Baked Palak Ki Mathri (Healthy Spinach Tea-Time Crackers)

Baked Palak Ki Mathri Recipe (Baked Spinach Spicy Tea-Time Crackers)

Baked Palak Ki Mathri is a delightful, healthier version of the classic Indian tea-time snack, Mathri. Traditionally deep-fried and made with all-purpose flour, this baked version replaces the frying with a healthier method, retaining all the delightful flavors while being light on the calories. Infused with vibrant spinach leaves (palak), these mathris are a crispy, flaky treat that pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of masala chai.

Instead of the usual refined flour, whole wheat flour is used, offering a grainy texture that enhances both the flavor and health quotient. The addition of semolina (sooji) gives these mathris a nice crunch, while the carom seeds (ajwain) lend their signature aromatic spiciness, complementing the spinach’s earthiness. This recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a guilt-free indulgence without compromising on taste or tradition.

Ingredients:

Preparation Time:

| Time | 20 minutes |

Cooking Time:

| Time | 40 minutes |

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spinach:
   Begin by thoroughly cleaning the spinach leaves. After cleaning, chop them finely and set aside for later use.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, sieve the whole wheat flour, semolina, and salt together 2-3 times to ensure they are well-mixed and airy. This step ensures a smoother dough texture.

3. Add the Flavors:
   To the sieved mixture, add the ajwain (carom seeds), chopped spinach, and ghee. Use your fingertips to mix these ingredients well until the texture resembles coarse bread crumbs or wet sand.

4. Knead the Dough:
   Gradually add cold water, a little at a time, kneading the mixture until you get a stiff but pliable dough. Roll the dough around in the bowl to ensure even consistency. Cover the dough with a cloth or plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes to let it rest and firm up.

5. Preheat the Oven:
   While the dough rests, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

6. Roll the Dough:
   After the dough has rested, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit for 5 minutes at room temperature. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll each part into a circle, using as much flour as needed to prevent sticking. You can adjust the thickness according to your preference for how crunchy or thick you want the mathris to be.

7. Shape the Mathris:
   Using a cookie cutter or a simple round object, cut out small circular shapes from the rolled dough. Prick each of them several times with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.

8. Bake the Mathris:
   Arrange the shaped mathris on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the surface of each mathri with melted ghee to give them a golden, crisp finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are crisp and cooked through. The mathris should have a light golden color when done.

9. Cool and Serve:
   Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the mathris cool completely on a wire rack. This ensures they become extra crispy and firm.

10. Serve:
    Serve your Baked Palak Ki Mathri alongside a cup of masala chai for the ultimate tea-time experience. For an even more delightful spread, pair them with other delicious snacks like Sabudana Vada, Nariyal Ki Kachori, or Green Spinach & Oats Cutlet.

Why You’ll Love Baked Palak Ki Mathri:

• Healthier Alternative: These mathris are baked, not fried, making them a lighter option for those watching their calorie intake.
• Packed with Nutrients: The spinach adds a dose of vitamins and minerals, while the whole wheat flour provides fiber, making this a wholesome snack.
• Perfect Crunch: The semolina and whole wheat flour combo creates a satisfying crunch that’s perfect for tea-time snacking.
• Simple Ingredients: With easily available ingredients like spinach, ghee, and carom seeds, this recipe offers a traditional, flavorful treat that is easy to prepare at home.

Enjoy these healthy, crispy mathris and make your tea-time a nourishing delight!