Tamil Nadu Style Milagu Thattai Recipe: A Crispy Delight for Your Tea Time
Introduction
Tamil Nadu Style Milagu Thattai is a crispy, savory snack that captures the essence of traditional South Indian cuisine. With its rich flavors and crunchy texture, this snack is perfect for an afternoon tea or coffee session. A favorite during the Krishna Janmashtami festival, Milagu Thattai can be flavored in many ways, but the addition of chana dal and sesame seeds in this recipe gives it an extra crunch and texture that is truly irresistible. This snack not only satisfies your cravings but also holds up well for several days when stored properly in an airtight container. Whether enjoyed on a rainy day with filter coffee or as a simple evening snack, Milagu Thattai is sure to bring a touch of Tamil Nadu’s culinary charm into your home.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice flour (sieved) | 1 cup |
| Roasted gram dal (Pottukadalai, powdered) | 1/4 cup |
| Chana dal (Bengal gram dal, soaked for 20 minutes) | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Whole black peppercorns (coarsely pounded) | 1 tablespoon |
| Curry leaves (pat dried and finely chopped) | 1 sprig |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon (or to taste) |
| Unsalted butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Oil (for deep frying) | As required |
Preparation Time:
40 minutes
Cooking Time:
20 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by gathering and measuring all the ingredients. Make sure the chana dal is soaked for about 20 minutes before use, and dry the curry leaves by patting them with a cloth. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, powdered roasted gram dal (pottukadalai), sesame seeds, crushed black pepper, chana dal, and chopped curry leaves. Add the salt and asafoetida (hing) to this mixture, then mix everything together to ensure an even distribution of flavors. -
Add Butter and Oil:
Add the unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Rub the butter into the flour mixture using your fingers until it is evenly incorporated. Then, pour in the hot oil (from a previous cooking session) and mix it into the flour mixture. Gradually add water, little by little, and knead the dough into a smooth and crack-free consistency. -
Rest the Dough:
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This resting time will allow the flavors to meld together and make the dough easier to shape. -
Shape the Thattai:
After the dough has rested, take small portions of it and roll each portion into a smooth ball using greased hands. Be sure to keep the remaining dough covered with the moist cloth to prevent it from drying out. -
Flatten the Dough Balls:
Place each dough ball on a dry kitchen towel or butter paper. Gently flatten each ball into a thin round shape using your fingers or a rolling pin. The thinner you roll the dough, the crispier the thattai will be. -
Heat the Oil:
In a deep wok or kadai, heat oil on medium flame. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready. -
Fry the Milagu Thattai:
Carefully drop the flattened dough rounds into the hot oil. Fry them over medium heat, allowing them to cook until they turn golden brown and crisp. Be mindful to avoid overheating the oil, as it may cause uneven cooking. Fry the thattai in batches, ensuring each one is fully cooked and crisp. -
Cool and Store:
Once the thattai is done, remove them from the oil and let them cool on a kitchen towel to absorb any excess oil. After cooling, store the milagu thattai in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. -
Serving Suggestion:
Serve these crispy Milagu Thattai with a steaming cup of filter coffee, especially on a rainy day, or enjoy them as a savory snack anytime you want a delicious, crunchy treat.
Storage Tips:
Milagu Thattai stays fresh for up to 4-5 days when stored properly in an airtight container. The crispy texture will remain intact, making it a perfect snack to prepare in advance.
Conclusion:
Tamil Nadu Style Milagu Thattai is not just a snack; it’s an experience of tradition, taste, and texture. This flavorful snack is a great addition to your recipe collection, offering a delightful crunch with each bite. Its ease of preparation and long shelf life make it an ideal snack to serve guests or enjoy on your own. Try this recipe today and savor the authentic flavors of Tamil Nadu!
