Kadalai Urundai
A classic South Indian sweet made with roasted peanuts and rich jaggery syrup. These crunchy, nutty balls are a healthy, protein-packed snack perfect for any time of day.
For 8 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Roast and Prepare Peanuts
- b.In a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai, dry roast the raw peanuts on a low to medium flame for 8-10 minutes. Stir continuously to ensure even roasting until they become aromatic and develop small brown spots.
- c.Transfer the roasted peanuts to a plate and allow them to cool completely. This can take about 10-15 minutes.
- d.Once cooled, rub the peanuts between your palms to remove the papery skins. You can winnow them to separate the skins easily.
- e.Coarsely crush the peanuts. Pulse them 2-3 times in a mixer or place them in a zip-top bag and gently crush with a rolling pin. The goal is a coarse texture, not a fine powder.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Jaggery Syrup
- b.In the same pan, combine the grated jaggery and water. Heat on a medium flame, stirring until the jaggery dissolves completely.
- c.Once dissolved, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any impurities, then return it to the pan.
- d.Bring the syrup to a vigorous boil and cook for 5-7 minutes until it reaches the 'hard ball' consistency. This is the most critical step.
- e.To test the consistency, drop a small amount of syrup into a bowl of cold water. It should immediately solidify into a hard, non-sticky ball. When you drop this ball onto a plate, it should make a distinct 'tock' or clicking sound.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Shape the Urundai
- b.As soon as the syrup reaches the correct consistency, turn off the heat. Immediately add the coarsely crushed peanuts and the optional cardamom powder to the pan.
- c.Mix everything together very quickly and thoroughly, ensuring all the peanuts are evenly coated with the jaggery syrup.
- d.The mixture will be extremely hot. Grease your hands with ghee or oil. This prevents sticking and provides a slight barrier from the heat.
- e.While the mixture is still hot, quickly take a small portion and press it firmly between your palms to shape it into a tight, round ball (urundai). You must work fast as the mixture hardens rapidly as it cools.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cool and Store
- b.Place the shaped urundais on a greased plate or parchment paper to cool down completely.
- c.Allow them to rest for at least 1-2 hours. They will become firm and crunchy as they cool.
- d.Once completely cooled, store the Kadalai Urundai in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 3 weeks.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The jaggery syrup consistency is crucial. If undercooked, the balls will be soft and sticky. If overcooked, they will be too hard to bite.
- 2Always perform the 'hard ball test' in cold water. It's the most reliable way to check the syrup's readiness.
- 3Work very quickly when shaping the balls. If the mixture becomes too hard to handle, gently warm the pan on the lowest heat for 10-15 seconds to soften it slightly.
- 4Greasing your hands is essential. It not only prevents sticking but also helps you handle the hot mixture more comfortably.
- 5For a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of ghee to the jaggery syrup just before adding the peanuts.
Adapt it for your goals.
Flavor Enhancement
Add 1/4 teaspoon of dry ginger powder (sukku) along with the cardamom powder for a warm, spicy note.
Texture BoostTexture Boost
Incorporate 2 tablespoons of roasted sesame seeds or chopped cashews along with the peanuts for added crunch and flavor.
Different NutDifferent Nut
This recipe can be adapted using other nuts like almonds or a mix of nuts and seeds for a different nutritional profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein and Healthy Fats
Peanuts are an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. They also contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
Natural Energy Booster
The combination of carbohydrates from jaggery and protein and fats from peanuts provides a sustained release of energy, making it a perfect snack to combat midday slumps.
Good Source of Minerals
Jaggery is an unrefined sugar that retains minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium, which are often stripped from refined sugars. Iron is crucial for preventing anemia.
High in Dietary Fiber
Peanuts provide a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
One serving, which is typically two pieces of Kadalai Urundai, contains approximately 250-270 calories. The exact amount can vary based on the size of the balls and the type of jaggery used.