480: Channa Masala Powder

 Chenna masala is a traditional and very popular Punjabi recipe. Channa Masala is a great recipe for vegetarians, because chick peas are rich in protein, fiber and iron. This is  a traditional Indian seasoning for Chenna masala. This spicy powder takes the dish to an extra high level. This masala is very handy and useful in making subzis and dals.  

Ingredients to DRY ROAST

Cumin Seed/ (Jeera)                       1 Tsp.

Coriander seeds/ (Dhania)               1 Tbsp.

Black Pepper corns                          1 Tsp.

Whole Cloves /(Laung)                     ½ Tsp.

Dry Red chilies                                5 No.

Cinnamon /(Dal chini)                      4 sticks -1/2” long

Caraway Seeds/ Shah-Jeera             1 Tbsp.

Star Anise/Chakri Phool                   1 No.

Big Black cardamom/elaichi              2 pods

White Sesame Seeds/Safed Til          1 Tbsp.

Annar dana                                     1 Tsp.

  Ingredients NOT to roast:

Hing/Asofoetida                               1/4 Tsp.

Nutmeg powder                               1/4 Tsp.

Lace/Javetri powder                         1/4 Tsp.

Dry ginger powder                           1/2 tea spoon

Small green cardamom/elaichi          1/2 tea spoon

Rock Salt/Kala Namak                      1/2 Tbsp.

Method:

• Dry roast all ingredients one at a time on Medium heat till you can smell their aroma. Stir constantly.  Cool all the ingredients. 
• Grind all roasted spices along with all other not to roast ingredients ,grind into smooth powder using mixer/coffee/spice grinder. 
• Sieve powder masala, cool and store in air tight container..
• You can use this powder  for  chick peas, Channa Masala is also great on: Vegetables, bread, curry, potatoes and stew.  

479: Coconut Mint Chutney

Chutney plays a very multiple role in Indian cuisine. This Mint chutney is cooling and excellent for digestion. It served with Dosa, Idli , Indian fritters and snacks.

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

Serves:                        3-4 People
 Recipe Category:    Chutneys

 Recipe Cuisine:       South Indian

Ingredients:

Grated Fresh Coconut                  ¼ cup

Chopped Mint leaves                    ¼ cup

Green chilies                               3 no.

Grated Ginger                             1 Tablespoon

Chutney dhal                              1 Tablespoon

Lemon juice                                1 Tablespoon

Salt                                            As required

Procedure

• Add all ingredients to a blender/ food processor .
• Grind it to fine paste. Add water if required. The chutney should not be runny but it should not be firm too. It is a kind of dip.
• Transfer to a storage container or serving dish

 Note:

• Do not store this chutney in refrigerator. Consume the chutney within 3-4 hours.
• Add lime not only for taste but also for coconut to retain its color.

 See My Other Chutneys

Gongura Chutney

Coriander Chutney

Coconut Chutney 1

Coconut Chutney 2

Red Bell Pepper Chutney

Tomatillo Chutney/ Green Tomato Chutney

Puli Milaghai/ Green Chili Pickle

478:Nippattu/ Rice Cracker

Prep Time :               10 mins
Soaking Time:         30 mins
Cook Time :               10 mins 

 Serves:                        3-4 People
 Recipe Category:    Snacks & Savories

 Recipe Cuisine:       South Indian  

Nippattu is a traditional crunchy snack of Karnataka. Nippattu are rice crisps made from rice flour, all-purpose flour, butter, peanuts, roasted gram and spices which is irresistible in taste. It is a crispy and spicy snack which is prepared for festivals. It is easy to make recipe with simple ingredients. You can prepare this couple of days in advance too. It stays fresh for up to 10 days. So here's Nippattu for all those nutty flavor lovers! 

 Ingredients

Rice flour                              1 cup

All Purpose Flour                   ¼ cup

Asafetida powder                  ¼ Teaspoon

Ghee -                                  2 Teaspoon

 Salt                                      To taste

  Oil                                       for Deep frying

Grind Coarsely

Fried gram dal/pottu kadalai      1/4 cup

Peanuts                                   ¼ cup

Grind Paste

 Dry Coconut grated                 1/2 Cup

 Curry Leaves                          few

Byadagi Red Chilies -               5 -10 ( based on your spice level)

 For Soak and Drain

Moong Dal                            1 Tablespoon.

Chenna Dal                          1 Tablespoon

Method: 

• Soak the moong dhal and Channa dhal in water for 30 mins. Drain it and keep aside.
• Grind Peanuts and Roasted Split Gram coarsely.   Keep aside.
• Grind dry coconut, red chilies and curry leaves to a fine paste.  Keep aside.
• Mix together all the ingredients (except Oil for frying) along with the ground mixture using Water to make firm dough.
• Divide the dough to small lemon sized balls.
• Now, heat the oil for deep frying in a kadai or pan on medium flame.
• Cut some plastic sheets into square shaped pieces. Spread some Oil over this. Take a small ball of the dough and flatten them to make a circular shape on the plastic sheet.
• Heat Oil in a pan and deep fry these discs till crisp. Repeat the same procedure with rest of the dough.
• Drain them on kitchen napkins to remove excess oil.
• Let it cool to room temperature and store it in air-tight containers.  

Note:

• Always use freshly ground rice flour(flour mill or home made) instead of the one available in grocery stores for good and crispy Nippattu..Rice flour quality is the key factor for the taste and texture. If the rice flour is very finely ground(like what we get in grocery stores) it will result in hard Nippattu ,if it is mill ground with a slight coarse texture they yield good crackers.
• use spicing as per tolerance.
• If the Nippattu are becoming soft , they are not properly cooked .

Check out other Rice Cracker Recipes in my blog here:

Thattai                                                               Puzhungal Arsi Thattai  

                                   

Thattai