up in a bustling household filled with the aromas of spices and the sounds of sizzling pans, I was always drawn to the magic of cooking. As a child, I would often watch in awe as my mother and grandmother effortlessly whipped up delicious meals that brought our family together.
One of my fondest memories is of helping my grandmother prepare Uthappam on lazy Sunday mornings. As she poured the batter onto the sizzling tawa and sprinkled it with a colorful array of vegetables, I would eagerly await the moment when she would top it all off with a generous handful of grated cheese. The aroma of melting cheese mingling with the fragrance of spices is a memory that has stayed with me to this day.
Now, whenever I make Cheese Uthappam in my own kitchen, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and warmth. It’s not just a dish; it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. And with each bite, I’m reminded of the timeless bond that food creates, transcending boundaries and bringing people together in a shared appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.
A Flavorful Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
As we come to the end of our culinary adventure, I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring the vibrant flavors of South India with me. From the aromatic spices to the gooey cheese, every bite of this quick and easy Cheese Uthappam is a celebration of tradition and innovation.
I encourage you to try this recipe in your own kitchen and add your own creative twist to it. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, there’s something truly magical about bringing flavors to life and sharing them with loved ones.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to hearing about your own culinary adventures. Until next time, happy cooking!
Check this video of cheese uthappam recipe
