Crispy Cheedai/Seedai: Authentic South Indian Rice Flour Balls
1 hour
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About Crispy Cheedai/Seedai: Authentic South Indian Rice Flour Balls
Discover the delightful secrets of Cheedai/Seedai, a beloved South Indian snack treasured by Tamil Iyers for generations. These irresistibly crispy rice flour balls, enjoyed with tea or coffee, are a festive favorite, traditionally offered to gods before being shared amongst family. While known for its slightly tricky preparation, mastering this recipe yields a rewarding explosion of flavor in every bite. This time-honored treat is as addictive as it is celebratory – perfect for Diwali, Janmashtami, or any special occasion.Get ready to impress your family and friends with this authentic recipe, passed down through generations of Tamil Iyer cuisine. Let's embark on this culinary journey together!
Recipe Time & More
Prep35 minutes
Cook25 minutes
Total1 hour
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cup Rice Flour
- 4 tbsp Urad Dal Flour split black lentil flour
- 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds safed til, white
- 1/4 tsp Asafoetida heeng, hing
- 2 tsp Salt or to taste
Wet Ingredients
For Frying
- 3 cup Vegetable Oil or any neutral-flavored oil suitable for deep frying
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Sift together the rice flour and urad dal flour in a large bowl. Add sesame seeds, asafoetida, salt, shredded coconut, and butter. Using your fingertips, gently incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients.
- Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing thoroughly until a firm dough forms. Stop adding water as soon as the dough comes together and knead for 2-3 minutes.
Shape the Seedai
- On a clean, lightly floured surface or cotton towel, pinch off small, pebble-sized portions of the dough. Roll each portion briefly into a ball.
- Let the shaped Seedai rest for at least 15-30 minutes for optimal crispiness.
Fry the Seedai
- Heat the oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of dough; if it rises immediately and bubbles, the oil is ready.
- Fry the Seedai in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Leave some space between each ball. Allow them to fry undisturbed for 2-3 minutes before gently moving them to ensure even browning.
- Continue frying until golden brown and crispy, approximately 12-15 minutes per batch.
Final Steps
- Remove the fried Seedai from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool completely to room temperature.
- Store the cooled Seedai in an airtight container. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for Perfect Cheedai/Seedai
- Don't over-knead the dough: Over-kneading can result in tough Seedai. Knead only until the dough is just combined.
- Resting is key: Allowing the shaped Seedai to rest is crucial for developing crispiness. The longer they rest, the crispier they will become.
- Control the oil temperature: Maintain medium heat throughout the frying process to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly grated coconut enhances the flavor profile. If using desiccated coconut, ensure you hydrate it properly as directed.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 96kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.6gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.2gSodium: 304mgFiber: 1g
3 Comments
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This is fantastic! Thank you for sharing.
What a delicious recipe! Thanks for posting.
This looks so inviting! I’m eager to try it.