Omapodi

in Snacks

Omapodi as the name suggests is Omam /Ajwain or Carom seeds, infused savoury which is also known as Sev in northern parts of India. It is made in thinner and thicker versions . These snacks were made at homes regularly in many homes not long ago. However due to time constraints and its availability in sweet shops , many have stopped making them at home. Nowadays, due to growing health concerns, many avoid eating these savouries . However they are made during Krishna Jayanthi, Deepavali and other special occasions in many households.  While making such deep fried savouries, use cold pressed oils instead of refined oil.

Ingredients

  • Chickpea flour 2 cups,
  • Rice flour 1 cup,
  • Salt ½ cup (approx.),
  • Asafoetida,
  • Butter or ghee 1/3 cup,
  • Omam / ajwain / carom seeds 4 teaspoons ,
  • Oil for deep frying 1 to 2 litres,
  • Water to knead the dough 1/4 cup to ½ cup(approx).

Method

  1. Wash the omam or caraway seeds.
  2. In a mixing bowl, add both the flours, salt, asafoetida, carom seeds and butter. Knead to a soft pliable dough, sprinkling water .While kneading  the dough ,check for salt. If you need more,add .
  3. See to that the dough doesn’t stick to the hand. Apply oil to your hands while kneading to prevent sticking.
  4. Take the thenkuzhal press, insert the Omapodi nozzle or disc (the one which has many tiny holes).
  5. In a deep frying pan , heat oil till it is hot. Drop a little of the dough, if it sizzles and comes up the oil is ready to deep fry.
  6. Take a little of the dough and fill the press with it (nearly three fourths) and then press it into the hot oil directly by making circular motions.
  7.  Deep fry till crisp and golden and the hissing sound of the oil ceases.
  8. Make sure both sides are deep fried well.
  9. Remove with a slotted spoon and tin it after it cools .
  10. The Omapodi can be made with besan or chickpea flour alone but it wouldn’t be as crispy as with rice flour.
  11. It could also be made adding rice and chickpea flour in equal proportions.
  12. One tablespoon of chilli powder could also be added to the dough to make it a little spicy.

Note

  1. The Omapodi can not only be eaten as a snack , but  alsoit can be added to chaat items, when they are made at home.
  2. Sprinkle them over Pori or Puffed rice alongwith peanuts , chopped onions, green chillies and coriander leaves to get a filling snack.