Baked Mathri Recipe (Non-Fried Tea Time Snack)
A delightful snack from North India, the Baked Mathri is perfect for tea time. Traditionally, Mathris are deep-fried in ghee, offering a rich and crispy treat. But in this healthier variation, we bake them, making them just as crunchy and tasty, but without the added calories of frying. Enjoy these crispy bites with a spicy mango pickle or your favorite achar and a hot cup of chai for an authentic Indian tea time experience.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1-1/2 cups |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Unsalted Butter (finely chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Whole Black Peppercorns (coarsely crushed) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ajwain (Carom Seeds) or Cumin Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Chilled Water | 2 tablespoons (adjust as needed) |
Preparation Time:
| Time | 20 minutes |
Cooking Time:
| Time | 40 minutes |
Instructions:
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) so it’s ready to bake the Mathris.
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, salt, crushed black pepper, and ajwain (or cumin seeds).
- Add the finely chopped unsalted butter into the flour mixture. Using your fingers, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs or a coarse meal.
-
Form the Dough:
- Gradually sprinkle chilled water onto the crumbly dough, mixing with your hands until it starts to come together.
- Push the dough from the sides towards the center to form a ball that holds together firmly but is still pliable. If needed, adjust the water to ensure the dough is neither too sticky nor too dry.
-
Rest the Dough:
- Once the dough is formed, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 15 minutes to make it easier to roll out.
-
Roll the Dough:
- After resting, divide the dough into small portions. Roll each portion into small balls and then flatten them into small discs, about 2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
- Alternatively, you can roll the dough into a large circle and use a cookie cutter to make uniform round shapes.
-
Prepare for Baking:
- Place the rolled dough circles onto a greased baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced.
- Using a fork, prick the tops of the dough circles evenly to prevent puffing while baking.
-
Bake the Mathri:
- 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 towards the end to avoid overbaking.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the Mathris from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This ensures they stay crisp and crunchy.
-
Store:
- Once cooled, store your Baked Mathris in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these crispy Baked Mathris with a spicy Punjabi mango pickle or your favorite achar alongside a steaming cup of chai for a perfect North Indian snack experience.
Enjoy the wholesome goodness of this baked version of the classic Mathri, made healthier while retaining all the flavors and crunch!
