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Achappam
Fried rose cookies
Achappam: Kerala's crisp rose cookies fried on a patterned iron for Christmas
Achappam, the rose cookie, is a Christmas staple in Kerala's Syrian Christian and Latin Catholic homes, fried in big batches in December and offered to neighbours of every faith. A thin batter of rice flour, egg, coconut milk and sugar, scented with sesame or cumin, clings to a flower-shaped iron, which is dipped into hot oil until the lacy rose drops off. They keep for weeks in an airtight tin. You need an achappam (rosette) mould. Chef's tip: heat the mould in the oil each time; if the batter slides off, the mould is too cool, and if it won't release, it's too hot.
- Total time
- 60 min
- Difficulty
- medium
- Serves
- 20
Ingredients
- 7 oz fine rice flour
- 1 egg
- 2 ⅛ oz caster sugar
- 1 cup thick coconut milkabout
- 1 tsp black sesame seeds
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 ¼ cups coconut or sunflower oilfor frying
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Whisk 1 egg and 2 ⅛ oz caster sugar until the sugar dissolves, then whisk in 7 oz fine rice flour, 1 pinch salt and enough 1 cup thick coconut milk to make a smooth batter like thick cream. Stir in 1 tsp black sesame seeds and rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Heat 3 ¼ cups coconut or sunflower oil to 350°F in a deep pan and put the achappam mould in it for 2 minutes to heat.
5 minStep 3: Lift the mould, shake off excess oil and dip it into the batter only three-quarters of the way up.
Step 4: Lower it into the oil and, after 10–15 seconds, shake gently so the rose drops off. Fry for 1–2 minutes, turning once, until crisp and pale golden. A common mistake is frying until brown, which makes them taste bitter.
30 minStep 5: Drain upside down on kitchen paper and cool completely before storing in an airtight tin.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 90 kcal
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbs
- 11 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fibre
- 0 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does achappam take?
- About 60 minutes in total: 20 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 20 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegetarian?
- Yes. It has no meat or fish.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- Can I make it ahead?
- Yes. It keeps well, so you can cook it earlier in the day or the day before and reheat it.
- What can I use instead of egg?
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg, left for 5 minutes (baking only; vegan).
- What can I use instead of caster sugar?
- Caster sugar, same amount.
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Perfect for:Christmas