Crispy Baked Mathri – Healthy Non-Fried Indian Snack

Baked Mathri Recipe (Non-Fried Tea Time Snack)

Enjoy a healthier and equally delicious version of the traditional Mathri with this baked recipe! These crispy, flaky, spiced mathris make for the perfect tea-time snack without the need for deep frying. This North Indian favorite is simple to prepare and pairs wonderfully with a spicy Punjabi pickle or a hot cup of masala chai.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(These values are approximations and will vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities used.)

Preparation Time

20 minutes

Cooking Time

40 minutes

Total Time

60 minutes

Servings

6 servings

Cuisine

North Indian

Course

Snack

Diet

Vegetarian

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that the mathris bake evenly and become crisp.

2. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, salt, crushed black peppercorns, and ajwain (carom seeds).
   • Add the finely chopped chilled butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, similar to a pie crust.

3. Add Water:

   • Gradually sprinkle in chilled water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing it into the flour mixture. Continue until the dough starts coming together.
   • Once the dough begins to hold together, use your hands to knead it into a firm yet pliable dough. It should not be sticky or dry. If needed, adjust with a little more water.

4. Rest the Dough:

   • Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This will help relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out the dough.

5. Shape the Mathris:

   • After resting, divide the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Roll each ball into a small circle, approximately 2 inches wide and about 1/2 inch thick. You can use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness.
   • Alternatively, roll out the dough into a large circle and use a cookie cutter to cut out smaller circles for uniform shapes.

6. Prepare for Baking:

   • Place the rolled mathri circles on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a fork, prick the tops of each mathri in several places to prevent them from puffing up during baking.

7. Bake:

   • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the mathris for about 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp.
   • Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake, as you want them to be perfectly crisp without burning.

8. Cool and Store:

   • Once baked, remove the mathris from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This ensures that they stay crisp.
   • Once completely cooled, transfer the mathris to an airtight container to maintain their crunch.

Serving Suggestions

These Baked Mathris are perfect as a light snack for your tea time. Pair them with a tangy Punjabi mango pickle or any chutney of your choice to complement the savory flavors. For a fuller snack, serve them with masala chai, and enjoy the flavors of North India in every bite.

Tips and Variations

• Flavored Mathris: Feel free to experiment with different spices! You can add a pinch of caraway seeds, ajwain, or even a little garam masala to enhance the flavor.
• For Extra Crispness: If you like your mathris extra crispy, you can increase the baking time by a few minutes, but be cautious not to burn them.
• Herbs: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a refreshing twist.

These baked mathris are a great snack for health-conscious individuals or anyone looking to enjoy the flavors of traditional North Indian cuisine without the guilt of deep frying.