Hoppers Recipe – Sri Lanka's Delightful Street Food

Hoppers, or appa, are a beloved Sri Lankan street food made from a fermented rice flour batter. They are typically enjoyed for breakfast or dinner, often accompanied by savory or sweet fillings. This dish reflects the rich culinary heritage of Sri Lanka and is a must-try for anyone exploring its vibrant food culture.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~250 kcal / serving

Ingredients

For the Batter:
2 cups rice flour
1/2 cup cooked rice
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup water (more if needed)
For Cooking:
Vegetable oil or coconut oil (for greasing the pan)
2 eggs (optional, for egg hoppers)

Instructions

Prepare the Batter

In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in 1/2 cup of warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

In a blender, combine the rice flour, cooked rice, salt, coconut milk, and the yeast mixture. Blend until smooth. The batter should be thin, similar to crepe batter. Add more water if needed to achieve the right consistency.

Transfer the batter to a large mixing bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it ferment in a warm place for about 6-8 hours or overnight.

Prepare to Cook

After fermentation, stir the batter well. If it has thickened too much, add a little more water to reach the desired consistency.

Cook the Hoppers

Heat a small, non-stick or well-seasoned hopper pan (or small wok) over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with vegetable oil or coconut oil.

Pour a ladleful of batter into the pan, swirling the pan to spread the batter thinly around the sides, leaving a small pool of batter in the center.

Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are golden brown and crisp, and the center is cooked through.

For egg hoppers, crack an egg into the center of the hopper after swirling the batter around the sides. Cover and cook until the egg is set to your liking.

Serve

Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the pan as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hoppers?

Hoppers are bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour, commonly served with various fillings or toppings.

Where does Hoppers come from?

Hoppers originate from Sri Lanka and are a staple in its cuisine, showcasing the country's unique culinary traditions.

What are the main ingredients in Hoppers?

Key ingredients include rice flour, cooked rice, coconut milk, active dry yeast, sugar, and salt.

How long does Hoppers take to make?

It takes approximately 410-450 minutes to make Hoppers from start to finish.

What do you serve with Hoppers?

Hoppers are typically served with coconut sambol, a variety of curries, or sweetened with jaggery and coconut.

Hoppers