Seedai is a crispy snack offered to Lord Krishna in the auspicious ocassion of Gokulashtami. Uppu Seedai is the salt version of seedai, a crispy and crunchy delicious snack. Learn how to make uppu seedai recipe with easy tips to avoid bursting of seedai. Seedai in tamil is also called as Cheedai.

Uppu Seedai is a crispy snack made for gokulashtami or krishna jayanthi.Uppu seedai also known as Uppu Cheedai involves a bit of effort as we need to make homemade rice flour and urad dal flour first then proceed with making of seedai. But I have given method to start making seedai with storebought flours too. Though we prepare other offerings like aval, butter and murukku for Krishna Jayanthi – Seedai is one tof the important offering made on Gokulashtami.
About Uppu Seedai
Traditionally seedai is made from the scratch by making homemade flours which includes rice flour and urad dal flour then making seedai. But these days many don’t have the time to make the flours from the scratch so you can make use of storebought flours. But make sure to roast and sieve it that is the important step to avoid bursting of seedai.
Uppu Seedai Ingredients
- Homemade flour : Traditionally homemade rice flour and urad dal flour are used to make seedai. Soaking raw rice, then drying it for a while then grinding, sieving then again roasting and sieving is the best method for making homemade rice flour. You should be able to draw a line using the flour, after roasting this is the perfect way to chcek if thef flour is ready. For making urad dal flour : We first roast urad dal until golden then grind it fine, sieve and roast again then finally store it. You can make the flours ready in advance then proceed making seedai.
- Storebought flour : Instant readymade flours are easily available these days in stores so you can use them too for making seedai.But make sure to roast well and sieve it once to ensure no speck is there then proceed.
- Butter : Butter is added to give a melt in the mouth texture to the seedai.
- Sesame Seeds : Seesame seeds are traditionally added to the dough while making seedai. You can add black sesame seeds or white sesame seeds.
- Coconut : Coconut is optional if you do not want to add skip it but it gives a nice texture and flavour to the seedais.

Check out :
Tips to make seedai and How to avoid seedai from bursting in oil
- Moisture : The moisture or air trapped inside the balls will make the seedai burst so pricking with holes with a toothpick or any sharp object and resting it in a dry cloth for 30mins are the tips given by my friend. Also roasting coconut ensures there is no moisture in it also.
- Sieving : Whatever flour you use either homemade or storebought roasting and sieving is a must.
- Grinding : If the rice and urad dal flour are not grinded and sieved well they will end up having small grains inbetween which will cause the seedai to burst. So make sure both the flours are sieved well and are very fine.
- Rolling : Do not roll the balls tight, do them as smooth and gentle as possible. If you roll it tight then air bubbles might get trapped inside making them to burst. Also dont expect to get perfect rounds just pinch roll and allow it to rest.
- Drying : After the balls are made make sure to rest it ina cloth for a while for the extra moisture to leave. The wetness or moisture in the balls may lead to seedai bursting so always give it a good resting time.
But still make sure to be at a safe distance while frying the seedais especially if you are a beginner.
My First time seedai making experience
When I told the idea of making uppu seedai to amma, with a eyebrow raised she warned me not to as she had heard so many bursting disaster stories. But seeing my excitement gone down in seconds, she gave her binding book(old recipes in papers binded together to form a recipe book) and asked me to try it from there as it was well explained with tips too.After putting mittu to sleep, I read it atleast thrice and had the feeling of reading for exams yes I almost memorised the recipe and the tips. The next day morning I made the rice and urad dhal flours ready as I wanted to make it from the scratch.
I reserved the bursting part he he I mean making seedai and the clicking part to the weekend. I put some 4 balls and went out of the kitchen for few seconds, peeped out to see whether any disaster happened. My seedais popped out beautifully with the golden color, no splits no bursts – I felt like shouting Yayy!! my first seedai attempt is a success.The small pebbly balls is no more a terrorist bomber to me. Again a new risky recipe learnt just for blogs sake and to share it with you all and am sure this is going to be my keeper. I have given few tips in my notes section to avoid bursting, hope this helps! But still make sure to be at a safe distance while frying the seedais.
As this is the first time I am making seedai, I wanted to make the flours from the scratch and it was worth the effort made. I made the flours 2 days before making seedai so the flours can be made in advance too.

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📖 Recipe
Seedai | Uppu Seedai
Ingredients
With Homemade flours:
- 1 and 1/2 cups raw rice
- 2 tbsp urad dal
- 2 tbsp coconut grated
- 3 tbsp butter melted
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- salt to taste
- oil to deep fry
With Readymade Flours:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 tbsp urad dal flour
- 1 tbsp coconut grated
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
- salt to taste
- oil to deep fry
Instructions
- I used homemade flours that I made and stored – you can check the making in the recipe card. If using storebought flour also you need to roast it. Add 1 cup rice flour, roast until its easy to draw a continuous line as shown here, Set aside to coo
- Next roast urad dal flour for 2 mins. Set aside to cool.
- Roast coconut until there is no moisture and becomes dry. No need to roast until golden. Set aside to cool.
- To a sieve add roasted rice flour and urad dal flour.
- Sieve well. Discard the remains. Sieved flours ready.
- Now add the sieved flours to a bowl along with meled butter, sesame seeds and roasted coconut.
- Mix this well first to combine. Then add water little by little to gather.
- Gather to make a soft dough like shown below. It should not be sticky.
- Pinch a tiny portion from the dough.
- Roll it with your three fingers to make a smooth ball. Do not roll tight just roll roughly..
- Do not worry about making it a perfect round shape.
- Alternatively you can roll it using your palms too. Incase if it sticks you can apply little oil ion your fingers and palm.
- Mild cracks are ok too while rolling as it helps in allowing moisture to dry up through the gap.
- Repeat to finish, add the shaped balls on a dry cloth.
- Prick the balls using a tooth pick just one prick for each ball. This step is optional but I recommend it strongly as it ensures no bursting seedai.
- First test by adding one ball.
- Once it is fried well without any busting you can proceed with the rest in bacthes.
- Add few balls at a time. Roll over and fry until golden.
- Strain oil , remove using a laddle. Now repeat with other batches and finish.
- Uppu seedai ready. Store in a clean dry airtight container. Keeps well even for a month.
Video
Notes
- Make sure to sieve the flours.Add the remaining coarse flour to the next batch grind it then sieve repeat this process.
- Sieving the flours is a must and it will avoid 80% of bursting and the rest 20% is how you roll it.
- If you have your flour smooth and very fine then your seedais will be smooth else it will be slightly coarse textured.
- You can use butter at room temperature or melt the butter as I did.
- You can even give the flour to mill and grind it if you are doing in bulk.
- Pricking step is optional. I did it randomly when I tried it for the first time but now the have updated the pics and now I didn’t do this but still it was perfect.
- Make sure both the flours are sieved well before use.
- Roll the balls very smooth but gently not tight so that no splits are shown outside.
- Do not attempt to make bigger balls, for proper cooking inside make small balls a slightly bigger than peas.
- If you feel your coconut is moist then dry roast in tawa for few mins and then add it. I added it raw only.
- You can even add 1/2 tsp jeera along with sesame seeds.
- If your flame is high then your seedais will not cook evenly and will have brown shades here and there, the browning and cooking will not be even.
- If you get small bubbles and if your seedai is looking dry on the outside then butter is not enough, so measure and follow the quantity as mentioned above.
How to make Uppu Seedai Recipe
1.I used homemade flours that I made and stored – you can check the making in the recipe card. If using storebought flour also you need to roast it. Add 1 cup rice flour, roast until its easy to draw a continuous line as shown here, Set aside to cool.

2.Next roast urad dal flour for 2 mins or until steam wafts from the flour. Set aside to cool.

3.Roast coconut until there is no moisture and becomes dry.No need to roast until golden.Set aside to cool.

4.To a sieve add roasted rice flour and urad dal flour.

5.Sieve well. Discard the remains.

6.Sieved flours ready.

7.Now add the sieved flours to a bowl along with meled butter, sesame seeds and roasted coconut.

8.Mix this well first to combine.

9.Then add water little by little to gather.

10.Gather to make a soft dough like shown below. It should not be sticky.

11.Pinch a tiny portion from the dough.

12.Roll it with your three fingers to make a smooth ball. Do not roll tight just roll roughly.

13.Do not worry about making it a perfect round shape.

14.Alternatively you can roll it using your palms too. Incase if it sticks you can apply little oil ion your fingers and palm.

15.Mild cracks are ok too while rolling as it helps in allowing moisture to dry up through the gap.

16.Repeat to finish, add the shaped balls on a dry cloth.

17.Prick the balls using a tooth pick just one prick for each ball.This step is optional but I recommend it strongly as it ensures no busrting seedai.

18.First test by adding one ball.

19.Once it is fried well without any busting you can proceed with the rest in bacthes.

20.Add few balls at a time.

21.Roll over and fry until golden.

22.Strain oil , remove using a laddle. Now repeat with other batches and finish.

23.Uppu seedai ready.

Store in a clean dry airtight container. Keeps well even for a month.
Expert Tips
- Make sure to sieve the flours.Add the remaining coarse flour to the next batch grind it then sieve repeat this process.
- Sieving the flours is a must and it will avoid 80% of bursting and the rest 20% is how you roll it.
- If you have your flour smooth and very fine then your seedais will be smooth else it will be slightly coarse textured.
- You can use butter at room temperature or melt the butter as I did.
- You can even give the flour to mill and grind it if you are doing in bulk.
- Pricking step is optional. I did it randomly when I tried it for the first time but now the have updated the pics and now I didn’t do this but still it was perfect.
- Make sure both the flours are sieved well before use.
- Roll the balls very smooth but gently not tight so that no splits are shown outside.
- Do not attempt to make bigger balls, for proper cooking inside make small balls a slightly bigger than peas.
- If you feel your coconut is moist then dry roast in tawa for few mins and then add it. I added it raw only.
- You can even add 1/2 tsp jeera along with sesame seeds.
- If your flame is high then your seedais will not cook evenly and will have brown shades here and there, the browning and cooking will not be even.
- If you get small bubbles and if your seedai is looking dry on the outside then butter is not enough, so measure and follow the quantity as mentioned above.
Storing & Serving Suggestion
- You can serve a handful seedai along with tea or coffee for evening or as a midday snack.
- Store in an airtight container to retain freshness. Need not refrigerate.Keeps well for about a week.

FAQs
1.Why is my seedai bursting?
The moisture or air trapped inside the balls will make the seedai burst so pricking with holes with a toothpick or any sharp object and resting it in a dry cloth for 30mins are the tips given by my friend. Also while rolling do not roll tight, it is ok to have a mild crack in the seedai which will help the moisture to leave using that gap.Check my tips section for more detailed description.
2.Why is my seedai not crisp?
Before adding the seedai make sure oil is hot enough to fry. Oil should be at the right temperature not smoky hot or not too low.Frying the seedais is correct oil temperature is the key to get perfect crispy seedais. You can first check by dropping one in oil, if it rises immediately then your oil is ready. If it browns immediately then oil is too hot, so you should lower flame then proceed frying.
3.Seedai drinks lot of oil. Why?
This is also because of the oil temperature if its not hot enough and you add the seedais then it will drink more oil and become soggy not crisp. Also if the dough is loose then it may drink more oil.

Divya Kudua
Yum,I can have it all on my own.Love it,but not too daring to try it on my own!Kudos to you!
Shanavi
This reminds me my mom's tiresome job to make this for Gokulashtami..My mom too slightly prick the balls / making them not so perfect round balls also helps preventing from bursting..My mom's tips.. U've done it so perfectly and indeed u need a big round of applause for being the first timer who has managed to do it beaaautifully..Kudos
Gayathri NG
Hi sharmi i usually make sweet seedai for Gokulashtami urs uppu seedai looks delicious and surely will try for this Krishnar jayanthi, book marked.I am waiting for ur next recipes..i want to taste the raw dough..keep doing it..
uma shankar
Awesome!
priya ravi
seedais are looking so perfect and crunchy. well explained steps sharmi. im tempted to try it soon.
Vimitha Anand
Seedai looks so perfectly done. Crunchy and yummy dear.
srividhya Ravikumar
wow..perfect seedai…lovely kutty krishna..
Prathibha
This looks delicious,love this perfect snack….:)
ANU
awesome seedai dear…love the crunch…and your clicks are awesome…
Vardhini
This is on my list .. just postponing because of the bursting disasters :).. Anyway like you mentioned, I will probably try it for blogging sake. 🙂
Vardhini
Premalatha Aravindhan
wow it came out perfect,recipe is too gud…loved it.Kutti krishna luks amazing:)
aipi
Sp perfect rounds ~ crispy n addictive they look 🙂
USMasala
Hari Chandana
Such a delicious and traditional recipe.. looks absolutely perfect.. thanks for sharing dear 🙂
Indian Cuisine
RAKS KITCHEN
Wow,so beautiful seedais, the pics look divinely! Great work 🙂
Kalpana Sareesh
even am going to try this with ur method..thanks dear for tips n tricks..looks so good..
Satrupa
You introduced me to a new recipe …. looks very beautiful n delisshhh
Rekha shoban
super duper seedai!!!as usual nice click!
Shireen Sequeira
Wow! It was such a nice post Sharmi, to see the step by step pics also, its so nice when you can try out traditional stuff in your own kitchen. Uppu Seedai is very new to me, hope to try it soon
Spandana
wow…the step by step explanation makes it easy…. This recipe is new to me… since i am more inclined towards sweet, I will wait for the jaggery version 🙂
Priti
I love this and you got it so perfect ….nice pics
Paaka Shaale
Your seedais look so perfect Sharmilee!!! I have tried making this once and I just missed being burnt by a few secs. The oil in the wok was actually on the ceiling. From then on I have developed a phobia for frying these or anything for that matter. Hats off to you for trying these 🙂
M D
Gosh! Looks brilliant. Love those cute looking balls. 🙂
Sarah
ahh these look lovely and just perfect
Laxmi
looks perfect.. nice to know that it turned out success at the first time itself.. nice clicks.. love ur krishna idol..
Rumana Rawat
Awesome:)
Nisa Homey
Awesome!! Awesome!!…….amazing clicks…..
layaa
Ya,me too have an experience of the burst out recently,from that onwards i decided that i never make it again in my life.But, after seeing ur tips i too hav the success in my next attempt,thanks for ur tips.
jeyashrisuresh
great effort and the seedais turned out so well and cute clicks with krishnan idol. BTW, i like your kadai, and now iam seriously searching for a good kadai
Suma Gandlur
I love them.
As far as I know, resting them for abut 30 minutes is enough to avoid the bursting part. That's what we do. And pricking is not needed.
Now Serving
Ahaa 🙂 First class post! Happy KJ to you and yours – seedais are outta sight!!!
Suja
Crunchy and delicious..awesome clicks dear
Priya
Feel like munching some..i'll keep aside for few minutes before frying, never tried pricking them,will try next time..
Priya (Yallapantula) Mitharwal
Absolutely love that recipe 🙂
Krithi's Kitchen
On seeing the pics, cant believe you are a first timer… A big kudos to you.. Great job Perfectly done… p.s. I dont think I still have the patience or courage to try this..
Sobha Shyam
fabulous clicks, lovely explanations, a great recipe..
sangee vijay
enjoyed reading your first few para about your attempt 🙂 really u made it success,came out very good n perfect…thanx for the step wise pictures..bookmarked n want to try soon!!! no words to say abt your pictures n presentation..U ROCK !!! love it !!!
divya
Woww… looks simply delicious and perfect.. beautiful presentation too.. thanks for sharing 🙂
Uma
I love to munch them. You made a perfect round shape seedai.
Cheers,
Uma
Shri
Love the cute laddoos…:-)
Manju
i never got the courage to make them..the bursting of course! they look just perfect!
Kurryleaves
well presented…perfectly done…
DEESHA
They look so perfect. I love the pictures sharmilee
Sanjeeta kk
Oh I am waiting for my MIL to make these seedai!
An Open Book
have never had them but they look so darn cute
Angie's Recipes
Very crunchy and delicious!
Zareena
I remember eating this long back and fell in love with this crispy balls. Nice snaps.
Shobha Kamath
Lovely pics ! They look delicious too!
Mahimaa's kitchen
wow.. super. looks perfect without any cracks. krishnar cute a irukar.
Sheeja Krishnan
Sharmi, Thanks for the recipe. I tried it and came out pretty well..Your suggestion to prick them helped from bursting !!!Thanks a lot for that..
Meena Kannan
uppu seedai is kalakal….i avoid making it at home becoz of bursting during deep fry…but ..thing i have to work on it n ur seedai tempts me to do it….thnx for ur comments on my each n every post….feeling g8….thnx Meena's Kitchen
Vardhini
Sharmi .. have you tried making this with store bought flour. Only the homemade flour worked fine for me.
Vardhini
Sharmilee! :)
@Vardhini : I havent tried but my friends have tried and said it came out good….the store bought flour we get should very fine.
Kalyani
looks good ! I tried it with home made flour too, with a little of maida and fried gram flour and its was perfectly ok.. But I love the method of making this flour from scratch too ! Should def help me for the kozhikottai that I plan to make soon 🙂
Kalyani
Last few days – Send in your carrot based dishes
Ongoing Event: Fasting Foods(Vrat ka Khaana Special)
sree
ohh……sharmeeeee…… my godd.. i didnt expected that i can do SEEDAI in my life.. oh.. i donno how to convey my thanks.. today v finished puja and relished seedais omg it is awesome. no words to express. loads of thanks. you r greatt..
Pooja Rao
Hi
I am so glad.this dish would be prepared by my grandmother since so many years.Unfortunately we lost her 4 years ago and this was untold recipe of hers. i am so glad to see this. i got a feeling of being connected to her once again.
Sharmilee
Hi lovely seedais, i have been visiting ur blog for a long, great recipes have tried some, great job, thanks a lot. planning to try the uppu seedai, hopefully no disasters, i have a doubt, can i use ponni raw rice, or does this need a special variety of raw rice for the crispiness. i saw Maavu rice in the stores, should we use that for getting crispiness . btw am also Sharmilee 🙂
SHARMILEE J
That does give a smile on my face to reply to a person with my name 🙂 Here we get raw rice seperately the one we use for pongal…I used that.
Sharmilee
🙂 ok thanks
Absolutely Serendipitous
Hi Sharmilee, I'm great fan of your blog. Your seedais look perfect. Thanks for the tips as well. I noticed one thing though, for the store bought flour recipe vrsion, i don't see you mentioning Urd dal flour. Is it not required?
SHARMILEE J
It was a typo…sorry I missed it…have added it now..thanks for notifying.
Uma Ramesh
Hi Sharmilee.
Wonderful.The tips are useful.u mentioned to sieve the flour to avoid any dust particles.is it safe to add coconut and sesame seeds.waiting for ur reply .Thx.Umaramesh.
SHARMILEE J
Yes it is absolutely safe….
Durga Karthik.
The oil part has a tip.I think it should be very less.pls enlighten this part.
R. Shanthi
Hi Sharmilee i am a very big fan of your recipes. Have tried many of them and it turned out really well. I had a very bad experience (previous) with this seedai. I read the recipe, but still i am afraid to do this. Can we add any spice powder for this one.
SHARMILEE J
Yes you can add chilli powder if you want
Krutika Eashwaran
Thanx for da recipe…..followed it to the T ,came out very well….not even a single broken cheedai.