Authentic South Indian Nippattu Recipe: Crispy Rice Crackers with a Spicy Kick

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice flour
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (Maida)
  • 1/2 cup roasted gram flour (Pottukadalai flour)
  • 1/4 cup peanuts
  • 1/4 cup dry coconut (Kopra)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons hot oil
  • 1 tablespoon red chilli powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon asafoetida (Hing)
  • 1 sprig curry leaves
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed
  • Oil for deep frying

Steps and instructions

  1. In a dry pan, roast the peanuts until they become golden brown and let them cool down.
  2. Once cooled, remove the skin of the peanuts and grind them into a coarse powder using a mixer grinder.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the rice flour, all-purpose flour, and roasted gram flour.
  4. Add the ground peanuts, dry coconut, sesame seeds, hot oil, red chilli powder, asafoetida, curry leaves, and salt to the flour mixture. Mix everything well.
  5. Add water gradually and knead the mixture into a smooth and firm dough.
  6. Divide the dough into small balls. Take one ball and press it on a greased plastic sheet to form a thin disc.
  7. Heat oil in a frying pan. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into it. If it immediately comes to the surface, the oil is ready for frying.
  8. Slowly slide the discs into the hot oil and fry them on medium heat until they turn golden brown on both sides. Repeat this process with the remaining dough.
  9. Remove the fried Nippattu from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.
  10. Let the Nippattu cool down completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix and knead the ingredients.
  • Mixer Grinder - To grind the roasted peanuts into a coarse powder.
  • Frying Pan - A pan suitable for deep frying the Nippattu.
  • Slotted Spoon - To remove the fried Nippattu from the hot oil.
  • Plastic Sheet - A greased sheet to press the dough and form thin discs.
  • Kitchen Paper - Absorbent paper to drain excess oil from the fried Nippattu.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute rice flour with millet flour or corn flour for a different taste and texture.
  • Add finely chopped onions, green chillies, and ginger to the dough for extra flavor.
  • Include roasted and crushed cumin seeds to enhance the aroma.
  • Replace peanuts with cashews or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
  • For a spicier version, increase the quantity of red chilli powder or add freshly ground black pepper.
  • Add a handful of finely chopped fresh coriander leaves to the dough for a hint of freshness.
  • Include a tablespoon of finely grated jaggery for a touch of sweetness.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flours like besan (chickpea flour) or ragi (finger millet) flour.
  • Make it vegan by omitting the hot oil and using melted coconut oil instead.

Recipe overview

Nippattu is a scrumptious, crunchy deep-fried snack that hails from the Southern region of India, particularly popular in Karnataka. This savory delight is generally prepared with rice flour, peanuts, sesame seeds, and a mix of other ingredients that lend it its distinctive flavor. The process of making Nippattu involves kneading a firm dough, shaping it into discs, and then deep frying them until they reach a beautiful golden-brown hue. The end result is a crispy and spicy snack that is perfect to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee. This recipe will guide you through the process of making traditional Nippattu at home, with simple instructions and readily available ingredients. Get ready to add this crispy delight to your snack repertoire!

Common questions

  1. Can I use store-bought rice flour instead of making it at home? Yes, you can use store-bought rice flour for convenience.
  2. Can I substitute any flour for all-purpose flour? It is best to use all-purpose flour for this recipe as it gives the desired texture and taste. However, you can try using whole wheat flour as a healthier alternative.
  3. Can I skip roasted gram flour? Roasted gram flour adds a unique flavor and crunch to Nippattu. It is recommended to include it for the best results, but you can omit it if you don't have it on hand.
  4. What can I use as a substitute for dry coconut? If you don't have dry coconut, you can substitute it with desiccated coconut or skip it altogether.
  5. Can I use any other oil for frying? It is best to use oil with a high smoke point for deep frying, such as vegetable oil or sunflower oil.
  6. How long can I store Nippattu? When stored in an airtight container, Nippattu can stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
  7. Can I make Nippattu in advance? Yes, you can prepare Nippattu in advance and store them in an airtight container. This makes them a convenient snack option for parties or gatherings.
  8. Can I adjust the spice level? Yes, you can adjust the amount of red chilli powder according to your spice preferences. Add more or less depending on your taste.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients together and knead the dough.
  • Mixer Grinder - Used to grind the roasted peanuts into a coarse powder.
  • Plastic Sheet - Greased plastic sheets are used to press the dough into thin discs.
  • Frying Pan - A deep frying pan to heat the oil and fry the Nippattu.
  • Slotted Spoon - Used to remove the fried Nippattu from the oil.
  • Kitchen Paper - To drain excess oil from the fried Nippattu.
  • Airtight Container - Used to store the cooled Nippattu and keep them fresh.

Origin stories

Nippattu is a cherished savoury snack hailing from the southern parts of India, especially popular in the state of Karnataka. It is traditionally prepared during festivals and is an integral part of the celebration spread. A lovely aspect of Nippattu is its long shelf life, making it a favourite travel snack for many. It was often packed by families embarking on long journeys; the Nippattu easing the travel fatigue with its delicious crunch and spiced flavours. Over time, this simple, rustic snack has garnered a wider audience and has become a testament to the rich and diverse culinary culture of South India.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.