Baked Masala Namak Para Recipe: A Delicious, Crunchy Indian Snack
Description:
Baked Masala Namak Para is a delightful, crispy Indian snack made with a perfect blend of basic ingredients like refined flour (maida), wheat flour, and an array of flavorful spices. This healthier version of the traditional deep-fried Namak Para is baked to golden perfection in the oven, retaining all the flavor while cutting down on excess oil. The addition of cumin, ajwain, black pepper, and turmeric gives these crispy treats a delightful spiced kick, making them the perfect companion for your evening tea or coffee.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Maida (All-purpose flour) | 1/2 cup |
| Wheat flour | 1/2 cup |
| Ajwain (Carom seeds) | 1/2 tbsp |
| Whole black pepper (Crushed) | 1/2 tbsp |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Turmeric powder | A pinch |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 1 tbsp |
| Water | As needed |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20-25 pieces
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dough:
Begin by assembling all the ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the maida (all-purpose flour), wheat flour, ajwain (carom seeds), whole black pepper, asafoetida (hing), turmeric powder, and salt. Mix them together until the spices are well distributed. -
Add Oil and Knead the Dough:
Add 1 tablespoon of oil into the flour mixture and mix it in thoroughly. Gradually add water, a little at a time, and knead the dough into a smooth and firm consistency. The dough should not be too soft or too hard. Once kneaded, cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 20 minutes. -
Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 180Β°C (350Β°F) so it’s ready for baking. -
Roll Out the Dough:
After the dough has rested, divide it into two equal portions. Dust your countertop with a little flour (either maida or wheat flour) and roll out one portion of the dough into a thin sheet, roughly 1/8 inch thick. -
Cut the Namak Para:
Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into diamond-shaped pieces. These will be your Namak Para. You can adjust the size based on your preference, but smaller pieces are usually more delightful to snack on. -
Prepare for Baking:
Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the diamond-shaped pieces of Namak Para on the tray, making sure that they do not overlap or stick together. Lightly brush each piece with a little oil to help them turn golden and crispy as they bake. -
Bake:
Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the Namak Para turns golden brown and crispy. You can check for doneness by gently pressing one piece to see if itβs crisp. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. -
Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the Namak Para from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, they will crisp up further, offering a delightful crunch.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve your Baked Masala Namak Para with a hot cup of Masala Chai for a perfect evening snack. These spiced, crunchy bites are also great to munch on during casual get-togethers or as a part of your tea-time spread.
Tips:
- You can customize the spice levels by adding more or less black pepper or ajwain depending on your preference.
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a pinch of chili powder or garam masala to the dough.
- Keep the baked Namak Para in an airtight container to maintain their crunch for up to a week.
Enjoy your healthier, baked version of this traditional Indian snack, packed with flavors and perfect for every occasion!
