Healthy Instant Appe (Paniyaram) Recipe for Kids’ Lunchboxes

Packing a healthy school lunch every morning can feel exhausting. You want something nutritious, quick to make, and most importantly, something your child will actually eat. This instant appe recipe, also known as paniyaram in Tamil Nadu, ticks all those boxes.

No fermentation. No deep frying. Just a soft, protein-rich recipe that packs beautifully into school tiffins.

Why This Appe Recipe Works for Lunchboxes

This recipe is especially great for busy school mornings because:

• It needs no fermentation, so no overnight prep

• It’s light yet filling, thanks to paneer and fox nuts

• It stays soft for hours and travels well in lunchboxes

• It’s a great alternative to fried food and bread-based options

Perfect for kids who like familiar flavours but need balanced nutrition.

Healthy Instant Appe Recipe

Ingredients

Step 1. Grind

• 1 cup roasted fox nuts (makhana)

• 1 cup suji (rava)

Grind both into a coarse powder.

Step 2. Mix
Add the following to the ground mixture:

• 1/2 cup grated paneer

• 1/4 cup besan

• 1/4 cup curd

• Finely chopped onion, carrot, and spinach

• Salt to taste

• Turmeric

• Red chilli powder

• Garam masala or dhaniya powder

• Jeera seeds

Step 3. Batter
Mix everything well. Add a little water if needed to make a thick batter. The batter should be firm enough to shape into small balls.

Step 4. Cook

• Grease an appe pan lightly

• Add the batter into each mould

• Cook on low to medium flame, turning occasionally

• Cook until golden and crisp on the outside

Serve hot with chutney or ketchup.

Lunchbox Tips for Parents

• Let the appe cool completely before packing

• Pack with a small portion of chutney or ketchup separately

• These pair well with cut fruits or veggie sticks packed in our snack containers set

• Use a leakproof lunchbox to keep everything fresh and mess-free

Why Kids Love This Snack

These appe are soft inside, lightly crisp outside, and mild in flavour. They feel familiar, not experimental. That’s often the key with kids’ food. When something comes back empty, you know it’s a win.

Perfect for School Tiffins and Beyond

This instant appe recipe works well for:

• School lunchboxes

• After-school snacks

• Travel food

• Weekend meal prep

If you’re building a healthier lunch routine without stress, this is a great recipe to keep in rotation.

Looking for more lunchbox-friendly recipes?

Browse our blog for easy, kid-approved ideas that pack well and fit into busy mornings.