Indian Spicy Masala Cookies (Khara Biscuit)
Recipe Overview:
Khara Biscuit, a popular savory snack from India, offers a delightful fusion of spices and textures in every bite. With its crispy, buttery exterior, infused with a perfect balance of cumin, curry leaves, and green chilies, these cookies are the ideal accompaniment to your afternoon tea or coffee. A touch of yogurt adds richness to the dough, while the array of spices ensures each bite is a flavorful journey. These cookies are great for vegetarian snack lovers and can be stored for a few days in airtight containers, keeping their crunch and taste intact. Prepare this easy-to-make Indian masala cookie to impress your guests or enjoy it as a comforting, homemade snack.
Ingredients
Below are the essential ingredients required to prepare the Indian Spicy Masala Cookies (Khara Biscuit). The measurements are designed for a batch of 6 servings, but feel free to adjust for a larger batch.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2 cups |
| Butter (softened) | 1/3 cup |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 2 tablespoons |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 3 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 2 teaspoons |
| Green Chillies (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Curry Leaves (finely chopped) | 1 sprig |
| Baking Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Preparation and Cooking Time
To help you plan your cooking session, here are the estimated times required:
| Time Required | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 75 minutes |
Serving Size:
This recipe yields about 6 servings, perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Cuisine:
Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions for Making Khara Biscuit (Indian Spicy Masala Cookies)
-
Mix the Ingredients:
Begin by preparing your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour (maida), softened butter, curd (yogurt), red chili powder, grated ginger, sugar, salt, cumin seeds (jeera), finely chopped green chilies, and curry leaves. Also, add the baking powder and asafoetida (hing) for extra flavor. -
Knead the Dough:
Mix everything well to form a dough. Once all the ingredients are combined, knead the dough for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes smooth and firm. This step is important to ensure a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture when baked. -
Rest the Dough:
Once kneaded, cover the dough and refrigerate it for 20 to 30 minutes. This resting time helps the dough firm up and ensures the cookies hold their shape while baking. -
Preheat the Oven:
While the dough rests, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which will help prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure they bake evenly. -
Roll the Dough:
After resting, remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a 2mm thickness. This thickness is key for achieving the perfect crunchy texture without being too thick or chewy. -
Cut the Cookies:
Using cookie cutters, cut the dough into your desired shapes. Traditionally, Khara Biscuits are round, but you can also try other shapes depending on your preference. Place the cut-out dough pieces onto the prepared baking sheet. -
Bake the Khara Biscuits:
Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the edges of the cookies begin to turn a golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid over-baking. -
Cool and Store:
Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. The cookies will continue to cook slightly as they cool, which will help them become crispier. Once cooled, store them in airtight containers to maintain their freshness and crunch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Khara Biscuit:
- Ajwain Option: If you prefer a different flavor, you can replace the cumin seeds with ajwain (carom seeds) for a more distinctive taste. Ajwain adds a slight bitterness, which balances the heat of the green chilies and red chili powder.
- Shape and Size: Ensure the dough is rolled out evenly to avoid uneven baking. The size of the cookies can also affect cooking time, so adjust accordingly.
- Chilling Time: Don’t skip the resting step in the refrigerator. This makes the dough easier to roll and handle, while also improving the texture of the cookies.
- Storage: To preserve the crunch, make sure the cookies are stored in a completely dry, airtight container. These cookies last for about a week when stored properly.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving):
| Nutrient | Value per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
Conclusion:
These Indian Spicy Masala Cookies (Khara Biscuit) are a flavorful snack, with a perfect blend of spices and a rich buttery texture. Whether you’re craving something savory for your tea-time or looking for a crunchy, vegetarian snack to munch on, these biscuits are sure to satisfy your taste buds. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine from the comfort of your home.
