Huh - Drying it out? What you have are KOH pellets, the more common form of both, as the powder/granular form is way more hygroscopic (greater surface you know).
The pellets react just the same as you granules did. And if you have to use solid KOH - where's the problem?? When you have to use it in solution - this ain't a problem, too... (they dissolve very easily)
If it is for some dry pill extraction method; I would bet the KOH you have is rather too dry to react. Try wetting them *slightly* (sprayer!), they should react quicker, and the little water will be held back nicely by the KOH (hygroscopic!).
But I'm not really familiar with pill extractions at all..
indole_amine