Torviewtoronto: Spicy mixture tea time snack

This South Indian spicy mixture stays well in air tight container for several days and is a perfect tea time snack. The spices and the amount of nuts can be adjusted according to preference. It is best to keep the batter prepared and the ingredients ready before frying everything in batches and combining.

Mix the two batters and get all the equipment ready before heating up the oil to fry. The oil needs to be in medium high, adjust it as needed.

2 cups of oil for frying

For the spicy boondi

1 cup gram flour known as chickpea or besan flour

1/4 cup rice flour

1 tsp chillie powder

1/8 tsp baking soda

1/8 tsp asafoetida

1/4 tsp salt

water as needed

Mix the chickpea flour, rice flour, chillie powder, salt, baking soda, and asafoetida. Mix once and then gradually add water to form a semi thick flowing batter.

Over the medium hot oil, pour a ladle of batter through a perforated ladle or a ladle strainer that has holes, so the batter falls into the hot oil making small balls. Once the boondhi is crispy take it off the oil and leave it a side.

For the murukku

1 cup gram flour known as chickpea or besan flour

1/4 cup rice flour

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp oil

1/8 tsp asafoetida

1/4 tsp salt

water as needed

Add the chickpea flour, rice flour, turmeric powder, salt, oil, and asafoetida. Mix once and gradually add water to form a soft dough. Place it inside a string hopper mould or a mould with small holes and press it directly into the oil. Flip it halfway and fry until it looks golden and crispy. Leave it a side and break it into small pieces to add to the mixture.

Fry each of the below ingredients separately

1/2 cup split channa dal

1/2 cup peanuts

1/4 cup cashews

1/2 cup aval or flattened rice flakes

curry leaves

For seasoning

1 tsp chillie powder depending on the spice preference

1/8 tsp asafoetida

salt as needed add a little at a time

Combine all the fried ingredients together. Add chillie powder, salt and asafoetida. Once the spice and salt is adjusted, the mixture is ready to be enjoyed. This mixture can be kept in an air tight container for over a week.