Poppadom, known regionally as Pappadam, Appalam, or Papad, is a beloved crispy snack across various parts of India. It’s typically made from a variety of flours—such as urad dal, chickpea, rice, or potato. These are formed into thin rounds, sun-dried, and then fried to achieve a delightfully crunchy texture. Enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish, Poppadoms add a perfect crunch to any meal.
Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of Poppadom into it. If it quickly floats to the surface, the oil is ready.
Carefully place one Pappadum at a time into the hot oil. Fry until it puffs up and turns golden and crisp on both sides.
Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the fried Pappadum from the oil. Let it drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Your crispy Poppadom is now ready to be served and enjoyed.
To Prepare Poppadom in a Microwave
Lightly brush both sides of an uncooked Poppadom with about ¼ teaspoon of oil, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Place the oiled Poppadom on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 45 to 60 seconds, or until the Poppadom puffs up and becomes crispy on both sides. Remove it carefully from the microwave, and your microwave-cooked Poppadom is ready to enjoy.
Serving
Serve the crispy Poppadoms as an appetizer or as a delightful crunchy accompaniment to your main meal. They pair perfectly with a combo of rice, sambar, and rasam for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
Here are some tips to perfect your Poppadoms:
Variety Choices: We're using plain Pappadums in this recipe, but you can explore different flavors like masala, rice, potato, or cumin to suit your taste preferences.
Microwave Timing: Frying time in the microwave generally ranges from 45 to 60 seconds per disc. However, you may need to adjust this based on your microwave's power and the type of papad you're using.
Homemade Option: This recipe uses urad dal flour, but chickpea flour is an excellent substitute if you're looking to make your papads from scratch. It offers a slightly different flavor and texture, adding a nice twist to the traditional recipe.
Optimal Cooking Methods: In addition to frying or microwaving, you can cook Poppadoms directly over an open flame for a few seconds on each side. Each of these methods enhances different textures and flavors, giving you a variety of ways to enjoy this crispy snack. Experiment with these techniques to find your favorite way to prepare Poppadoms!
Storage Tips: Store uncooked Poppadoms in an airtight container to keep them dry and prevent them from absorbing moisture, which can affect their ability to crisp up when cooked.
Calorie Count Tip: If you're keeping an eye on your calorie intake, here's something useful: microwaved Papadums typically contain about 39 calories each, whereas oil-fried versions are around 60 calories per serving. These numbers are based on uncooked, store-bought papads, and remember, the calorie content can differ depending on the size and type of Papadums you choose.