Kola Urundai is a celebrated Chettinad snack made from spiced mutton mince shaped into small balls and fried until crisp. Traditionally served during festive gatherings, these flavour-packed bites are especially popular during Ramadan evenings when protein-rich dishes take centre stage. The use of fennel, whole spices and roasted gram flour gives the keema structure and depth. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, these mutton balls are designed for sharing straight from a hot plate.
Add cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds and green cardamoms to a blender jar and pulse until a coarse powder. This step releases essential oils from the spices, which will coat the mince evenly. Avoid grinding too fine; a slight texture helps retain bold flavours throughout the mixture.
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Prepare Aromatic Paste
In the same jar, add garlic, ginger, and green chillies with 2–3 tablespoons of water. Grind into a coarse paste. The paste should not be watery; it must remain thick enough to blend into the keema without loosening the mixture.
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Cook the Keema Base
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a nonstick pan. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the prepared paste and cook briefly until the raw aroma fades. Add mutton mince and cook on high heat for 5–6 minutes, stirring to break lumps and allow moisture to evaporate.
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Season and Grind
Add turmeric powder, salt and chopped coriander. Cook until the mince is dry and well-coated in spices. Transfer to a plate and cool slightly. Once warm, grind the mixture into a smooth paste. This grinding step ensures the kola urundai holds shape and remains soft inside.
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Shape the Balls
Transfer the ground mixture to a bowl. Add chopped curry leaves and roasted chana dal powder. Mix thoroughly to form a firm dough-like texture. Divide into equal portions and roll into small, smooth balls without cracks.
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Deep Fry
Heat sufficient oil in a kadai over medium heat. Gently slide in the prepared balls without overcrowding. Fry until evenly golden brown and crisp on all sides. Remove using a slotted spoon and drain on absorbent paper.