Vettu Cake / Fried Cake

Fried cake or Vettu cake is a popular snack in Kerala. This is available in most of the tea-shops spotted in every nook and corner. Vettu cake, as it is popularly known is a very filling snack, very appetizing and mild. I had forgotten all about this mouthwatering snack until a classmate uploaded a picture in our Whatsapp group, asking other groupies to guess what it was. The moment one of us identified the the snack, the appetizing memories revived and i couldn't wait any more to bite into that favorite snack of mine.

Usually flour (Maida) is used in the preparation, but here i am using wheat flour, which is, i think, a healthier option.

Method:

• Sift together wheat flour, salt and baking soda. Beat the egg lightly. Powder the sugar and cardamom.
• Transfer the flour into a bowl. Make a well in the center, add the beaten egg, hung curd and powdered sugar. Mix and knead well using your hand into a very stiff dough. 
•  Roll out the dough into a one inch thick piece. Cut into one inch strips. Cut triangular pieces out of the strips. Make a cut at the base of each triangle. I got 12 pieces.
• Heat oil in a deep fry pan. Bring to a boil. Add two or three pieces at a time depending on the size of the pan,as the pieces will swell up. Cook on low flame, flip and cook ,it will take a few minutes,Cooking on low flame allows the cake to cook evenly from inside too. Remove from  oil when it is cooked and evenly browned, transfer into a paper towel. Repeat the same process with the next batch.

Ingredients:

Wheat flour -1 cup
Egg - 1
Castor Sugar - 4 table spoons
Salt - 1/4 teaspoon
Baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon
Hung curd - 11/2 tablespoon (optional)*
Cardamom - 1 - 2 nos
Oil - 2 cups for deep frying.

*Note: Instead of hung curd, one more egg can be used. But not the whole egg. Just enough to make a stiff dough. 

Vettu cake becomes tastier with time, like regular cakes. Vettu cake is soft like cake in the center and crispy outside .

Instant sesame seeds Laddu

 Sesame seeds have great health benefits. It is a great source of calcium and contains minerals like copper, magnesium, zinc, manganese, iron etc. in abundance. It is also a source of anti-oxidants, fibre and protein.

These little seeds had been a part of Asian cuisine from time immemorial. These seeds are available in white, brown and black colours.

Method:

Add all the ingredients into a mixie jar, cover with the lid. Use the whip button to mix the ingredients. DO NOT grind into a paste. Two to three pushes will be enough.Transfer the mixture into a plate. Knead lightly. Roll into small balls.

These laddus can be served immediately. Can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

If you want the laddus sweeter, more jaggery can be added. But i think, this is sweet enough. 

Ingredients:

Sesame seeds - 1 cup (lightly roasted)  approx. 150 grams
fresh grated coconut - 1cup                   approx. 80 - 100 grams
grated jaggery - 1cup                             approx. 150 grams

cardamom powder - a pinch (optional)