The Delightful World of Sri Lankan Hoppers: A Recipe Guide

Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its rich flavors, aromas, and textures, and one of its most beloved dishes is the humble hopper. Also known as “appa” in Sinhalese, hoppers are thin, crispy pancakes made from a simple batter of rice flour, coconut milk, and eggs. They can be enjoyed at any time of day, whether as a snack, breakfast, or even as a side dish for a meal. In this article, we’ll explore the world of Sri Lankan hoppers and provide you with some delicious recipes to try at home.

What are Hoppers?

Hoppers are a type of pancake that is popular in Sri Lanka and other parts of South Asia. They are made from a batter of rice flour, coconut milk, and eggs, which is poured into a small, bowl-shaped pan and cooked until crispy and golden brown. Hoppers can be plain or filled with a variety of ingredients, such as eggs, potatoes, onions, and chilies.

Types of Hoppers

There are several types of hoppers that are popular in Sri Lanka, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some of the most common types of hoppers include:

• Plain Hoppers: These are the simplest type of hopper, made with just rice flour, coconut milk, and eggs.
• Egg Hoppers: These are plain hoppers with a fried egg in the center.
• String Hoppers: These are steamed hoppers made from a batter of rice flour and water, which are then steamed in a special steamer.
• Sambal Hoppers: These are hoppers filled with a spicy sambal made from chilies, onions, and sometimes fish or meat.

Benefits of Hoppers

Hoppers are a nutritious food that can provide several health benefits. They are:

• Good source of carbohydrates: Hoppers are made from rice flour, which is a good source of carbohydrates.
• Rich in protein: Hoppers can be filled with protein-rich ingredients like eggs, meat, or fish.
• Low in fat: Hoppers are typically cooked in a small amount of oil, making them a relatively low-fat food.

Sri Lankan Hoppers Recipe

Here’s a simple recipe for Sri Lankan hoppers that you can try at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice flour
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 egg, beaten
• Cooking oil or ghee for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the rice flour, coconut milk, water, salt, sugar, and yeast. Mix well to form a smooth batter.
2. Let the batter rest for 2-3 hours, or overnight in the fridge.
3. Heat a small, bowl-shaped pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or ghee to the pan.
4. Pour a small amount of batter into the pan and tilt the pan to evenly coat the bottom.
5. Cook the hopper for 2-3 minutes, or until it is crispy and golden brown.
6. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Egg Hoppers Recipe

Here’s a recipe for egg hoppers, a popular variation of hoppers in Sri Lanka:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice flour
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 egg, beaten
• Cooking oil or ghee for frying
• 1 egg, for filling

Instructions:

1. Make the hopper batter according to the recipe above.
2. Heat a small, bowl-shaped pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or ghee to the pan.
3. Pour a small amount of batter into the pan and tilt the pan to evenly coat the bottom.
4. Crack an egg into the center of the hopper.
5. Cook the hopper for 2-3 minutes, or until the egg is cooked to your liking.
6. Repeat with the remaining batter and eggs.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you make the most of your hopper-making experience:

• Use the right type of rice flour: Sri Lankan rice flour is finer than regular rice flour, which makes it ideal for hoppers. You can use regular rice flour as a substitute, but the texture may be slightly different.
• Adjust the amount of coconut milk: The amount of coconut milk you use will affect the texture and flavor of your hoppers. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
• Add flavorings to the batter: You can add flavorings like cumin seeds, coriander seeds, or chili