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Pesara garelu is the crispy, golden snack that's here to slay your taste buds—an iconic South Indian treat with a perfect mix of crunch and spice.
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This pesara garelu recipe is all about taking simple ingredients and turning them into a delicious masterpiece that works for festivals, tea-time cravings, or just when you're feeling snacky.
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Start with 1 cup of whole moong dal—give it a good rinse (think squeaky clean), and then soak it for 4-6 hours. This soak is like a glow-up for your dal, making it soft and ready to blend.
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Drain the water and pop the dal into a blender with 2-3 green chilies (you're the boss of the spice level here), a 2-inch piece of coarsely chopped ginger, and a pinch of salt. Blend this into a slightly coarse batter—don't go too smooth; the texture is what makes pesara garelu so iconic.
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Pour the batter into a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of cumin seeds for a burst of earthy flavor. Optional (but highly recommended) move: toss in one finely chopped small onion for a subtle crunch and sweetness, and don't forget 3 tablespoons of chopped cilantro or curry leaves for that herby goodness.
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Mix it all together until the flavors are evenly distributed—it's already smelling amazing, right? Now, heat some oil in a deep pan until it's hot but not smoking (pro tip: test with a small drop of batter; if it sizzles, you're good to go).
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Wet your hands slightly, scoop a small portion of batter, flatten it into a disc, and make a hole in the center like a mini doughnut.
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Carefully slide it into the oil and repeat with the remaining batter.
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Fry the garelu on medium heat, flipping occasionally, until they turn a glorious golden-brown and the edges are perfectly crisp.
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The aroma is going to make it hard to wait, but patience pays off! Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.
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Serve these pesara garelu hot and fresh with coconut chutney, tangy tamarind dip, or a spicy tomato chutney for the ultimate snack experience.
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This recipe of pesara garelu is the perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and flavorful—a total crowd-pleaser that's as easy to make as it is to devour. Once you try it, you'll be hooked!