Crunchy and Spicy Karasev: A Classic South Indian Snack Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup of Gram Flour (Besan)
1/4 cup of Rice Flour
1/2 teaspoon of Black Pepper Powder
1/2 teaspoon of Red Chili Powder
1/4 teaspoon of Asafoetida (Hing)
1 tablespoon of Hot Oil
1/2 cup of Water (adjust as needed)
Salt to taste
Oil for Deep Frying

Steps and instructions

In a mixing bowl, add the gram flour, rice flour, black pepper powder, red chili powder, asafoetida, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients well.
Heat a tablespoon of oil and add this hot oil to the flour mixture. This process is called tempering and it gives a nice flavor to the Karasev.
Mix well using a spoon. It should form a crumbly mixture.
Now add water gradually and knead into a soft, pliable dough. The dough should not be too tight or too loose.
Heat oil for deep frying in a pan. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it rises immediately, the oil is ready.
Take a portion of the dough and press it directly over the hot oil through a sieve with big holes. If you don't have a sieve, you can use a grater with large holes.
Fry on medium heat until the sizzling sound reduces and the Karasev turns golden.
Drain the Karasev on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Repeat the process with the rest of the dough.
Allow the Karasev to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be stored for up to a month.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the dry ingredients and kneading the dough.
Sieve or Grater - Used to press the dough through for frying the Karasev.
Pan for Deep Frying - A deep pan or kadai to heat the oil and fry the Karasev.
Spoon - Used for mixing and incorporating the ingredients into the dough.
Paper Towel - To drain excess oil from the fried Karasev.
Airtight Container - To store the Karasev and keep it fresh for a longer period.

Recipe variations

Use Chickpea Flour (Besan) instead of Gram Flour for a slightly different flavor.
Add a teaspoon of Cumin Seeds or Sesame Seeds for an additional crunch and flavor.
Replace Rice Flour with Cornstarch or Semolina for a variation in texture.
Add a pinch of Baking Soda to make the Karasev more crispy.
Include finely chopped Curry Leaves or Coriander Leaves for a fresh herbal taste.
Add a teaspoon of Ginger-Garlic Paste for a hint of spiciness and aroma.
Make a spicy version by increasing the amount of Red Chili Powder or adding finely chopped Green Chilies.
For a gluten-free option, use a combination of Chickpea Flour and Rice Flour instead of Gram Flour.
Create a savory twist by incorporating some grated Cheese into the dough.
Experiment with different seasonings such as Chaat Masala, Garam Masala, or Garlic Powder for unique flavors.

Recipe overview

Karasev is a popular South Indian snack that is perfect for teatime munching or as a festive treat. This recipe will guide you step-by-step through the process of preparing the snack at home. Made primarily from gram flour and rice flour, Karasev is spiced with black pepper and red chili powder for a flavorful kick. The dough is then pressed through a sieve directly into hot oil and fried until crispy and golden. It's a simple and satisfying snack that can be stored for up to a month, ensuring you always have something tasty on hand for surprise guests or sudden cravings. Whether you're familiar with South Indian cuisine or are looking for new snack recipes to try, this Karasev recipe is definitely worth a shot!

Common questions

How long can I store Karasev? Karasev can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month.
Can I adjust the spice level? Yes, you can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder according to your preference.
What can I do if the dough becomes too tight? If the dough becomes too tight, you can add a little more water to make it softer and more pliable.
Can I use any other flour instead of gram flour? Gram flour (besan) is traditionally used in Karasev, but you can try using chickpea flour or a combination of chickpea flour and all-purpose flour if you don't have gram flour available.
What can I substitute for hot oil in the recipe? You can use melted ghee (clarified butter) as a substitute for hot oil for a richer flavor.
Can I bake Karasev instead of deep frying? Karasev is traditionally deep-fried for its crispy texture. However, you can try baking it at a high temperature for a healthier alternative, although the texture and taste may differ slightly.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A bowl for mixing the ingredients together.
Sieve - A sieve with big holes to press the dough through and create the Karasev strands. If not available, a grater with large holes can be used as an alternative.
Pan for Deep Frying - A deep frying pan or kadai to heat the oil and fry the Karasev.
Slotted Spoon - A slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried Karasev from the oil and drain the excess oil.
Paper Towels - Paper towels to absorb the excess oil from the fried Karasev.
Airtight Container - An airtight container to store the cooled Karasev and keep it fresh for a longer duration.

Origin stories

Karasev is a beloved snack hailing from the South of India, particularly from the state of Tamil Nadu. Traditionally savored during festivities, this crunchy delight finds its way into homes as a popular tea-time snack as well. It is believed that the name "Karasev" is derived from the Tamil words "Karam", meaning spicy, and "Sev", denoting the fried strands, reflecting the snack's characteristic fiery taste. This humble snack's appeal lies not just in its taste, but also in its simplicity. Its ingredients are staple items found in every Tamil household, and the process, while requiring a bit of skill, is straightforward and quick. The beauty of Karasev lies in this simplicity that belies its explosive flavor, much like the region from which it originates. The Tamil people, known for their warmth and their spicy, yet humble cuisine, share these traits with the unassuming Karasev, making it a true reflection of its place of origin.

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.