Ragi and Dill Nippattu: A South Indian Snack with a Nutty Twist
Crunchy, crispy, and full of delightful flavors, Ragi and Dill Nippattu is a perfect twist to the traditional rice-based nippattu. This South Indian snack blends the earthy flavors of ragi (finger millet) with aromatic dill, peanuts, and a variety of spices. The addition of cumin, sesame, and dry red chillies gives the nippattu a wonderful, spicy crunch that is impossible to resist. What makes this recipe even more exciting is that ragi, being gluten-free, is paired with rice flour to create a light yet crispy texture, while the richness of butter and the freshness of dill take these crunchy bites to a whole new level.
Perfect for a tea-time snack or as an appetizing treat for guests, Ragi and Dill Nippattu will surely become a favorite addition to your snack repertoire. The cocoa-colored exterior and the savory, nutty taste will leave everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ragi Flour (Finger Millet/Nagli) | 1 cup |
| Rice Flour | 2 cups |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 1 cup |
| Raw Peanuts (Moongphali) | 2 tbsp, roasted, skinned, and lightly crushed |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 tsp, finely crushed |
| Dessicated Coconut | 1 tsp |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 tbsp |
| Sesame Seeds (Til seeds) | 1 tbsp |
| Dill Leaves | 1/2 cup, finely chopped |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 tsp |
| Butter (Salted) | 1 tbsp, sizzling hot and melted |
| Warm Water | 2 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil (For Deep Frying) | 3 cups |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100-120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Instructions
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Roasting the Flours:
Begin by dry roasting the ragi flour, rice flour, and gram flour (besan) in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning and roast for about 4-6 minutes until they turn aromatic. Remove from heat and allow the flours to cool completely. -
Preparing the Spice Mix:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled roasted flours with the crushed dry red chillies, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, and salt. Add in the finely chopped dill leaves, dessicated coconut, and asafoetida (hing). Mix all the dry ingredients thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices. -
Incorporating Butter and Water:
Now, add the sizzling hot melted butter to the flour mixture. The butter adds richness and flavor, helping to bind the dough. Mix the ingredients well until they form a crumbly texture.Gradually add warm water little by little, mixing continuously until a soft and pliable dough is formed. Be cautious not to add too much water at once to avoid making the dough too sticky.
-
Shaping the Nippattu:
Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into balls. Using your palms, flatten each ball into a small disc, about 2 inches in diameter. You can grease a plastic sheet or use wax paper to press the dough into flat discs to make the process easier and mess-free. -
Frying the Nippattu:
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a tiny ball of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready. Reduce the heat to medium.Gently peel each nippattu off the wax paper and carefully slide them into the hot oil. The nippattu will initially sink and foam up before floating to the surface. Flip them over once they start to rise, and continue frying until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
-
Draining and Storing:
Once the nippattu are golden brown and crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Transfer the fried nippattu onto a plate lined with absorbent paper to drain excess oil.Allow the nippattu to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They will remain fresh and crunchy for several days if stored in a cool, dark place.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Ragi and Dill Nippattu with a hot cup of masala chai during your afternoon tea break, or enjoy them as a light snack any time of the day. Their crunchy texture and spicy, savory flavor will make them a delightful companion to your beverage of choice.
Tips and Variations
- Chili Adjustments: If you prefer a milder snack, reduce the amount of red chilies or omit them completely.
- Additional Flavors: Experiment with other herbs or spices such as curry leaves or ajwain (carom seeds) for different flavor profiles.
- Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, you can bake the nippattu at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful twist on a traditional South Indian snack with Ragi and Dill Nippattu – the perfect crunchy bite for any occasion!
