Appam Stew is a lacy, bowl-shaped South Indian bread with crispy edges and a soft, spongy center. This naturally fermented vegetarian bread is light, healthy, and a family breakfast favorite in Kerala.
Rinse raw rice thoroughly, then soak it in water for at least 4 hours to soften.
Drain the rice, then blend with cooked rice, grated coconut, and about 1 cup water until smooth and creamy.
Dissolve the active dry yeast in 2 tbsp lukewarm water with 1 tsp sugar and let it activate for 10 minutes until frothy.
Add the yeast mixture and coconut milk to the rice batter; mix well. Stir in remaining sugar and salt. Cover the bowl and ferment in a warm place for 8 hours or overnight, until the batter is bubbly and light.
Heat an appam pan or deep nonstick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with a little vegetable oil. Pour a ladleful of fermented batter into the center, swirl the pan so the batter coats the sides thinly, and leaves a thicker pool in the center.
Cover and cook on low-medium heat for 2–3 minutes, until the edges turn golden crips and the center sets with a lacy border. Do not flip.
Remove the appam gently with a spatula, serve hot with coconut milk stew or as desired.