Chandrakantalu is a special sweet from Andhra. The name personifies the moon like and is supposed to be shaped as the waxing moon, which looks so cute. This is again a dish from Amma. She has been having this recipe in her files for so many years. I am so glad that she was finally able to bring it out.
This is a delightful recipe that is made from split yellow moong dal. When I was discussing with her what special Andhra Deepavali sweets can be made, the first thing she remembered was this dish. On hearing, I was assuming Chandrakala, which I think is very similar to Kaja. Maybe I will end up doing that for this festival season too.
Anyway now for the recipe, which is crispy on the outside and soft and sweet inside.
Chandrakanthalu
Split Yellow Moong dal - 1 cup
Sugar - 1 cup
Ghee - 1 tbsp
Oil for deep frying.
How to make Chandrakatalu:
Wash and soak the yellow dal for an hour. Then drain the dal from the water and grind it to a fine paste. There is no need to add water, should be able to grind with the soft dal by itself.
Heat a nonstick Kadai with ghee. Add this ground moong dal paste, and keep cooking for a couple of minutes. Then add the sugar. It will start melting and letting out moisture.
Continue frying till the paste is dry. You will know it's done when it starts leaving the sides.
Transfer to a greased bowl spread it well and allow it to cool. Once it's manageable to handle, shape them as waxing moon. Continue with the entire paste.
Heat a Kadai with oil, when hot, simmer, and deep fry the chandrakantulu to golden brown.
Notes:
The batter should be of the vada consistency. Water should not be added, else it will dunk a lot of oil. If required for the batter to get well ground, just sprinkle some water.
Since the batter is already cooked, when it is dropped into the hot oil, it will start to brown very quickly. So the oil should always be a low flame.
Krithi's Kitchen says
This is new to me.. thanks for sharing the recipe… wish you could send it to our festival event as well..
Alpana says
Wow......This is awesome.....something new for me. Thanks for sharing.
Harini says
wow! never thought they are so easy to prepare! Always heard but never tasted..thanks for sharing.
Nalini's Kitchen says
Looks yummy and once had it in a friends place.
Gayathri Kumar says
Totally new to me. Looks so yummy. Valli, please send me your sweets for the Only Sweets event..
Deepti says
Thats a new sweet for me...Looks very inviting.....Happy Diwali to U
The Pumpkin Farm says
This is absolutely new for me, the closest I can link it to is the pumpkin ghari that mom makes, this is even simpler with lesser ingredients, loved it
Priya says
Quite an incredible sweet, never heard about this, absolutely inviting..
Mélange ! says
Wow..tempting one.I have seen this even before.But the pictorial of yours is always meaningful.Thank you.
Suma Gandlur says
Oh, thank you for the lovely entry. This has been on my to do list for years now. 🙂
veena krishnakumar says
This is very new to me....looks very interesting!!!!
Cool Lassi(e) says
New pandigai recipe! I have never heard of this before!
Swati Sapna says
Reminds me of childhood festival celebrations and my grandma making these yummy chandrakantalu!!
Unknown says
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there is one recipe by lady called divya quoting 1/3cup rice to 1cup moongdal to get crispiness.you hv not mentioned any such.
moongdal by itself is a kolakola item even after frying. any suggestion!?
Srivalli says
Param I made using the same measurement as I have listed. As I have mentioned the batter will be sticky, for that you need to roast the ground batter well and let it cool completely. And also cooking it in low flame helps this to become crispy. I am not sure about adding rice flour. I haven't tried it with that. Maybe you can try.