Congress kadlekai takes me straight back to my childhood. My grandfather used to bring it home from a little shop in Basavanagudi, and we could never stop at one handful.
It is made with simple everyday ingredients. Roasted peanuts are tossed in oil with curry leaves, hing, chilli, turmeric, black pepper and a little jaggery. The hing quietly ties everything together.
Congress Kadlekai
Quick Details
Makes: about 2 cups
Time: about 15 minutes
Diet: Vegetarian
Makes: about 2 cups
Time: about 15 minutes
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 4 sprigs curry leaves
- 2 teaspoons hing I used Big Basket Royal
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon jaggery powder
- 250 g roasted peanuts unsalted
Instructions
- Temper. Heat the oil in a pan and add the curry leaves.
- Add the spices. Add the hing, chilli powder and turmeric and mix well. Add the black pepper and jaggery.
- Roast. Add the peanuts and roast, stirring, until they start to brown.
- Cool and serve. Let it cool and serve with tea or coffee.
Video
Tips for the Best Congress Kadlekai
- Use roasted, unsalted peanuts.
- Let the curry leaves crackle before adding the spices.
- Keep the heat on medium so the spices do not burn.
- Let it cool completely before storing. It turns crunchier as it cools.
Storage
Store in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it less spicy?
Yes. Halve the red chilli powder and black pepper.
Can I use raw peanuts?
Yes. Dry roast them first until crunchy, then peel and split them.
Make a batch for your next rainy evening and tell me what you had it with. Watch the recipe video on YouTube and follow @askdeepa_ on Instagram for more.
