Crispy Amaranth Leaves Balls (Thotakura Undalu) – Andhra Snack Recipe

Thotakura Undalu Recipe (Crispy Amaranth Leaves Balls)

Thotakura Undalu, or crispy amaranth leaves balls, is a beloved snack from Andhra Pradesh, India. These crunchy, golden-brown balls made from fresh green amaranth leaves are a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Packed with the goodness of amaranth, gram flour, and aromatic spices, these little bites are both healthy and incredibly satisfying. Whether served with rice and rasam or enjoyed on their own, Thotakura Undalu makes for a perfect snack or side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Preparation Time

• 10 minutes

Cooking Time

• 25 minutes

Total Time

• 35 minutes

Servings

• 4 servings

Cuisine

• Andhra

Course

• Snack

Diet

• Vegetarian

Instructions

1. Prepare the Amaranth Mixture:
   Start by washing and chopping the fresh green amaranth leaves. Add the chopped leaves into a large mixing bowl. To this, add the gram flour (besan), cumin seeds (jeera), red chili powder, chopped ginger, and salt to taste.

   Related Articles

   • 
     Cheese Masala Omelette: Spicy Indian Breakfast Delight
   • 
     Savory Awadhi Moong Dal Goli: Lentil Dumplings in Rich Tomato Gravy
   • 
     Dudhauri Jharkhand: Traditional Sweet Rice Laddus in Sugar Syrup
   • 
     Spicy Maharashtrian Bhadang Snack Mix Recipe

2. Form the Mixture:
   Gradually add a little water to the mixture to help bind the ingredients together. Mix everything thoroughly until you achieve a sticky, cohesive mixture. The texture should be firm enough to hold its shape when rolled into balls.

3. Shape the Balls:
   Using your hands, take a small portion of the mixture and press it firmly to form a round ball. Repeat this step with the remaining mixture, ensuring that all the amaranth balls are compact and evenly sized.

4. Fry the Balls:
   Heat a kuzhi paniyaram pan or any shallow frying pan with sunflower oil. Once the oil is hot, place the prepared balls into each cavity of the paniyaram pan (or directly in the frying pan). Fry them on medium heat until they turn crispy and golden brown on all sides.

5. Drain Excess Oil:
   Once fried, remove the balls from the pan and drain any excess oil by placing them on a paper towel or kitchen napkin.

6. Prepare the Tempering:
   In a separate flat skillet, heat a little oil. Add the sesame seeds and curry leaves, allowing them to splutter for a few seconds. Then, add the dry red chilies and a pinch of asafoetida (hing), letting them crackle for about 2 seconds to release their flavors.

7. Coat the Balls:
   Gently add the fried amaranth balls into the skillet with the tempering. Toss the balls carefully to coat them with the aromatic tempering.

8. Serve:
   Serve the Thotakura Undalu hot, garnished with the tempering. These crispy amaranth balls make an excellent accompaniment to Thakkali Rasam (Tomato Rasam) and Carrot Poriyal (Carrot Stir Fry), or simply enjoy them with steamed rice and Thakkali Sadam (Tomato Rice) for a wholesome meal.

Tips for Best Results:

• Fresh Amaranth Leaves: Use fresh, tender amaranth leaves for the best flavor and texture. The leaves should be free of blemishes.
• Consistency of the Mixture: Ensure that the mixture is neither too wet nor too dry. If it’s too wet, the balls might break apart while frying. If it’s too dry, they won’t hold together.
• Pan Frying: If you don’t have a kuzhi paniyaram pan, you can deep fry the balls, but be careful not to overcrowd the pan as that might lead to uneven cooking.
• Add More Spices: Feel free to adjust the level of chili powder and ginger based on your spice preference. You can also add a pinch of turmeric for color and additional flavor.

Health Benefits of Thotakura (Amaranth):

Amaranth leaves, known as “Thotakura” in Telugu, are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are a great source of calcium, iron, and dietary fiber, making this snack not only delicious but also highly nutritious. By incorporating these leaves into your diet, you’re adding a wealth of nutrients that support overall health, especially bone health, immune function, and digestion.

Enjoy this delectable and crispy Andhra-style snack with your loved ones!

Thotakura Undalu is a perfect example of how traditional flavors and healthy ingredients can come together in a fun and delicious way. Whether you’re serving it for a snack, a side dish, or as part of a festive meal, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Related Recipes You Might Enjoy:

• Thakkali Rasam (Tomato Rasam)
• Carrot Poriyal
• Thakkali Sadam (Tomato Rice)
• Crispy Masala Vada