Chettinad Spiced Shelpek

Ingredients

In this Chettinad adaptation of Shelpek, the traditional Kazakh dish is infused with the bold flavors of Chettinad spices, giving it a distinct South Indian twist. The original Shelpek is typically plain in flavor, while the Chettinad Spiced Shelpek incorporates a blend of aromatic spices, adding depth and complexity to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Shelpek, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon star anise 1/2 teaspoon star anise
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• Oil for deep frying Oil for deep frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and star anise.
2. 2.
   Add the vegetable oil to the dry ingredients and mix well until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. 3.
   Gradually add water to the mixture and knead until a smooth dough is formed.
4. 4.
   Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5. 5.
   Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin circle.
6. 6.
   Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
7. 7.
   Carefully place the rolled dough circles into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy.
8. 8.
   Remove the fried Shelpek from the oil and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy the Chettinad Spiced Shelpek as a snack or as an accompaniment to your favorite Chettinad meal.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• All-purpose flour — Ensure that the flour is fresh and sifted to avoid any lumps in the dough.
• Chettinad spices — Adjust the quantity of spices according to your preference for spiciness. You can also add other Chettinad spices like fennel seeds or cardamom for additional flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of red chili powder to the dough.
• Serve the Chettinad Spiced Shelpek with a side of coconut chutney or tomato chutney for an extra burst of flavor.
• Experiment with different shapes and sizes of Shelpek to add visual appeal to your dish.
• If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can bake the Shelpek instead of deep frying them.
• Store any leftover Shelpek in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Chettinad Spiced Shelpek hot as a snack or as a side dish with your favorite Chettinad meal. They are best enjoyed fresh and crispy.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Chettinad Spiced Shelpek on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and accompanied by small bowls of chutney for dipping. The golden brown color and unique shape of the Shelpek will make for an attractive presentation.