Curd Jantikalu Recipe – Crispy Curd Snacks
Curd Jantikalu is a delicious and crunchy South Indian snack that brings a burst of flavor and texture in every bite. This snack is made with a combination of rice flour, all-purpose flour, and curd, offering a unique and savory twist to your regular snack options. Perfect for tea time, Curd Jantikalu is crispy on the outside, yet soft inside, making it a perfect pairing with a hot cup of masala chai or even as an appetizer for parties. Easy to make with ingredients that are readily available in your kitchen, this snack is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice flour | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour (Maida) | 1/2 cup |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 3/4 cup |
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds) | 3 tablespoons |
| Ajwain (Carom seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chilli powder | As per taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Butter (Salted) | 1/4 cup |
| Oil | As required |
| Water | As required |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
-
Mix Dry Ingredients:
Start by placing a large mixing bowl in front of you. Add rice flour and all-purpose flour (maida) into the bowl. Sprinkle in the red chilli powder, sesame seeds, ajwain (carom seeds), and salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that the dry ingredients are well combined. -
-
Incorporate Butter:
Melt salted butter and pour it into the dry ingredients mixture. Stir it in carefully, ensuring the butter is evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. -
Add Curd:
Gradually add curd (dahi / yogurt) into the mixture, mixing it slowly to avoid lumps. As the curd mixes in, you’ll begin to notice the dough forming. -
Knead Dough:
Continue to mix the ingredients together, adding water little by little, until the mixture turns into a smooth, soft dough. You should be able to handle it without it sticking excessively to your hands. The dough should be pliable but not too wet. -
Prepare Janthikalu Press:
Take a janthikalu press (sevai maker machine) and grease it lightly with some oil. Use the disc with the largest holes to shape the dough into long strands. -
Shape Jantikalu:
Once the press is ready, take a portion of the dough and fill 3/4 of the press. Carefully press the dough into the hot oil, shaping it as you go. The strands should fall into the oil in a coiled or twisted shape. -
Fry Jantikalu:
Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently drop the shaped dough into the oil. Fry the curd jantikalu until they turn a golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. -
Drain and Cool:
Once fried, remove the jantikalu from the oil and drain excess oil by placing them on a paper towel. Let them cool slightly to achieve the desired crispiness. -
Storage:
Once cooled, store the crispy Curd Jantikalu in an airtight container to maintain their crunch. These can be enjoyed as a snack anytime.
Serving Suggestions:
Curd Jantikalu is a perfect accompaniment to a cup of masala chai for an authentic South Indian tea time experience. You can also serve them alongside a batch of Linzer cookies for a balanced mix of savory and sweet flavors.
Tips:
- Curd: Use thick curd (dahi) for a better texture. Thin curd might make the dough too wet.
- Frying: Make sure the oil is hot enough for frying; if the oil is too cool, the jantikalu may absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Flavor Variations: Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chilli powder according to your taste.
Enjoy these crispy, savory curd jantikalu with your family and friends, and bring the rich flavors of South India to your home in just under 30 minutes!
Feel free to experiment with different variations, such as adding a pinch of turmeric or ginger powder for an added twist. This versatile snack can be modified to suit your taste preferences!
