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Home » Appetizers

Published: Apr 4, 2016 · Modified: Jan 28, 2021 by Sandhya Ramakrishnan · This post may contain affiliate links

Chettinad Masala Cheeyam | Masala Seeyam Recipe

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Chettinad cuisine is known for its extreme deliciousness and this Chettinad Masala Cheeyam also known as Masala Seeyam is no exception. This is a perfect evening snack or a bite size appetizer loaded with flavors and it will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Chettinadu Masala Cheeyam in a plate and bowl

After a day’s break, we are here with our day 3 of the A – Z challenge. When choosing recipes with alphabet C, I started out very enthusiastic and had some tough choices. Once I was done making the list, I came to a realization that my list was too unrealistic as I had several very hard dishes. I will come around someday and will be making those dishes on the list, but for now, I chose a very delicious snack / starter / appetizer recipe - Chettinad Masala Cheeyam.

Thanks to Nalini for directing me to her space for the recipe. The recipe was perfect and I served it with some spicy kara chutney. I love Chettinad cuisine and I have had the opportunity to make a few in past. My favorite one by far is the Chettinad Vellai Paniyaram. It was such a delicate dish that just melted in our mouth.

Yet another favorite dish that I make very often is the Chettinad Vegetable Kurma. This restaurant style kurma is just so amazing that it takes the meal to next level.

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This recipe joins my collection of Chettinad dishes and I am looking forward to opportunities to try out few more of the wonderful cuisine.

Chettinadu Masala Cheeyam in a plate and bowl with tomato chutney

Ingredients to make Chettinad Masala Cheeyam – (serves 4)

  • Raw rice – ¾ cup (I used sona masoori)
  • Idli rice – 1 tbsp
  • Ullutham paruppu / Urad dal – ¾ cup
  • Onion – 1 large (finely chopped)
  • Green chili – 4 (finely chopped)
  • Curry leaves – few
  • Oil – 1 tablespoon plus more to deep fry
  • Mustard seeds- 1 tsp
  • Asafetida – ¼ tsp
  • Salt – to taste
  • Coconut – ¼ cup (grated or chopped finely)
Chettinadu Masala Cheeyam close up

Step by step Procedure

  • Wash and soak the raw rice, idli rice, and urad dal together for about 4 hours.
  • Grind them to a very smooth and thick batter. I used my wet grinder to grind the batter as it yields fluffy batter which results in fluffy seeyam. You could grind it in blender / mixie as well, but make sure you grind it into a thick batter adding just enough water as needed. Add salt needed and mix up the batter well.
urad dal soaked and ground
  • In the meantime, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan. When the oil heats up, add the mustard seeds and let them crackle. Now add the asafetida, onions, green chili, curry leaves, and salt needed for the onion. Fry them until the onions soften a bit.
frying seasoning and onions
  • Now add the grated / chopped coconut and give it a quick stir. Turn off the flame and let the mixture cool down a bit.
  • Add this mixture to the ground batter and mix it well.
making batter
  • Heat oil in a pan and gently drop a rounded handful of masala seeyam batter into hot oil for deep frying. You could add a few at a time (depending on how big your pan is). Use wet hands to scoop the batter and drop it in oil. It makes it easier to form the seeyam.
  • Fry the cheeyam until they are golden brown on all sides and then remove it on a paper towel lined dish.
  • Serve the Masala Seeyam hot with Chettinad special Kara chutney!
top view of masala seeyam with tomato chutney

 If you made this recipe and liked it, give a star rating on the recipe card or let me know in the comments below. You could also share it with me on Instagram using #MyCookingJourney and tagging me @sandhya.ramakrishnan. You could follow me and my recipes on Facebook |Instagram | Pinterest | twitter

Chettinad Masala Cheeyam in a Bowl

Chettinad Masala Cheeyam | Masala Seeyam Recipe

Chettinad cuisine is known for its extreme deliciousness and this Chettinad Masala Cheeyam also known as Masala Seeyam is no exception. This is a perfect evening snack or a bite size appetizer loaded with flavors and it will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
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Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Snacks
Cuisine: Indian, South Indian
Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 24 pieces
Calories: 53kcal
Author: Sandhya Ramakrishnan

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup Raw rice I used sona masoori
  • 1 tablespoon Idli rice
  • ¾ cup Ullutham paruppu / Urad dal
  • 1 large Onion Finely chopped
  • 4 Green chili Finely chopped
  • few Curry leaves
  • 1 tablespoon Oil Plus more to deep fry
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon Asafetida
  • to taste Salt
  • ¼ cu[ Coconut Grated or chopped finely

Instructions

  • Wash and soak the raw rice, idli rice and urad dal together for about 4 hours.
  • Grind them to a very smooth and thick batter. I used my wet grinder to grind the batter as it yields fluffy batter which results in fluffy seeyam. You could grind it in blender / mixie as well, but make sure you grind it into a thick batter adding just enough water as needed. Add salt needed and mix up the batter well.
  • In the meantime, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan. When the oil heats up, add the mustard seeds and let it crackle. Now add the asafetida, onions, green chili, curry leaves and salt needed for the onion. Fry them until the onions soften a bit.
  • Now add the grated / chopped coconut and give it a quick stir. Turn off the flame and let the mixture cool down a bit.
  • Add this mixture to the ground batter and mix it well.
  • Heat oil in a pan and gently drop rounded handful of batter into hot oil for deep frying. You could add a few at a time (depending on how big your pan is). Use wet hands to scoop the batter and drop it in oil. It makes it easier to form the seeyam.
  • Fry them until they are golden brown on all sides and then remove it on a paper towel lined dish.
  • Serve hot with Chettinad special Kara chutney!

Nutrition

Calories: 53kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 26mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @Sandhya.Ramakrishnan or tag #MyCookingJourney!
« Adhirasam | Athirasam Recipe
Dosai Milagai Podi | Spiced Chili Powder for Dosai and Idli »

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Sandhya

I am Sandhya Ramakrishnan, author, recipe developer and photographer in this journey! 'My Cooking Journey' is all about family friendly Vegetarian and Vegan recipes from around the World with focus on Indian cuisine.

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