Karnataka Style Aralu Sandige Recipe – Puffed Paddy Fryums
Description:
Aralu Sandige (Puffed Paddy Fryums) is a traditional, age-old recipe from the state of Karnataka, renowned for its crispy texture and irresistible crunch. A popular summer snack, this recipe involves puffed rice, sabudana (tapioca pearls), and fresh vegetables like ash gourd. While commercial versions are widely available today, homemade Aralu Sandige retains an unbeatable charm, especially when prepared with love and care. Ideal for pairing with a South Indian meal, it offers a delightful addition to your snack repertoire.
Cuisine: Karnataka
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puffed Rice (Aralu) | 10 cups |
| Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls) | 1/2 cup |
| Vellai Poosanikai (Ash Gourd/White Pumpkin) | 1 cup, de-skinned and finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 4, ground into a paste |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | Small bunch, finely chopped |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch (optional) |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 60 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: Makes about 20-25 pieces of Sandige
Instructions
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Prep the Ash Gourd: Begin by peeling the ash gourd (Vellai Poosanikai). Remove the seeds and the softer inner portion, and finely chop the firmer outer part into small pieces. Set it aside for later.
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Cook the Sabudana: In a small pressure cooker, cook the sabudana (tapioca pearls) for about 1-2 whistles. If you donβt have a pressure cooker, you can also cook it in a regular pan. Once cooked, sieve off any excess water and keep it aside.
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Prepare the Spicy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked sabudana, finely chopped ash gourd, green chilli paste, chopped coriander leaves, a pinch of asafoetida (hing), and salt. Mix everything together thoroughly to form a well-combined spicy mixture.
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Dampen the Puffed Rice: In a separate large vessel, fill with water. Gradually add the puffed rice (aralu) to the water, wetting it gently. Once the puffed rice is dampened, press it lightly between your palms to remove any excess water. Add the dampened puffed rice to the mixing bowl with the sabudana and vegetable mixture.
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Mix the Ingredients: Continue adding the puffed rice in small batches, dampening each batch before adding it to the bowl. After all the puffed rice has been added, gently mix the entire mixture with your fingertips. Be careful not to add more water or apply pressure; the goal is to maintain the delicate texture of the puffed rice.
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Shape the Sandige: Wet your hands slightly and take a small portion of the mixture. Gently press it into a pyramid shape or any shape of your preference, and place it on a tray or large plastic sheet that has been lightly greased.
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Dry the Sandige: Once all the shapes are placed on the tray, leave them out in the sun to dry for 1-3 days, or until they are completely dried and crisp. The drying process ensures that the fryums will become crunchy when deep-fried.
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Store: After they are fully dried, store the Aralu Sandige in an airtight container to keep them fresh until ready to use.
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Fry and Serve: Whenever youβre ready to enjoy, heat oil in a deep frying pan. Fry the sandige in batches until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve these delightful fryums as a snack or alongside a South Indian meal, such as steamed rice, North Karnataka-style Nuggekai Kharbyaali, and Carrot and Beans Poriyal.
Serving Suggestions
Aralu Sandige pairs wonderfully with a variety of South Indian meals. Try serving them as an accompaniment to:
- Steamed Rice
- North Karnataka Style Nuggekai Kharbyaali
- Carrot and Beans Poriyal
Alternatively, enjoy them as a standalone snack with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Their crisp texture and subtle spiciness are sure to win over anyone who loves authentic Karnataka flavors.
This homemade Aralu Sandige recipe captures the essence of traditional Karnataka cuisine, offering you a crunchy, flavorful snack that is both satisfying and full of heritage. Perfect for special occasions or as a unique addition to your snack collection!
