Iyengar Style Whole Wheat & Oats Khara Biscuit Recipe (Savory Cookie Recipe)
Description
Indulge in the goodness of traditional South Indian flavors with this Iyengar Style Whole Wheat & Oats Khara Biscuit Recipe! A savory treat that strikes the perfect balance between health and taste, these biscuits (or cookies) are ideal for those looking for a wholesome snack. Made with whole wheat flour and oatmeal, these savory biscuits are seasoned with the goodness of Indian herbs like curry leaves, coriander, and a touch of spice from black pepper and green chilies. Butter is replaced with olive oil for a healthier fat choice, ensuring a light, crisp, and biscuit-like texture.
Whether you’re enjoying these with your evening tea or as a guilt-free snack, these khara biscuits are sure to delight your taste buds while keeping the calories in check!
Recipe Details
| Cuisine | Tamil Nadu |
|---|---|
| Course | Snack |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 12-15 biscuits |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 cup |
| Instant Oats (Oatmeal) | 1/2 cup |
| Butter (Salted), finely chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Coriander Leaves, chopped | 2 sprigs |
| Curry Leaves, chopped | 2 sprigs |
| Whole Black Peppercorns, coarsely pounded | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Green Chili, finely chopped | 1 |
| Milk | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approx. Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) for 10 minutes. Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper. |
| 2 | In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, instant oats, butter, salt, sugar, coriander leaves, curry leaves, coarsely pounded black peppercorns, and finely chopped green chili. |
| 3 | Gradually add milk to the mixture, a tablespoon at a time, and knead gently until the dough comes together. Ensure it is firm and not sticky. If needed, add a teaspoon of milk or flour to adjust consistency. |
| 4 | Divide the dough into small portions and shape each into a round ball. Flatten the balls slightly to form biscuit shapes. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each. |
| 5 | Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the biscuits develop a golden crust and are firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them after 25 minutes to prevent over-browning. |
| 6 | Remove the tray from the oven and transfer the biscuits to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely for at least 15 minutes. This step ensures the biscuits achieve their signature crispness. |
| 7 | Once cooled, store the khara biscuits in an airtight container to retain their freshness. These savory treats stay good for up to 1 week at room temperature. |
| 8 | Serve the Iyengar Style Whole Wheat & Oats Khara Biscuits alongside a hot cup of chai or pair them with Corn Matar Kachori for a delightful tea-time snack. |
Chef’s Notes
- Make it Vegan: Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter for a completely vegan version.
- Customization: Feel free to add toasted sesame seeds, cumin seeds, or a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for additional flavor.
- Texture Variation: For a crumblier texture, chill the dough for 15 minutes before shaping the biscuits.
- Storage Tip: If you live in a humid area, store these biscuits in an airtight container with a food-grade silica gel packet to maintain crispness.
Serving Suggestions
These savory Iyengar-style biscuits are the perfect accompaniment to your evening chai or coffee. Pair them with other Indian snacks like Masala Chai, Samosas, or Pakoras to create a complete teatime spread. You can also serve them as an appetizer alongside mint chutney or tangy tomato ketchup.
Enjoy the rustic flavors of Tamil Nadu in every crunchy bite of these healthy and delectable Khara Biscuits!
