Cheese Paniyaram - By Chef R. Vijayan

Cheese Paniyaram is a delightful twist on the traditional South Indian dish, Kuzhi Paniyaram. Made with a batter of fermented rice and lentils, Paniyaram is usually a savory snack or breakfast item. The addition of cheese brings a fusion of flavors, making it a perfect dish for kids and adults alike who enjoy a cheesy treat. This dish is easy to prepare and can be served as a snack or as a part of a larger meal.

Ingredients:

- Fermented Idli/Dosa Batter - 1 cup

- Grated Cheese (Cheddar/Mozzarella) - ¼ cup

- Finely Chopped Small Onion - 1 No.

- Finely Chopped Green Chilli - 1 No.

- Mustard Seeds - ¼ tsp

- Cumin Seeds - ¼ tsp

- Urad Dal - ¼ tsp

- A Few Curry Leaves

- Ghee - 1 tbsp

- Salt - To Taste

- Finely Chopped Coriander Leaves - For Garnish (Optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the tempering: Heat 1 tbsp of ghee in a small pan. Add mustard seeds, urad dal and cumin seeds, allowing them to splutter. Add chopped onions, green chillies, and curry leaves. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.

2. Mix the batter: In a mixing bowl, take the idli/dosa batter. Add the sautéed onion mixture to the batter and mix well. Adjust the salt as needed. If you prefer, you can also add finely chopped coriander leaves for an extra burst of flavor.

3. Cook the Paniyaram: Heat a paniyaram pan and grease each cavity with ghee. Pour a spoonful of batter into each cavity, just enough to cover the bottom. Add a small amount of grated cheese in the center, then cover with another spoonful of batter to seal the cheese inside.

4. Cook until golden: Cover the pan with a lid and cook on medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown.

5. Flip and cook: Carefully flip each paniyaram using a skewer or spoon. Cook the other side until golden and crisp. Ensure the cheese has melted and the paniyaram is cooked through.

6. Serve: Once done, remove the paniyaram from the pan and serve hot with chutney or ketchup. The cheesy goodness inside the soft paniyaram makes it an instant hit with everyone.

Cheese Paniyaram is a versatile dish that can be customized with additional ingredients like grated vegetables, herbs, or spices to suit your taste. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or something to impress guests, this cheesy variation of a traditional dish is sure to please.