Kuzhalappam | Tubular Crisp Snack (Kerala)

Kuzhalappam or tubular crisp snack deep fried in oil is another evening delicacy of Kerala.This is another post that makes me very nostalgic.Mom used to prepare this snack very often as it was my favorite too.I helped my mom in shaping the discs to tube shape.This snack has the richness of coconut and rice flour,these are very crisp snack,perfect with a cup of tea.Enjoy making this at home !!!

Ingredients
rice flour 1 1/4cup
shredded coconut 1/2 cup
cumin seeds 1/4 tsp+ 1/3 tsp
shallots 3-4 small
garlic clove 1/2 or 1 small
black sesame seeds 1 tsp
salt to taste
oil for deep frying(preferably coconut oil)

Method
-Heat a pan and slightly roast the rice flour.Keep on low medium flame until a nice aroma comes.(about 5-6 mins)
-In the meantime,boil 1 cup water in a pan with salt as required for the flour.Also,grind the coconut along with shallots,garlic clove and 1/4 tsp of cumin seeds to a  smooth paste using little water.
-Add the ground mix in the roasted rice flour,remaining cumin seeds,sesame seeds and heat upto 2-3 minutes.Then add the boiled water in it like for string hoppers/idiappam and knead when warm into a stiff dough.

-Now,divide the dough in gooseberry size balls.Take a ziploc bag or plantain leaf,apply a thin layer of oil on it.Cover it with another ziploc bag and then roll using a rolling pin in thin round shapes.OR
Take a large ball of batter  and roll it using a rolling pin,cut out even rounds with a cookie cutter of 3".
 -Wrap the cut round discs on the index finger of left(non-dominant hand).Stick the both ends to cover 1/4" only.Place on a plate/tray.
-Heat oil in a wok /kadai on medium flame.Slide each of the made ones in oil.Using a slotted spoon,turn all sides to lightly brown it up evenly.Drain on a paper towel.
-Cool and store in air tight containers or serve with tea !!

Servings ~ 20 pieces

NOTES
* You can use the regular rice flour or idiappam flour.
* Always keep the oil on medium flame;otherwise it may burn the snack or may not cook properly.
* Adding garlic clove is optional but it adds flavor to the snack.