Foxtail Millet Nippattu – A Delightful South Indian Snack
If you’re looking for a delicious, crunchy snack that’s perfect for tea time or to serve unexpected guests, look no further than Foxtail Millet Nippattu. This traditional South Indian recipe combines the wholesome goodness of Foxtail Millet with a range of flavorful ingredients, creating a crisp, spicy snack that will melt in your mouth. These golden-brown discs, made with millet flour, rice flour, and gram flour (besan), are spiced up with a blend of dry red chillies, cumin, sesame seeds, and dill leaves, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite. A great addition to your snack menu, they pair wonderfully with hot Masala Chai, offering a perfect balance of crunch and spice.
Whether you’re hosting a tea party, serving an evening snack, or need a quick treat to whip up for surprise guests, these Foxtail Millet Nippattu will definitely become a favorite!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Foxtail Millet Flour | 1 cup |
| Rice Flour | 1 cup |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 1 cup |
| Raw Peanuts (Moongphali) | 2 tablespoons, roasted, skinned, and lightly crushed |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 teaspoons, finely crushed |
| Dessicated Coconut | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame Seeds (Til Seeds) | 1 tablespoon |
| Dill Leaves | 1/2 cup, finely chopped |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Butter (Salted) | 1 tablespoon, sizzling hot melted |
| Hot Water | 1-2 cups (add gradually as needed) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil (for deep frying) | 3 cups |
Preparation Time
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time
- 20 minutes
Instructions
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Roast the Flours: Begin by dry roasting the Foxtail Millet flour, Rice flour, and Gram flour (besan) in a pan on medium heat. Stir frequently for about 4 to 6 minutes until the flours turn aromatic. Once roasted, turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
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Mix the Spices and Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the roasted flours with the crushed dry red chillies, dessicated coconut, cumin seeds (jeera), sesame seeds (til seeds), finely chopped dill leaves, and salt. Stir everything well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
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Add Butter: Pour in sizzling hot melted butter into the mixture and mix thoroughly. This will add richness and help the dough come together.
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Make the Dough: Gradually add lukewarm water, little by little, to the flour mixture. Stir and knead until a soft, pliable dough is formed. The dough should not be too sticky or too dry. If necessary, adjust the water accordingly.
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Shape the Nippattu: Divide the dough into small balls and flatten them into discs approximately 2 inches in diameter. You can use a greased plastic sheet or wax paper to help flatten the dough.
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Heat the Oil: In a deep fry pan, heat oil on medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small ball of dough into the oil. If it rises to the surface and sizzles, the oil is ready.
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Fry the Nippattu: Reduce the heat to medium. Gently peel the flattened dough discs from the wax paper and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Initially, the nippattu will sink and foam, but they will rise to the surface quickly. Flip them over once the bottom turns golden brown, and cook until both sides are crispy and golden.
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Drain and Cool: Once cooked, remove the Foxtail Millet Nippattu from the oil and place them on a paper napkin or sieve to drain any excess oil. Allow them to cool completely.
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Storage: Once cooled, store the Foxtail Millet Nippattu in an airtight container. Keep the container in a cool, dark place to maintain their crispiness.
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Serve: Serve these crispy treats with a hot cup of Masala Chai during your tea time break, or as an accompaniment to any other beverage of your choice.
Allergen Information
- Gluten: This recipe contains gluten as it uses gram flour (besan) and rice flour. Although these flours are typically gluten-free, there might be cross-contamination in processing facilities.
- Peanuts: This recipe contains raw peanuts (moongphali), so it is not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies.
- Dairy: The recipe uses butter. To make it dairy-free, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative such as coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: This recipe is fully vegetarian, making it an ideal snack for those following a vegetarian diet.
- Gluten-Free: As long as you ensure that the gram flour (besan) and rice flour are processed in a gluten-free facility, this dish can be enjoyed by those on a gluten-free diet.
- Nut-Free Option: For those with nut allergies, you can omit the raw peanuts or replace them with a seed option such as sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
Advice for Perfect Nippattu
- Consistency of Dough: The key to getting the right texture is in the dough. It should be soft and pliable but not sticky. Gradually add water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Frying Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough but not smoking. If the oil is too hot, the nippattu may burn before they crisp up; if it’s too cold, they may absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- Flavor Variations: You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of dry red chillies according to your preference. For a more intense flavor, consider adding some garam masala or chat masala.
Conclusion
Foxtail Millet Nippattu are not just a treat for your taste buds; they’re a wonderful combination of tradition, flavor, and crunch. These millet-based snacks are ideal for tea-time, gatherings, or when you need a quick, satisfying snack. With their crispy texture and bold flavor, these little discs will be a hit with family and guests alike. Whether you’re a South Indian food enthusiast or someone exploring new snack options, Foxtail Millet Nippattu is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
