Make this classic Kerala recipe for steamed rice cake or vattayappam from scratch

Popular in the southern state of Kerala, India, vattayappam or fermented steamed rice cake is made using rice and coconut. The batter for the cake is fermented prior to preparation by using yeast. This sweet, soft and spongy dish is quite healthy to consume and can be eaten as a snack or as part of a full meal if paired with a meat dish. The word 'vatta' comes from the round shape of the baking tray as the vattayayappam is normally baked in a round tray.

Preparation time: 24 hours

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Serves: 1 large cake

Ingredients:

Method:

Preparing the batter

Step 1: Wash the rice thoroughly a few times till the water runs clear. Soak it in water for about four hours till it becomes soft enough to grind. Soak the rice flakes in a quarter cup of water as well.

Step 2: After four hours, drain the water and add the rice and rice flakes to a blender. Add coconut water at equal intervals, as you grind, till you get a thick and finely ground batter.

Note: Ensure that you do not add a lot of water as this would make the batter thin.

Once the batter is ready, add the grated coconut and grind it once again to an almost smooth consistency.

Step 3: Before adding the grated coconut to a food processor, add two tablespoons of rice batter and pour it into a pan. Add 200 to 250 ml of water to it, to create a thin consistency. Boil it on a medium flame till it starts to thicken. Make sure to continuously stir the mix using a spatula. Keep this aside for about 10 minutes for cooling. This process is called kappi kaachal.

Step 4: Combine yeast with one tablespoon of sugar and two tablespoons of warm water. Leave it to ferment for about 10 to 15 minutes in a small cup.

Step 5: Transfer the rice-coconut batter into a bowl. Add the mix or kappi, fermented yeast, 120 gm of sugar and ½ teaspoon of salt and mix it nicely. Cover the bowl and keep it aside for about five hours.

Preparing the Vattayappam 

Step 1: In steamer, add water to the base.

Step 2: Grease a round pan with oil.

Step 3: Pour the prepared batter and fill the ¾ of the greased pan. Place it in the steamer and cook for two minutes initially. Then add a few cashews and raisins on the partially baked batter. 

Step 4: Steam for another 20 to 25 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

Step 5: On removing the tray from the steamer, allow it to cool. Once the vattayappam is cooled, pull it out from the pan by slowly releasing the edges using a knife or spoon.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy soft, sweet and spongy vattayappam!