Kerala Style Vettu Cake Recipe (Eggless Wholewheat Tea Shop Cake)
A beloved tea-time snack from Kerala, the Vettu Cake is an eggless, whole wheat version of the traditional deep-fried cake. With its rich cardamom aroma, slight sweetness, and golden, crispy texture, this cake is perfect for pairing with your favorite chai or coconut drink. This recipe is an easy way to recreate the delicious, mouthwatering taste of Kerala’s tea shop staple right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for Kerala Style Vettu Cake (Eggless Wholewheat Tea Shop Cake)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 2 cups |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Cooking Soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Butter | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Water | As required |
| Sunflower Oil (for deep frying) | As required |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~170 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~32g |
| Protein | ~3g |
| Fat | ~6g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sugar | ~10g |
| Sodium | ~100mg |
Preparation Time
| Time | 45 minutes |
|---|
Cooking Time
| Time | 20 minutes |
|---|
Total Time
| Time | 65 minutes |
|---|
Servings
| Serving Size | 10 pieces |
|---|
Cuisine
| Cuisine Type | Kerala Recipes |
|---|
Course
| Course Type | Snack |
|---|
Diet
| Diet Type | Vegetarian |
|---|
Instructions for Kerala Style Vettu Cake (Eggless Wholewheat Tea Shop Cake)
-
Prepare the Dough
Begin by sifting the whole wheat flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar, salt, cooking soda, cardamom powder, and butter to the sifted flour. Use your fingers or a whisk to mix these dry ingredients together thoroughly. -
-
Add Wet Ingredients
Next, pour the milk into the flour mixture and stir until it forms a crumbly texture. If you prefer, you can powder the sugar before adding it to ensure it dissolves easily. -
Knead the Dough
Slowly add water, a little at a time, to form a soft dough. The dough should not be sticky; if it is, add a small amount of flour to adjust the consistency. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. -
Rest the Dough
Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and allow it to rest for 45 minutes. This resting time will help develop the flavors and make the dough easier to work with. -
Shape the Dough
After the dough has rested, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a log shape, then cut it into 2-inch square pieces. -
Cut the Pieces
Using a knife, make a small cut in the center of each piece, either in an “X” or “+” pattern. This will allow the pieces to cook evenly and add to their aesthetic appeal. -
Heat the Oil for Frying
Heat sunflower oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. To check the oil temperature, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. It should rise to the top immediately, signaling that the oil is ready for frying. -
Fry the Vettu Cake
Reduce the heat to low and carefully drop the dough pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry the pieces for 4-5 minutes, ensuring that they turn golden brown on all sides. Be patient and maintain a low flame for even cooking. -
Drain and Serve
Once the Vettu Cakes are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. -
Serve
Serve the Kerala Style Vettu Cake hot with a refreshing Coconut Kewra Drink or a comforting cup of Ginger Cardamom Chai. These treats are perfect for any occasion and make a great snack with your favorite beverage.
Tips for the Perfect Kerala Style Vettu Cake
- Resting Time is Key: Allow the dough to rest for 45 minutes as this will help in achieving the ideal texture and flavor.
- Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying. Too hot or too cold oil will affect the texture and crispiness of the cake.
- Adjust Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky during kneading, add a little more flour; if too dry, add more water, but do so sparingly.
- Flavor Variations: You can add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon powder for an extra layer of flavor, although traditional Vettu Cakes usually use just cardamom.
Conclusion
This Kerala Style Vettu Cake is a delightful snack that captures the essence of Kerala’s street food culture. With its golden, crispy texture and aromatic cardamom flavor, this eggless, whole wheat version of the classic tea shop cake is a healthier yet equally delicious option for your next tea time. Whether you enjoy it with a hot beverage or as a snack on its own, the Vettu Cake will undoubtedly become a favorite in your household.
