Achappam ( Rose Cookies)

Overview
Achappam is a very special deep fried cookie made for all special occasions throughout Kerala. Achappam is also called Rose Cookie since it is shaped like a rose flower. The sesame seeds added to this adds an extra flavor and texture to the cookie. Traditional Achappam is made with rice flour which is not roasted. To replicate this I soak rice and grind it.

Achappam

Achappam Mold

Ingredients
3 cups rice
3/4 cup sugar
Coconut milk to grind the rice - about one cup
Egg 1
Salt a pinch
Black Sesame seeds - 3 tablespoons
Oil for deep frying the cookies

Steps
1. Soak the rice in plenty of water for about 4 - 6 hours
2. Drain water put it in the blender with sugar, salt and egg. Add enough coconut milk little at a time and grind to make a thick batter. The batter should be thick if not the Achappams will be very thin.
3. Add the sesame seeds to the batter and mix well.
4. Heat oil for frying the cookies in a pan.
5. Immerse the Achappam mold in the hot oil and let it get hot for few minutes.
6. Dip the hot mold in the batter( do not fully immerse just up to the brim of the mold) and then immerse it in the hot oil and shake the mold to loosen up the cookie in the oil. Fry the cookie it it gets light brown turn it over and fry the other side to.
7. Take it out of the oil and let the oil drain.

Serve at room temperature. Makes about 40 Cookies.