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  3. Uttapam
Thick uttapam topped with onions, tomatoes, and green chilies

Thick fermented rice pancake topped with vegetables

Uttapam

Uttapam

25 minEasy

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

15 min

Total Time

25 min

Servings

3

6 uttapam

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Budget

$

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Uttapam

Thick fermented rice pancake topped with vegetables

A thick, fluffy pancake made from dosa batter, topped with onions, tomatoes, and chilies before cooking. A hearty South Indian breakfast that uses the same batter as dosa.

10m

Prep Time

15m

Cook Time

25m

Total Time

3

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Budget $

Cost

Indian CuisineBreakfastVeganGluten-FreeDairy-Free
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

July 15, 2024(Updated April 13, 2026)

Uttapam is the thicker, more forgiving cousin of dosa—a fluffy pancake studded with colorful vegetables. It uses the same fermented batter but is cooked thicker, making it softer and more bread-like.

Why This Recipe Works

Cooking the batter thick traps more air from fermentation, creating a spongy texture. Adding toppings to the wet surface before flipping embeds them into the pancake.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fermented dosa/idli batter
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tomato, finely chopped
  • 2 green chilies, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Oil for cooking, sambar and chutney for serving

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat a flat griddle or non-stick pan on medium heat; lightly grease with oil.

  2. 2

    Pour a thick ladleful of batter and spread gently into a 5-inch circle—do not spread too thin.

  3. 3

    Immediately scatter onion, tomato, chilies, and cilantro over the wet surface; press lightly.

  4. 4

    Drizzle oil around the edges, cover and cook 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden.

  5. 5

    Flip carefully, cook 1-2 more minutes, then serve hot with sambar and coconut chutney.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with warm naan bread or basmati rice

  • Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime

  • Pair with a cooling cucumber raita on the side

  • Serve alongside fresh fruit and your favorite morning beverage

Substitutions

Dosa batterSemolina (rava) batter

Mix semolina with yogurt and water for instant uttapam

Green chiliesBlack pepper

Milder heat option for kids

FlavorPantry

Test Kitchen Pick

Garam Masala

Helpful Pantry Staple

Why the spice blend matters

A better spice blend gives the recipe more rounded flavor without making you buy ten separate jars first.

This is often the pantry shortcut that makes the result taste more complete.

  • Adds warmer depth quickly
  • Useful across curries, lentils, and vegetable dishes

If you are cooking Indian food more than once, garam masala is a practical pantry anchor.

Shop garam masala for this recipe

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • The batter for uttapam should be thicker than dosa batter—add less water if needed.

  • Cover while cooking to ensure the top sets and holds the vegetable toppings.

Storage

Uttapam is best served fresh. Store leftover batter for up to 3 days refrigerated.

Reheating

Warm in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (0mg) · 3 servings

Calories200
LowModerateHigh

A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein6g
Carbohydrates36g
Fat3g
Fiber340mg
Sugar2g
Sodium4g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover dosa batter?
Absolutely—slightly over-fermented batter that is too sour for dosa makes excellent uttapam.
What toppings can I use?
Try grated carrot, corn, capsicum, or even cheese for fusion uttapam.

Explore More

More Indian RecipesMore BreakfastVegan RecipesGluten-Free RecipesDairy-Free RecipesStovetop Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

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