Authentic South Indian Thattai Recipe: A Crunchy Delight for Snack Lovers

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Raw Rice Flour
  • 2 tbsp Urad Dal Flour
  • 1/4 tsp Asafoetida
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Chilli Powder
  • 1 tbsp Butter
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds
  • 1 sprig Curry Leaves
  • Oil, for deep frying
  • Water, as needed

Steps and instructions

  1. First, sieve the rice flour and urad dal flour together into a large bowl.
  2. Add asafoetida, salt, chilli powder, butter, sesame seeds and finely chopped curry leaves to the sieved flour.
  3. Mix all these ingredients together until they are well combined.
  4. Gradually add water to this mixture and knead it into a soft, pliable dough.
  5. Divide the dough into small, equal-sized balls.
  6. Take a ball of dough and flatten it with your palm or a rolling pin on a greased parchment paper to make a thin disc.
  7. Repeat this process with the remaining balls of dough.
  8. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
  9. Once the oil is hot, carefully slide the flattened discs into the oil and fry them until they turn golden brown on both sides.
  10. Remove the thattai from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  11. Once they cool down, store the thattai in an airtight container.
  12. Enjoy your homemade thattai with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of rice flour for a healthier version.
  • Add roasted cumin seeds or crushed black pepper for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Replace urad dal flour with chickpea flour (besan) for a different texture.
  • Include finely chopped onions or grated coconut in the dough for added taste and texture.
  • Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend or rice flour specifically labeled gluten-free.
  • Add a pinch of turmeric powder for a vibrant yellow color.
  • For a spicy kick, add finely chopped green chilies or red chili flakes to the dough.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices such as dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) or garam masala.
  • Make it vegan by replacing butter with vegan butter or vegetable oil.
  • Create a sweet version by adding powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and a touch of saffron to the dough.

Recipe overview

Thattai is a popular South Indian snack that is both crispy and flavorful. This snack is traditionally enjoyed during festivals, but it's so delicious, you'll want to make it all year round. Made with rice flour, urad dal flour, and a blend of spices, thattai is deep fried to achieve its characteristic crunchy texture. This recipe will guide you step-by-step through the process of making homemade thattai. The ingredients are simple and can be easily found in any Indian grocery store or online. While the process does involve a bit of time and patience, the result is absolutely worth it. In this recipe, we will make small, disc-shaped thattai, but feel free to experiment with the size and thickness according to your preference. Serve your freshly made thattai with a hot cup of tea or coffee for the perfect snack experience. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use store-bought rice flour instead of making it at home?
    Yes, you can use store-bought rice flour instead of making it at home. However, make sure it is fresh and of good quality.
  2. Can I substitute urad dal flour with something else?
    If you don't have urad dal flour, you can replace it with roasted gram flour (besan) or even rice flour.
  3. Can I skip adding asafoetida?
    Asafoetida adds a unique flavor to thattai, but if you don't have it or prefer not to use it, you can skip it. The taste will be slightly different.
  4. Can I adjust the spice level in the recipe?
    Yes, you can adjust the amount of chilli powder according to your preference. Increase or decrease it based on how spicy you want the thattai to be.
  5. Can I bake the thattai instead of deep frying?
    Traditionally, thattai is deep-fried to achieve its crispy texture. Baking may not give the same results, but you can try baking them at a low temperature if you prefer a healthier option.
  6. How long can I store the thattai?
    Thattai can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to store them in a cool, dry place to maintain their crispiness.
  7. Can I add any other ingredients to the dough?
    Yes, you can customize the dough by adding roasted peanuts, cashews, or even grated coconut for additional flavor and texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Thattai is a popular snack that hails from the southern part of India, particularly Tamil Nadu. This crunchy delight has been a part of South Indian cuisine for centuries and is traditionally prepared during festivals and special occasions. It is said that in olden days, during the festival days, women of the house would gather and make Thattai together, turning the process into a social event. The beauty of this snack lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are basic, found in every South Indian kitchen, but when combined and fried, they transform into a delightful crispy treat. Thattai, like many other Indian snacks, is not just food but a celebration of culture, tradition and togetherness.

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.