Ribbon Pakoda: The Chettinad Snack of Tamilnadu’s Traditional Festival Foods 

Ribbon Pakoda has its roots in the Southern part of India, specifically in the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It is believed to have originated in the royal kitchens of the Chettinad region, where it was prepared as a special snack for the king and his guests.

Over time, Ribbon Pakoda became a popular snack across South India and is now a staple at many festive occasions, including Diwali, Navratri, and weddings. In fact, it is often served as a part of the traditional South Indian meal called ‘Sadya’, which is served on special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1/2 cup besan (gram flour)
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
• 1 tsp salt or to taste
• 2 tbsp hot oil
• Water as needed
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, add rice flour, besan, red chili powder, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add hot oil to the dry ingredients and mix well. The mixture will become crumbly.
3. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a smooth dough. The dough should not be too soft or too hard.
4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadhai on medium heat.
5. Attach the ribbon pakoda plate to the murukku maker or chakli press.
6. Fill the murukku maker or chakli press with the dough.
7. Gently press the murukku maker or chakli press over the hot oil to form long, thin ribbons.
8. Fry the ribbon pakoda in hot oil until it turns golden brown and crispy.
9. Drain the fried ribbon pakoda on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
10. Allow it to cool down completely before storing it in an airtight container.

Enjoy the crispy and crunchy Ribbon Pakoda with a hot cup of tea or coffee!

Although Ribbon Pakoda is a delicious snack, it is not recommended to consume it in large quantities as it is deep-fried and can be high in calories. However, it does contain some essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, and dietary fiber. Moreover, the spices used in the recipe, such as cumin and red chili powder, have several health benefits and can aid digestion.

If consumed in moderation, it can be a great addition to your snack menu, especially during festive occasions. So, the next time you are in the mood for something crunchy and spicy, give Ribbon Pakoda a try and savor its unique flavor.