Pesarattu, a beloved breakfast delicacy from Andhra Pradesh, India, is a savory crepe made from green gram (moong dal). Known for its nutritional value and unique flavor, Pesarattu is not only delicious but also healthy. In this blog, we will explore the traditional Pesarattu recipe, along with some exciting variations to try at home.

Traditional Pesarattu Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green gram (moong dal)
• 2 tablespoons rice (optional, for extra crispiness)
• 1-inch piece of ginger
• 2 green chilies
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed
• Oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Soak the Dal:
   • Rinse the green gram and rice (if using) thoroughly. Soak them in water for at least 4-6 hours or overnight.
2. Prepare the Batter:
   • Drain the soaked green gram and rice. In a blender, combine them with ginger, green chilies, cumin seeds, and salt. Add water as needed to blend into a smooth, slightly thick batter.
3. Cook the Pesarattu:
   • Heat a non-stick pan or a griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with oil.
   • Pour a ladleful of batter onto the pan and spread it in a circular motion to form a thin crepe.
   • Drizzle a little oil around the edges. Cook until the edges turn golden brown and the surface is cooked.
   • Flip the Pesarattu and cook for another minute until it is crisp and fully cooked.
4. Serve:
   • Serve hot with coconut chutney, ginger chutney, or upma (a savory semolina dish).

Variations of Pesarattu

1. Upma Pesarattu:

Ingredients:

• Traditional Pesarattu batter
• 1 cup semolina (rava)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, chopped
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon urad dal
• A few curry leaves
• Salt to taste
• Oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare Upma:
   • In a pan, heat some oil. Add mustard seeds and urad dal. When they splutter, add chopped onions, green chili, and curry leaves. Sauté until onions turn translucent.
   • Add semolina and roast it until golden brown. Add salt and water (approximately 2 cups) and cook until the mixture thickens to an upma consistency.
2. Cook Pesarattu:
   • Pour a ladleful of Pesarattu batter onto the pan and spread it out.
   • Place a spoonful of upma on one half of the Pesarattu and fold it over.
3. Serve:
   • Serve hot with your favorite chutneys.

2. Paneer Pesarattu:

Ingredients:

• Traditional Pesarattu batter
• 1 cup paneer, grated
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• Oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare Paneer Filling:
   • In a pan, heat some oil. Add cumin seeds, chopped onions, and green chili. Sauté until onions turn translucent.
   • Add grated paneer and salt. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes.
2. Cook Pesarattu:
   • Pour a ladleful of Pesarattu batter onto the pan and spread it out.
   • Add a spoonful of paneer filling on one half of the Pesarattu and fold it over.
3. Serve:
   • Serve hot with chutneys or yogurt.

3. Mixed Vegetable Pesarattu:

Ingredients:

• Traditional Pesarattu batter
• 1 small carrot, grated
• 1 small capsicum, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare Vegetable Filling:
   • In a pan, heat some oil. Add chopped onions, green chili, grated carrot, and chopped capsicum. Sauté until vegetables are tender. Add salt to taste.
2. Cook Pesarattu:
   • Pour a ladleful of Pesarattu batter onto the pan and spread it out.
   • Add a spoonful of vegetable filling on one half of the Pesarattu and fold it over.
3. Serve:
   • Serve hot with your favorite chutneys.

Tips for Perfect Pesarattu

• Consistency: Ensure the batter is not too thick or too thin. It should spread easily on the pan.
• Soaking: Soaking the green gram and rice for the right amount of time ensures a smooth batter.
• Cooking: Cook on medium heat to get a crisp and evenly cooked Pesarattu.
• Accompaniments: Pesarattu pairs well with a variety of chutneys, including coconut, ginger, and tomato chutney.

Conclusion

Pesarattu is a versatile and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed in various forms. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with different fillings, this savory crepe is sure to delight your taste buds. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even a light dinner, Pesarattu is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the flavors of Indian cuisine. So, grab your ingredients and start cooking