Congress Kadlekai

Crunchy, spicy, and full of nostalgia—Congress Kadlekai, is the perfect snack to go with evening tea and filter coffee! Vegan, gluten-free and plant-protein rich, congress kadlekai is flavorful and nutritious. A true Bangalore classic, this easy-to-make roasted peanuts will transport you straight to an Iyengar Bakery. Healthy snack that fits perfectly with tea time or as a protein-packed munchie!

Looking for easy snacks? Then try – Murmura Chivda, Sweet Poha Chivda, Poha Chivda

Congress Kadlekai History

The name “Congress Kadlekai” has an amusing story behind it. Legend has it that this snack became popular in the old Bangalore Coffee Houses, where it was often served as an accompaniment to coffee or tea. The name “Congress” is said to humorously allude to the way the peanuts are split, much like a political party—broken yet together. Kadlekai is the Kannada word for peanuts. Regardless of its origin, the snack has been a constant at homes, bakeries, and coffee houses across Karnataka, often stirring nostalgic memories for anyone who’s tasted it.

Bangalore, once a small and laid-back city, was known for its charming Iyengar Bakeries. These bakeries were the go-to spots for Masala Toast, Aloo Bun, Veg Puffs, Badam Milk, and of course, Congress Kadlekai. While modern cafes like Coffee Day and Barista dominate today’s landscape, stepping into an Iyengar Bakery in areas like Basavanagudi still guarantees a taste of this spicy peanut snack. For Bangaloreans living abroad, Congress Kadlekai is often a nostalgic reminder of home.

Ingredients You Need,

• Peanuts: The main ingredient, offering a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
• Red Chili Powder: Adds heat and color to the snack.
• Turmeric Powder (Haldi): Gives a warm, earthy flavor and bright yellow color.
• Hing (Asafoetida): A pungent spice that adds a unique aroma and flavor to the dish.
• Sugar: Balances the spice and enhances the overall taste.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
• Oil: Used for roasting and binding the spices to the peanuts.

Each ingredient adds a unique flavor and purpose, making this snack a symphony of taste. The earthy peanuts, spicy red chili powder, fragrant turmeric, and hing blend beautifully, while sugar and salt balance the flavors perfectly.

Congress Kadlekai is More Than Just a Snack

Congress Kadlekai is more than a quick bite; it’s a culinary representation of simplicity and nostalgia. For many, it brings back memories of childhood evenings spent at home or leisurely tea-coffee house visits. The snack’s affordability, ease of preparation, and long shelf life make it a staple in many South Indian households.

Moreover, its nutritional value is worth noting. Peanuts are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins, making Congress Kadlekai a relatively guilt-free indulgence. The snack is crunchy, spicy, and flavorful, often enjoyed as an accompaniment with tea or filter coffee as a light snack.

Serving Suggestions

The traditional way to enjoy Congress Kadlekai is with a piping hot cup of South Indian filter coffee or masala chai. The robust flavor of the peanuts complements the rich, aromatic coffee perfectly. However, this versatile snack can be served in many other ways:

• As a tea-time treat: Pair it with your favorite chai for an equally delightful experience.
• As a topping: Sprinkle it over salads, poha, or upma for added crunch and flavor.
• In a trail mix: Combine it with roasted chana dal, puffed rice, and dried fruits for a quick and nutritious snack mix.
• As a party starter: Serve it in small bowls as an appetizer at gatherings. Its bold flavors and crispy texture make it a crowd-pleaser.
• IPL snack: Its crunchy, spicy, and flavorful nature makes it an ideal treat to munch on during intense cricket matches.
• Tastes extremely delicious when paired with lemon soda, paneer soda and masala coke.

Storage Tips

To store Congress Kadlekai (spiced peanuts) and keep it fresh, here are some helpful tips:

1. Cool Before Storing: After preparing the snack, allow it to cool completely to prevent moisture buildup, which can make it soggy.
2. Airtight Container: Store the spiced peanuts in an airtight container to preserve their crispiness and freshness. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight seals work well.
3. Keep in a Cool, Dry Place: Store the container in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight and humidity. A pantry or kitchen cupboard is ideal.
4. Avoid Fridge Storage: While refrigeration can extend shelf life for some snacks, it may cause the peanuts to lose their crunch. Instead, keep them at room temperature.
5. Use Within a Week or Two: For the best taste and texture, try to consume the Congress Kadlekai within 1-2 weeks. Over time, the spices may lose their potency, and the peanuts may become stale.

These simple storage tips will help keep your Congress Kadlekai fresh and enjoyable for a longer period!

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Congress Kadlekai

1. Dry Roasting the Peanuts

• Start with quality peanuts: Choose good-quality raw peanuts, as their flavor is the base of this dish.
• Low heat is key: In a pan, dry roast the peanuts on a very low flame. Stir continuously to ensure even roasting. This step is crucial to achieving the crisp texture and nutty flavor without burning them.
• Look for the reddish skin: The peanuts are ready when the skins turn reddish and the aroma fills your kitchen. Avoid roasting on high heat, as this can lead to uneven cooking or burnt nuts.

2. Cooling and Splitting

• Cool completely: Once roasted, spread the peanuts on a plate to cool.
• De-skin and halve: Gently rub the peanuts between your palms to remove their skins. Then, split each peanut into halves. While this step can be a bit tedious, it’s essential to achieve the authentic Congress Kadlekai texture.

3. Seasoning the Peanuts

• Prepare the seasoning: In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil on a low flame. Add hing, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Allow the spices to sizzle gently for about a minute, releasing their aroma. This step ensures that the spices infuse the oil with their flavor.
• Combine and coat: Add the roasted peanuts to the pan, followed by salt and sugar. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the seasoning coats each peanut evenly.
• Cool completely: Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool. Once cooled, the spices and oil will cling to the peanuts, creating a beautifully flavored snack.

4. Storing the Snack

• Store the cooled Congress Kadlekai in an airtight jar. This keeps the snack fresh and crunchy for weeks—although it’s so addictive, it’s unlikely to last that long!

Congress kadlekai recipe is by Deesha of Vegetable Platter. This recipe was last published in June-2011, as a part of Bangalore Food Bloggers Guest Post Series. I updated the post with new pictures and more information. Thank you Deesha for sharing this wonderful recipe with us.