Paddu Maker: Versatile Tool To Make Paniyaram

A paddu maker, also known as a paddu pan, appe pan, or paniyaram pan, is a kitchen utensil used to make a popular South Indian dish called "paddu" or "paniyaram." Paddu is a type of savory or sweet dumpling or fritter, typically round or spherical in shape, and it's made from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal (black gram lentils) or other ingredients like semolina.

What is Paddu?

Paddu, also known as "paniyaram" in some regions of South India, is a popular and traditional South Indian dish made from a fermented batter. It is essentially a type of savory or sweet dumpling or fritter that is round or spherical in shape. Paddus are typically made using a paddu maker or appam pan, which has multiple small, round cavities for cooking these bite-sized treats.

Design of a Paddu Maker: 

The paddu maker is designed with multiple small, round cavities or depressions, usually ranging from 5 to 7 or more, depending on the pan's size. These cavities are used to pour the batter and cook the paddus. The paddu maker can be made from various materials, including cast iron, aluminum, or non-stick coated metal.

How To Make Paddus?

To make paddus using a paddu maker, you follow these basic steps:

1. Prepare the batter by fermenting rice and urad dal or using other ingredients as per your recipe. The batter should have a thick consistency.
2. Grease the cavities of the paddu maker with a little oil or ghee.
3. Pour a small amount of the prepared batter into each cavity, filling them partially.
4. Cook the paddus on a stovetop over low to medium heat. Cover the pan with a lid to help the paddus cook evenly.
5. After a few minutes, when the bottom of the paddus becomes golden brown and crispy, flip them using a skewer or fork to cook the other side.
6. Continue cooking until both sides are evenly browned and the paddus are cooked through.
7. Remove the paddus from the pan and serve them hot with chutney, sambar, or any desired accompaniment.

Paddus can be made in various flavors, including plain, with vegetables, or with added spices, and they can be enjoyed as a snack, breakfast item, or even a side dish in South Indian cuisine.

Is Paddu Maker and Appam Pan Same?

Paddu maker and appam pan are very similar in function and design, and they are often used interchangeably for making different South Indian dishes. Both kitchen utensils have multiple small, round cavities or depressions, and they are used to create round, bite-sized dumplings or pancakes. The choice of whether to call it a paddu maker or an appam pan can sometimes depend on regional preferences and the specific dish being prepared.

Similarities Between Paddu Maker and Appam Pan Same:

Cavities: Both paddu makers and appam pans have round cavities or depressions that are used to pour batter and cook small, round dumplings or pancakes.

Versatility: You can use both paddu makers and appam pans to make a variety of dishes, including paddus (paniyarams), appams, and other similar snacks or breakfast items.

Materials: They can be made from various materials such as cast iron, aluminum, or non-stick coated metal.

Differences Between Paddu Maker and Appam Pan Same: 

Names: The choice of whether to call it a paddu maker or an appam pan is often based on regional terminology and the primary use of the utensil. In some regions, it may be more commonly referred to as a paddu maker, while in others, it's known as an appam pan.

Traditional Dishes: In some regions, the term "paddu" or "paniyaram" might be more commonly associated with the dish prepared using these pans. For example, in Karnataka, they are known as "paddus" or "paniyarams," while in Tamil Nadu, "appams" are more prevalent.