Crispy Ragi Nippattu with Peanuts and Sesame – Healthy South Indian Snack

Ragi Nippattu Recipe with Peanuts and Sesame – Ragi Thattai / Chekkalu

Ragi Nippattu, also known as Ragi Thattai or Chekkalu, is a delightful South Indian snack made from ragi (finger millet) flour, rice flour, peanuts, sesame seeds, and a blend of spices. This crispy and crunchy treat is perfect for tea-time and offers a wonderful combination of flavors and textures. The addition of roasted peanuts and sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch, while the aromatic spices give it a deliciously savory taste. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive occasion or simply craving a snack, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 20

Cuisine: South Indian

Course: Snack

Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

1. Soak the Chana Dal:
   Begin by soaking the chana dal (Bengal gram dal) in hot water for about 30 minutes. Once soaked, drain the water and set it aside.

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2. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, add the ragi flour, rice flour, coarsely pounded peanuts, salt, red chili powder, asafoetida (hing), soaked chana dal, sesame seeds, and hot sunflower oil. Mix everything together until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add little warm water at a time to knead the mixture into a firm dough.

3. Rest the Dough:
   Once the dough is ready, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the dough to firm up and makes it easier to shape.

4. Shape the Nippattus:
   After the resting time, grease your hands with a little oil. Take small portions of the dough and roll them into marble-sized balls. Place each ball onto a greased surface and flatten it gently using your fingers, shaping it into a thin disc about 1/4 inch thick, or even thinner, if possible.

5. Heat the Oil:
   In a deep pan or kadai, heat sunflower oil on medium heat for deep frying. Ensure that the oil is hot but not smoking.

6. Fry the Nippattus:
   Carefully slide the flattened discs of dough into the preheated oil. Fry them on medium heat, ensuring the oil stays at a steady temperature. Fry until the nippattus are golden brown and crispy, with light brown spots visible on the surface. The ragi flour can make it a bit hard to spot the color change, so gently tap the nippattu with a spoon – if it feels stiff and firm, it’s ready.

7. Drain the Oil:
   Once fried, remove the nippattus from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Let them cool completely.

8. Store and Serve:
   Once cooled, store the Ragi Nippattu in an airtight container to keep it fresh. This snack stays crisp for several days, making it a perfect treat to keep on hand. Serve the Ragi Nippattu/ Ragi Thattai / Chekkalu with a hot cup of filter coffee or tea for a satisfying evening snack.

Tips for Perfect Ragi Nippattu:

• Kneading the Dough: Be sure to knead the dough firmly to ensure that it holds together while frying. If it feels too crumbly, add a little more warm water, but be careful not to make it too soft.

• Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil at a moderate temperature to avoid over-frying or burning the nippattus. Test the temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil – if it sizzles and floats to the top, the oil is ready.

• Flavors and Additions: You can experiment with adding other spices such as cumin or carom seeds (ajwain) to enhance the flavor.

• Storage: Ensure that the nippattus are completely cool before storing them in an airtight container. This will help maintain their crispness.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

This Ragi Nippattu is a crispy, nutritious, and tasty treat that’s not only easy to make but also packed with health benefits from ragi, peanuts, and sesame. Ideal for snacking, this South Indian recipe brings a unique twist to your usual munchies. Enjoy the crunchy goodness with your family and friends!