Sarva Pindi

Sarva Pindi

Sarva Pindi

Veg Vegan

Telangana rice flour savory pancake — rice flour mixed with finely ground chana dal (soaked and ground), finely chopped onion, dried red chilli, cumin, sesame seeds, fresh curry leaves, and salt into a thick dough with water. Patted directly onto a flat iron pan (not poured as batter — pressed by hand to an uneven thickness), holes poked in the surface to allow steam escape, and cooked covered in sesame oil until the underside is golden-brown and crisp while the interior remains soft. The dish name translates as 'pressed rice preparation'; the hand-pressing technique and the dual texture of crisp outside and soft centre distinguish sarva pindi from all other South Indian rice pancakes. Made for Sunday breakfast and Ugadi morning; eaten with gongura pachadi, coconut chutney, or curds.

Cuisines

Andhra Telangana

Best for

Breakfast

Recipe

Prep: 30 min Cook: 20 min Total: 50 min 2-3 servings

Ingredients

1 cup rice flour
1/4 cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons peanuts
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
2 teaspoons red chili powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
2 tablespoons oil

Instructions

  1. 1 Wash and soak the chana dal in water for at least 30 minutes, then drain.
  2. 2 In a large mixing bowl, combine rice flour, soaked chana dal, chopped onion, peanuts, sesame seeds, chopped coriander leaves, cumin seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
  3. 3 Gradually add water to the mixture to form a thick dough.
  4. 4 Divide the dough into small portions.
  5. 5 Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  6. 6 Take one portion of the dough and flatten it directly onto the pan using your fingers, making a thin pancake. Make small holes in the pancake to allow even cooking.
  7. 7 Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat for about 8-10 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
  8. 8 Flip the pancake and cook the other side for another 5-7 minutes until crispy.
  9. 9 Repeat the process with the remaining dough portions, adding more oil as needed.

Tips

Serve hot with a side of yogurt or pickle for enhanced flavor.