Nei Appam – Traditional South Indian Sweet Recipe | Prasadam for Lord Murugan

Nei Appam is a delicious and traditional South Indian sweet dish made with rice, jaggery, banana, and ghee. This golden-brown, crispy-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside delicacy is commonly prepared during festivals like Thaipusam, Karthigai Deepam, and Navratri as an offering (Prasadam) to Lord Murugan.

Why You’ll Love This Nei Appam Recipe

1. ✔ Authentic South Indian flavor
2. ✔ Made with wholesome ingredients
3. ✔ Perfect for festive occasions & poojas
4. ✔ Easy to prepare with simple steps

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup raw rice (soaked for 2-3 hours)
2. ¾ cup jaggery (powdered)
3. 1 small banana (optional, for softness)
4. ¼ cup grated coconut
5. ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
6. ¼ teaspoon baking soda (optional, for texture)
7. ¼ cup water (as needed)
8. Ghee (for frying)

Preparation Method:

1. Preparing the Batter:

1. Grind the soaked rice into a smooth batter with a little water.
2. While grinding, add jaggery, banana, grated coconut, and cardamom powder.
3. Mix well and let the batter rest for 30 minutes. Add baking soda if desired.

2. Heating the Ghee:

Heat an appe pan (paniyaram pan) or a deep pan with enough ghee.

3. Frying the Appam:

Pour small ladlefuls of batter into the pan to shape the appams.
Fry on medium flame until golden brown on both sides.

4. Serving:

Drain excess ghee and serve warm as a prasad (offering) to Lord Murugan.
Pro Tips for Perfect Nei Appam

• ✅ Use overripe banana for a softer texture.
• ✅ Ensure the batter is thick yet pourable to get the right shape.
• ✅ Fry on medium flame for even cooking and golden color.
• ✅ Adding a pinch of baking soda can make the appams extra fluffy.