Achappam (Sweet and Crispy Rice Flour Rosettes)- With Chia Seeds

** Kid's and Childhood favorite Recipe!!** Reduced Gluten Tea time Snack 

* Ingredients: 

• Raw rice/ Pachari- 1.5 cup
• Coconut milk/ Thenga pal- 400 ml can/ 1 cup
• Egg- 1
• Sugar- 2.75 tbsp/ As required
• Rice powder- 2 tbsp.
• Cumin powder/ Jeeraka podi- A pinch
• Black Sesame seeds- 2 tsp
• Oil- For frying
• Salt- A pinch

* Optional Goodies (Hidden protein):

• Chia seeds (instead of sesame seeds)- 2 tsp (* I used this here)

* Makes: 15- 20 Achappams

* Cooking time: 20-30 minutes

* Recipe:

Step 1: Soak the rice for about 2 hours
(*TIP: Or soak using hot water for 30 minutes, covering the vessel)

Step 2: Grind the soaked and strained rice, coconut milk, egg, salt, cumin powder, sugar and rice flour to form a smooth dough. Do not add more water. Grind in smaller batches.

** Add the sesame seeds/ chia seeds to the batter after grinding only**

Step 3: In a pot, heat oil and also the rosette/ achappam mould. 

The mould should always stay in the oil between making and be medium hot always to to work.

Step 4: Test the temperature of the oil by dropping a few drops of the batter first. The droplets should immediately sizzle and rise to the top.

Reduce the flame to medium and dip the semi- hot mould into the batter (Only upto 1/2 of the mould, don't dip the full mould, the fried achappam will not release well.)

(Sorry for the poor picture quality. I was clicking the pic and cooking together.)

Step 5: Lightly tap the mould against the pot to release the achappam from the mould. 

(**TIP: Mould's get better seasoned and more non-stick over time and repeated use.) 

Flip the achappam over till both sides are nice and golden.

Layer the achappams flat on a clean paper towel to drain the excess oil/ you can stack them upright in a sieve lined with paper towels.

Step 6: Repeat the steps. Always place the mould in the hot oil before dipping again.

* BONUS TIP:  To prevent the mould from rusting, after cooking, place the mould in the oil while its cooling, wipe clean with a dry paper towel once its cool enough to touch. (Never use soap and water, the non- stick coating will go off and will rust easily)

Make extras since they can be stored well in airtight containers for a long period without losing their taste and crunch!!

Enjoy!!☺❤👍👌

* Abbreviations:

 * tsp.- Teaspoon    ** tbsp.- Tablespoon     opt.- Optional