This name has derived from the cuts / vettu that are made to the base after mould has been made i.e prior to frying process.

Vettu cake is served as a snack item. Vettu cake has a larger shelf life can be retained for 3 weeks. Served during Christmas carol service, as a nercha (offering) for people during pilgrimage trips. At home kids and hubby love this snack and will empty the box within a day or two.

Ingredients:

Maida (All Purpose four): 250 gms

Baking soda: ½ tsp

Egg: 1 big ( usually duck eggs are used in Kerala)

Sugar: 125 gm ( powdered)

Cardamom powder (Elaichi): 6 nos(powdered)

Salt: ¼ tsp

Water : 1/3 cup ( as per requirement)

Cooking oil:1 cup – for deep frying

Procedure for making Vettu cake- Kerala special snack at your home:

Method:

• Sift Maida and Baking powder in a sieve for uniform spread.
• Beat eggs in a vessel until it is foamy and then add the powdered sugar and mix it thoroughly.
• Add the sifted maida, baking powder,cardamom powder and salt. Add water very carefully such that it doesn’t exceed the requirement.
• Make a tight dough. Cover and keep it aside for an hour’s time.
• Divide the dough into equal small balls. Spread this on a polythene cover or aluminium foil for ease.
• Gently press the rolled out dough,so that it forms a rectangular shape strips. Cut them into 1.5 inch square pieces.
• Make a deep cut in the centre using a sharp knife and again one opposite to the first cut like a cross.
• Heat cooking oil in a pan and deep fry till golden brown on medium heat. Make sure not to over fry the vettu cake as it will become very hard to eat.
• Drain the fried vettu cake on paper towels. Cool completely and store in air tight containers.

Note: You can add variety to the taste by adding rava also in the ratio 1:4 . 50 gms of rava and 200 gms of Maida.

Vettu cake is a great snack to carry while you are traveling. The shape will not get distorted. Try this recipe and enjoy the taste of Kerala’s nallamani palaharam. You need not depend on your store for the stock to come in. The taste of Kerala vettu cake is unique mainly for the ingredients i.e duck egg. Nevertheless go ahead and give a try.

Related reading: Homemade biscuits