Hoppers (Appa)

Hoppers (also called "Appa") are a traditional Sri Lankan dish made from a fermented rice flour batter, served crispy on the edges and soft in the center. They are often enjoyed with curry, sambol, or even a fried egg in the middle for extra flavor!

Ingredients

• 2 cups rice flour
• 1/2 cup plain flour
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp yeast
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
• 1/2 cup warm water (for activating yeast)
• Oil for greasing the pan
• Optional: 1-2 eggs (for egg hoppers)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water with sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine rice flour, plain flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix well.
3. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour mixture along with coconut milk. Stir until the batter is smooth and thick.
4. Cover the bowl and let the batter ferment for 6-8 hours or overnight at room temperature.
5. Once the batter is fermented, heat an appa pan (hopper pan) or a small non-stick frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease with oil.
6. Pour a ladleful of batter into the pan and swirl the pan to spread the batter in a thin layer along the sides, leaving the center thicker.
7. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the center is soft and cooked through.
8. If making egg hoppers, crack an egg into the center of the hopper once the batter begins to set, then cover and cook for another 3 minutes.
9. Repeat with the remaining batter and serve hot with your favorite curry, sambol, or chutney.

Watch How It's Made

Tips & Variations

• If you don’t have an appa pan, you can use a regular non-stick frying pan to make the hoppers.
• For extra flavor, try adding a bit of jaggery or coconut sugar to the batter.
• Hoppers are best enjoyed fresh and hot, so cook in batches and serve immediately!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a coconut sambol, dhal curry, or any meat curry of your choice.
• For a more indulgent dish, make "egg hoppers" by cracking an egg into the center of each hopper during cooking.

Nutrition (approx. per serving)

• Calories: 200–250 kcal (per 2-3 hoppers)
• Protein: 3–4g
• Carbohydrates: 35–40g
• Fats: 5–6g