Grandma's Nippattu (Thattai) : A Classic Evening Snack Of All Time
Coming back from school meant something or the other for each of my friends. For some it was their pet cat or pet dog, it would be playing with their sibling be it younger or older, for some it would be a sad part as they would want to go to extra classes.
But for me, it was always my grandma, or maybe the delicacies she would have prepared for me to welcome back from school.
Living with my grandparents was the biggest blessing for me. I got abundant access to learn about moral values, stories about different cultures, and cuisines, their wins, struggles, and much more.
Most importantly, I was able to get my hands on their treats abundantly throughout the year. Running back from school, I always needed something to munch on before I set foot to play with my neighborhood friends. And one of my favorite evening snacks was Nippattu (Thattai). My paati would either prepare and store it as a fresh batch which would last for more than a month or she would prepare it as a tiny batch for us to savor just for an evening, super fresh, super hot, and delicious.
Let me tell you how amazing a Nippattu would be!
Nippattu or thattai is a classic Karnataka snack made from a seasoned rice batter that is carefully dropped into hot oil and fried into thin, crispy, lacy-edged discs. The batter is made with par-boiled rice, lentils, cumin, chili powder, and asafoetida - creating an irresistible blend of nutty, spicy, and slightly tangy flavors.
When fried to perfection, the Nippattu emerges golden brown with a delightfully crunchy texture that shatters into delicious pieces with each bite.
Nippattu and the tales around my grandparents
Those evenings awaiting the freshly fried Nippattu are some of my most treasured memories. I can vividly picture myself rushing through the front door, dropping my schoolbag, and making a beeline for the kitchen. There, I would find my paati tending to the hot oil, skillfully dropping the fragrant rice batter to fry into crispy discs of pure delight.
The sizzle of the oil and the aroma of roasted spices would fill the air, tantalizing my senses and making my mouth water in anticipation. Paati would chuckle at my eager expression, carefully removing each golden-brown Nippattu from the oil with her slotted spoon, letting the excess oil drip off before transferring them to a plate.
The Delightful Crunch and the Burst of Fragrant Spices
As soon as they were cool enough to handle, she would hand me one, the crispy cracker still radiating warmth. I remember biting into it, savoring the delightful crunch and the burst of fragrant spices dancing across my tongue. Cumin, curry leaves, asafoetida, and a hint of fiery chilli powder – a perfect balance of flavors that made this humble rice cracker taste like the most incredible treat.
While I happily munched away, Paati would share with me the stories of how Nippattu had been a beloved evening snack in our family for generations, prepared with the same care and time-honored techniques. Those carefree days were truly priceless when thatha and paati would sit next to me, watch me munch the nippattu with glee in their eyes, and hear me talk non-stop about my day in detail.
Those moments with my paati, sharing in the joy of Nippattu and soaking in the wisdom of her tales, were truly priceless. Even today, decades later, one bite of a perfectly crisp Nippattu can transport me back to that cozy kitchen, filling me with warmth, nostalgia, and a deep appreciation for the values they taught me that have shaped who I am.
At Sweet Karam Coffee, we strive to recreate that authentic taste and experience, crafting our Nippattu (Thattai) with the same love, and care, and with the age-old nippattu recipe that has been passed down through generations.
Each crispy cracker is a celebration of our rich cultural heritage, waiting to delight your senses and fill your heart with the comforting flavors of home. Order now and grab the taste of home!
