Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare Poha and Rava Mixture

   Take 2 cups of thick poha in a bowl. Wash it twice with water and drain thoroughly. Add 1 cup of Bombay rava (sooji) and 1 cup of slightly sour curd. Pour in 1 cup of water. Mix all the ingredients well until combined.

2. 2.Soak the Mixture

   Cover the bowl with a lid and let the mixture soak for 10 minutes. This allows the rava and poha to absorb the liquid and soften.

3. 3.Grind the Batter

   Transfer the soaked mixture into a mixer grinder jar. Add another 1 cup of water. Grind it into a smooth and thick batter. Ensure the batter is not too thin; it should be thick enough to hold its shape.

4. 4.Add Vegetables and Spices

   Transfer the ground batter to a bowl. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion, 1 inch of finely chopped ginger, 2-3 chopped green chilies, a few chopped curry leaves, a handful of chopped coriander leaves, 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, and salt to taste. Mix all the ingredients well into the batter without adding any extra water. The batter consistency should be thick. If it accidentally becomes too thin, add 2-3 tablespoons of rice flour to thicken it.

5. 5.Heat Paniyaram Pan

   Place a paniyaram pan on the stove and heat it. Once hot, add about 1/2 teaspoon of oil into each mould.

6. 6.Cook the Paddus (First Side)

   Pour 1 tablespoon of the batter into each mould, starting from the outer moulds and then filling the center ones last (as the center heats up faster). Cover with a lid and cook on medium to low flame for 2-3 minutes until the bottom side is golden brown.

7. 7.Cook the Paddus (Second Side)

   Remove the lid. Carefully flip each paddu to the other side using a spoon. Add a few drops of oil if needed. Cook on low to medium flame without covering the pan until the other side is also golden brown and crispy.

8. 8.Serve

   Once cooked, remove the paddus from the pan and transfer them to a serving plate. Serve hot with your favorite chutney or pickle. These paddus are so flavorful, they can also be enjoyed plain!