Hoppers, also known as “Appam,” are a beloved Sri Lankan dish made from a fermented batter of rice flour and coconut milk. This Hoppers recipe creates bowl-shaped pancakes with a soft, spongy center and crispy edges, perfect for enjoying with curries or as a stand-alone snack. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the rich culinary traditions of Sri Lanka gives this dish a unique flavor that is both comforting and exotic. In this blog, we explore the history of hoppers, how they should taste, and offer tips to make your Hoppers recipe turn out perfectly every time.
Why is it called “Hoppers”?
The name “Hoppers” is believed to be an anglicized version of “Appam,” a dish that originated in South India but became a staple in Sri Lankan cuisine over the centuries. In Sri Lanka, hoppers evolved into a unique version of this South Indian pancake, combining the island’s tropical ingredients like coconut milk and rice flour. Hoppers became popular because of their ability to pair beautifully with various Sri Lankan curries and sambols, making them a versatile dish. The bowl shape, formed by cooking the batter in a special hopper pan, is distinct, symbolizing the dish’s ancient connection to both Indian and Sri Lankan cultures.
How should “Hoppers” taste?
Hoppers offer a fascinating combination of textures and flavors. The edges of a well-made hopper are crisp and slightly browned, while the center remains soft, spongy, and slightly chewy. The fermentation of the batter gives the dish a subtle tanginess, similar to sourdough bread. The taste of coconut milk brings a hint of sweetness, perfectly balancing the savory notes of any curry or spicy sambol served with it. A plain hopper, without any additions, has a mild taste, making it the perfect base to soak up bold, flavorful dishes like dhal curry, pol sambol, or chicken curry.
How to make it super yummy or perfect?
To make the perfect hopper, the secret lies in the fermentation process. Ensure that the batter is allowed to ferment for at least 8 to 12 hours; this will give the hoppers their characteristic tang and softness. A mix of coconut milk and water helps create the ideal consistency—thin enough to spread easily in the pan but thick enough to form a spongy center. Use a well-oiled hopper pan and pour just enough batter to swirl and coat the sides, creating the crispy outer rim. Cook with a lid on for even heat distribution, which helps the center cook through while keeping the edges crisp. For added flavor, crack an egg into the center before cooking for an egg hopper.
Hoppers Recipe
Equipment
- Hopper pan (or small wok)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice flour
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp yeast
- 1 cup water (adjust as needed for consistency)
- Oil (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, mix rice flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add wet ingredients: Gradually whisk in coconut milk and water until you achieve a smooth batter.
- Ferment: Cover the batter with a clean cloth and let it ferment in a warm place for 8 to 12 hours.
- Preheat the pan: Heat the hopper pan on medium heat and lightly grease with oil.
- Cook the hoppers: Pour a ladleful of batter into the center of the pan, swirl it to coat the sides, and cover with a lid. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the edges are crispy and the center is cooked through.
- Serve: Serve immediately with curry or sambol of your choice.
Notes
- For egg hoppers, crack an egg into the center of the hopper before covering the pan with a lid.
- Add a pinch of turmeric for a golden hue and a slightly earthy flavor.
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Conclusion
Hoppers are not only a delicious Sri Lankan staple but also a versatile dish that can be served with an array of sides. Whether you’re a fan of traditional curries or want to try something new, hoppers offer the perfect combination of textures and flavors. They’re surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and a little patience. This recipe allows you to experience the authentic flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine right in your own kitchen, making it a must-try for any food enthusiast!
