Pappu Chekkalu Recipe – Andhra Style Spiced Rice Crackers
Description:
Pappu Chekkalu, a delightful and crispy snack, hails from the heart of Andhra Pradesh. This deep-fried treat is made using rice flour, spiced with chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal), roasted peanuts, and a medley of fragrant seasonings, making it a perfect accompaniment for tea or a festive snack. The combination of crispy textures and aromatic spices is what makes these spiced rice crackers a favorite among many.
Cuisine: Andhra
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice flour | 1 cup |
| Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 2 tablespoons, soaked for 30 minutes |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali) | 2 tablespoons, coarsely pounded |
| Green Chillies | 2, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1 inch, grated |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons + more for deep frying |
| Curry leaves | 10, finely chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by gathering all the ingredients needed for making the Pappu Chekkalu. In a pestle and mortar, crush the green chilies and ginger to form a smooth paste. -
Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, soaked and drained chana dal, coarsely pounded roasted peanuts, and the ginger-green chili paste. Add 2 tablespoons of oil to this mixture. Gradually add water little by little and knead it into a firm dough. The dough should be firm enough to hold its shape when flattened. -
Rest the Dough:
Once the dough is prepared, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest while you heat the oil for frying. -
Heat the Oil:
In a deep pan or kadhai, heat oil over medium heat for deep frying the crackers. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready. -
Shape the Crackers:
Grease your palms with a little oil and take small portions of the dough. Flatten each portion between your palms to form a small disc. Ensure the discs are of uniform thickness for even frying. -
Fry the Chekkalu:
Gently slide the discs into the hot oil. Fry them on medium heat, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp on both sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they fry evenly. -
Drain and Cool:
Once fried, remove the chekkalu from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let them cool completely. -
Store and Serve:
Once cooled, store the Pappu Chekkalu in an airtight container. Serve them as a crunchy snack with tea or coffee, or enjoy them during festive occasions like Diwali. Their crispiness and spicy flavor will make them a hit with everyone!
Tips for Perfect Pappu Chekkalu:
- Resting the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest helps the ingredients to bind well and ensures easy shaping of the discs.
- Frying: Make sure to fry the chekkalu on medium heat to ensure that they cook evenly without burning.
- Storage: These crackers can stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time.
Enjoy your homemade Andhra-style Pappu Chekkalu and relish the blend of spices and crunch in every bite!
