Cooking Appalam in the Microwave: A Quick and Easy Guide
Have you ever craved a crispy and flavorful snack but didn’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen? Look no further than appalam, a South Indian delicacy that can be easily cooked in the microwave. Appalam, also known as papad, is a thin, crispy wafer made from lentil, black gram, or rice flour. It is a versatile snack that can be enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to meals. In this article, I will share a step-by-step guide on how to cook appalam in the microwave, so you can satisfy your cravings in no time.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, gather the following ingredients:
Prepare Your Microwave and Plate
To start, ensure that your microwave is clean and ready for use. Wipe any spills or dirt from the inside, as it may affect the cooking process. Next, select a microwave-safe plate that is large enough to accommodate the size of your appalams without overlapping.
Place the Appalam on the Plate
Take one appalam and place it on the plate. If you have multiple appalams, you can cook them one at a time or in batches, depending on the size of your plate and microwave. Make sure to leave enough space between each appalam to allow for even cooking.
Grease the Appalam
To prevent the appalam from sticking to the plate, lightly grease it with vegetable oil or cooking spray. This will also help enhance the crispiness of the appalam during the cooking process.
Cover the Appalam
Cover the plate with a microwave-safe cover or use food wrap to create a loose seal. This will help trap the steam and heat inside, creating the perfect environment for the appalam to cook evenly.
Microwave the Appalam
Now, it’s time to cook the appalam. Place the plate with the appalam in the microwave oven and set the timer for 1 minute on high power. Note that the cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the thickness of the appalam.
Cooking Tips
– Keep a close eye on the appalam while it cooks. If it begins to brown too quickly or burn, reduce the cooking time in subsequent batches.
– If you are cooking multiple appalams, flip them over after the first 30 seconds to ensure even cooking on both sides.
– If your microwave does not have a turntable, rotate the plate halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning.
– Experiment with different flavors of appalam, such as pepper, cumin, or chili, to add an extra kick to your snack.
Enjoy Your Crispy Appalam
Once the appalam has cooked, carefully remove the plate from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel, as it may be hot. Set it aside to cool for a minute or two. As the appalam cools, it will become firmer and even crispier.
Now, you can indulge in the deliciousness of your homemade appalam. Serve it as a snack with your favorite dip or enjoy it alongside a meal for an added crunch. The best part is that you can easily store any leftover appalams in an airtight container for future snacking.
In conclusion, cooking appalam in the microwave is a quick and easy way to satisfy your crispy snack cravings. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy this South Indian delicacy without spending hours in the kitchen. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a crispy treat, give this microwave appalam recipe a try. Happy snacking!