Crispy South Indian Kunukku – Spicy Lentil Fritters Recipe

Kunukku Recipe – South Indian Spicy Lentil Fritters

Kunukku, a delightful South Indian snack, is a flavorful combination of lentils and spices, traditionally served as an evening treat. Resembling the well-known vada, the key difference is in the mix of lentils used in the batter. The texture of Kunukku is crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with aromatic spices that create a perfect harmony. Ideal for tea-time, it pairs wonderfully with Tomato Onion Chutney and Masala Chai, making it an irresistible addition to any snack table. Whether you use freshly made batter or repurpose leftover adai batter, this recipe guarantees delicious results!

Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

25 minutes

Instructions

1. Soak the Ingredients:
   Begin by soaking the rice and lentils (idli rice, white urad dal, arhar dal, green moong dal, and yellow moong dal) in water for approximately 4 to 5 hours. This soaking step is crucial as it helps the lentils soften, which makes the grinding process smoother and easier.

2. Grind the Batter:
   After soaking, drain any excess water and transfer the soaked ingredients to a grinder. Add the dry red chillies, green chillies, curry leaves, and chopped coriander leaves. Grind them together into a thick batter. Be cautious while adding water – you want a thick consistency, similar to the batter used for adai or dosa. Add very little water to avoid thinning the mixture. The texture of the batter should be slightly coarse but well-combined.

3. Add Spices and Salt:
   Once the batter is ready, mix in the asafoetida (hing) and salt. Stir the batter thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

4. Cook the Kunukkus:
   Heat a Kuzhi Paniyaram Pan (a traditional South Indian pan designed for making small fritters) over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add a teaspoon of oil into each of the cavities. Spoon the batter into each cavity, filling them generously but not overflowing.

5. Steam and Brown the Kunukkus:
   Cover the pan and let the Kunukkus cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the top to steam. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when the tops appear set and the bottom is golden brown. Use a spoon or fork to carefully flip the fritters over.

6. Add More Oil for Crispiness (Optional):
   To achieve a crispy texture, you can add a little more oil after flipping the fritters. Let them cook for another 3 to 4 minutes on the other side until they are golden brown and crisp all over.

7. Drain Excess Oil:
   Once the Kunukkus are cooked to a perfect golden-brown color, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

8. Serve:
   Serve the hot Kunukkus immediately with a side of tangy Tomato Onion Chutney and a steaming cup of Masala Chai for a perfect tea-time snack.

Enjoy the crispy, flavorful delight of Kunukku, a South Indian delicacy that is sure to elevate any occasion with its savory, spicy notes and satisfying crunch!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Enjoy this flavorful treat that’s not only a delight to the taste buds but also a healthy alternative to deep-fried snacks, thanks to the use of the Kuzhi Paniyaram Pan!