How to make Nippattu Rice Crackers

Nippattu are a popular snack in the southern parts of India, especially in Karnataka. These rice crackers are known for their crunchiness and flavor. Made with rice flour as the primary ingredient, nippattu often include a variety of other components such as roasted gram flour (besan), peanuts, chana dal (split chickpeas), curry leaves, asafoetida (hing), sesame seeds, and spices like red chili powder for a touch of heat.

The mixture is usually brought together into a dough using hot oil or butter, which contributes to the flakiness of the nippattu, and water is added sparingly. Small portions of the dough are then rolled out into thin discs and deep-fried until they turn golden brown and crispy.

These savory crackers are typically enjoyed as an evening snack, often served with tea and can be stored in air-tight containers to maintain their crispness over time. Nippattu can be made in large batches, making them convenient as a make-ahead snack for gatherings and special occasions.

Nippattu Rice Crackers Recipe

Nippattu Rice Crackers

Nippattu is a crunchy, spicy rice cracker from the state of Karnataka that features flavors of roasted peanuts and chickpeas.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine Indian

Servings 20 crackers

Calories 865 kcal

Equipment

• 1 large skillet
• 1 large bowl

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup idiyappam flour
• 21/2 tablespoons chickpeas divided
• 2 tablespoons peanuts
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon semolina
• 11/2 teaspoons unsweetened desiccated coconut
• 11/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon red chile powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup water
• 11/2 cups vegetable or corn oil plus more for greasing

Instructions

 

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the idiyappam flour and dry-roast lightly for 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer it to a large bowl.
• Return the skillet to medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of chickpeas. Dry-roast for 2 minutes. Transfer them to another bowl.
• Return the skillet to medium heat and add the peanuts. Dry- roast for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from the heat and let cool.
• Transfer the dry-roasted chickpeas and peanuts to a blender or spice grinder and grind into a coarse mixture. Add this mixture to the bowl with the roasted idiyappam flour.
• Stir in the all-purpose flour, semolina, remaining 1⁄2 tablespoon of chickpeas, coconut, salt, chile powder, and sesame seeds. Slowly stir in the water until a soft pliable dough forms.
• Pinch off small amounts of dough and form them into small, marble-size balls. Set aside.
• Line a plate with paper towels and set aside.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil to between 350°F and 375°F. Test to see if the oil is hot enough by dropping 1 teaspoon of batter into the hot oil. If it sizzles and floats, without sinking, the oil is ready for frying.
• 10.While the oil heats, coat the inside of a zip-top bag and your palms with oil. Place several dough balls into the bag. Flatten the balls into thin 11⁄2- to 2-inch circles. The edges of the circles might crack. Smooth the round edges as much as possible.
• When the oil is hot, working in batches of 3 at a time, carefully remove the nippattu from the bag and slowly drop them into the hot oil. Fry for 1 minute. Flip and fry the crackers for 1 minute more. Continue to flip and fry until the bubbling sound stops. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the nippattu to the paper towel–lined plate to drain. Repeat pressing and frying the remaining crackers.
• Let the nippattu cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature for about 1 week.

Notes

Instead of idiyappam flour, use regular rice flour or any other type of millet
flour.

Keyword chickpeas, idiyappam flour

Cooking Tips about Nippattu Rice Crackers

• Quality of Ingredients: Begin with high-quality rice flour for the best taste and texture since it is the main ingredient.
• Roasting Flour: Consider lightly roasting the rice flour before using it to give a more nuanced flavor to the nippattu.
• Adding Fats: The inclusion of hot oil or butter to the flour mixture helps in creating a flaky texture.
• Consistency of Dough: Ensure the dough is neither too stiff nor too soft. It should be pliable enough to roll out without cracking.
• Flat and Thin: Roll out the nippattu dough thinly for an evenly cooked cracker that is crispy throughout.
• Even Sizes: Cut or shape the dough into even sizes to ensure uniform frying time and crispness.
• Balanced Spices: Adjust spices like asafoetida (hing), sesame seeds, and chili powder according to your taste preference but ensure they are balanced so that no single flavor is overwhelming.
• Fry on Medium Heat: Fry the nippattu on medium heat to cook them thoroughly without burning. Too high heat can make them brown quickly while leaving them uncooked inside.
• Test Oil Temperature: Before frying a batch, test the oil temperature with a small piece of dough. If it rises steadily without browning too quickly, it’s ready.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Do not overcrowd the pan when frying as this will lower the temperature of the oil and may result in greasy nippattu.
• Draining Excess Oil: After frying, place the nippattu on absorbent paper towels to remove excess oil.
• Cool Completely: Let them cool down completely before storing to maintain crispness.
• Storing Properly: Store cooled nippattu in an airtight container to keep them crispy for a longer time.

Serving suggestions about Nippattu Rice Crackers

• With Tea or Coffee: Enjoy Nippattu as a crunchy snack alongside your evening tea or coffee. Their slight spiciness contrasts pleasantly with sweet, hot beverages.
• Cheese Board Addition: Include Nippattu on a cheese platter for an interesting textural contrast with soft cheeses and as a gluten-free cracker option alongside various cheeses and fruits.
• Accompaniment for Soups and Salads: Serve them as a side to soups and salads. They can add a nice crunch similar to croutons.
• Dip Them: Dip Nippattu in dips such as hummus, cream cheese spread, or any other creamy dip that could use a flavorful crunchy element.
• Beer or Wine Pairing: Their robust flavor pairs well with light beers or crisp white wines, making them suitable for cocktail parties or casual get-togethers.
• Snack Mix: Crush them slightly and mix with nuts, dried fruits, and other savory rice crackers to make a custom snack mix.
• With Yogurt: For a quick snack, you can have them with a side of plain yogurt to cut through the spice and provide a cooler taste sensation.

Top 5 FAQs about Nippattu Rice Crackers

• What are Nippattu Rice Crackers? Nippattu are traditional South Indian savory snacks originating from Karnataka. They are crispy rice crackers that include ingredients like rice flour, peanuts, roasted gram flour (besan), curry leaves, asafoetida (hing), sesame seeds, and spices like red chili powder for added flavor.
• How are Nippattu Rice Crackers made? The crackers are made by combining rice flour with other flours, spices, and seasonings into a dough using water and hot oil or butter. The dough is then rolled out into thin discs and deep-fried in oil until they turn golden brown and crispy.
• What do Nippattu taste like? Nippattu are known for their crunchiness and delightful combination of spice and nuttiness. They have a savory flavor profile with a subtle heat from the spices used, which can be customized depending on one’s preference.
• Can Nippattu be made at home? Yes, Nippattu can easily be made at home by preparing the dough with the required ingredients and following a simple deep-frying process. They can be stored in an airtight container and enjoyed as a snack over time.
• Are there any variations of Nippattu? While the basic elements of Nippattu remain consistent, there can be variations based on the types of nuts, seeds, and spices included. Some recipes might add coconut, switch peanuts with cashews, adjust the level of spiciness, or incorporate herbs like mint for a different flavor profile.

Nippattu Rice Crackers are a beloved snack, deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Karnataka, India. They embody the rich tapestry of textures and flavors characteristic of Indian cuisine with their crispiness and savory spices. Each bite into a Nippattu delivers a delightful crunch and a burst of flavors from the asafoetida, curry leaves, sesame seeds, and chili powder.