There are several types of famous south Indian snacks. These include steamed rice cake, ribbon pakoda, Chakri, Idli, and Vada. In addition to these, you may also enjoy other snacks that are unique to this region. Below are just a few of the best-known items. Hopefully, you will be able to enjoy them while dining out! But before you make a selection, learn about the history of each type of snack.
Masala Dosa
Masala Dosa is a delicious and popular South Indian snack, made from rice flour and seasoned with salt. Masala dosa batter is usually made of a medium-thick and easily pourable consistency. A cast-iron tawa or a nonstick skillet is ideal for making dosas. Spread the batter thinly and cook on medium heat. The dosa should be browned and crisp after two minutes. Repeat the process if necessary.
Kara Sev
In a frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat and spread the dough in circular patterns, without overflowing. Once fried on one side, remove from the oil and drain on kitchen tissue. Keep aside until required. Cook Karasev until golden brown and crisp. Make Kara sev as required, and store in airtight containers. Enjoy! Here’s how to make kara sev:
Idlis
Idlis, which are small, soft pancakes made from rice and lentils, are a staple breakfast in South India. They are accompanied by sambar and coconut chutney and are sometimes served with spicy fish curry. You can make them ahead of time and store them in airtight containers for a week. To eat them fresh, they are best served warm and accompanied by a tangy chutney or a dollop of chutney.
Vada
When preparing vada, you should use a thick batter and a little water to make it less sticky. Use the mixture as a starting point to prepare the vadas. The main ingredients should be coriander, green chili, ginger, and chopped dry coconut. Several tsp of rice flour and two teaspoons of hing should be added for crispiness and digestion. The batter should be able to float when dropped in hot oil, but you don’t want it to boil.
Bhakarwadi
Among the various south Indian snacks, bhakarwadi is probably the most popular and can be prepared easily at home. The main ingredients are flour, water, and salt. You can also substitute it with any other dry or fresh spice you prefer. It is best to knead the dough a bit before shaping it into a ball. Once the dough is ready, you can add the masala stuffing.
Upma
Upma is a classic snack served during the summer in the southern part of India. It is made from urad dal, chana dal, and peanuts. Other ingredients include finely chopped onion, green chili, and ginger. Semolina should be roasted over a low flame for 5 minutes until it becomes non-sticky. Once roasted, add boiled water, salt, and chopped veggies. Mix well to avoid lumps.
Bonda
Bonda is a popular snack in South India, a deep-fried ball of dough filled with a spicy mashed potato filling. It is deep-fried until golden brown and is a popular street food snack. Many different varieties are available. Some varieties are sweet, while others are spicy. The potato filling is dipped in a gram flour batter. Often, additional spices are added to give them additional flavor.
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