Crispy Iyengar Bakery Khara Biscuits: A South Indian Snack Delight

The Iyengar Bakery Khara Biscuit is a delightful snack that showcases the rich culinary heritage of South India, perfectly combining the subtle heat of green chillies with the aromatic freshness of coriander and curry leaves. These crispy, flavorful biscuits are perfect for tea time and pair beautifully with Masala Chai or a Masala Mixed Sprouts Sandwich. The recipe yields about six servings, making it an ideal treat for gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack. Let’s dive into the recipe and experience the joy of baking these delightful biscuits at home!

Ingredients

Nutritional Information

Preparation Steps

1. Pulse the Sugar: Begin by pulsing the sugar in a mixer to ensure it’s fine and easily dissolves.

2. Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and salt, creating a light and airy mixture.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and the pulsed sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes of mixing.

4. Incorporate the Curd: Add 1.5 tablespoons of curd into the butter-sugar mixture and continue to beat until well combined.

5. Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the sifted flour, chopped green chillies, coriander leaves, and curry leaves into the butter mixture. Gently mix using your fingertips or a spoon to avoid overworking the dough.

6. Check the Dough Texture: The mixture should be crumbly. If it feels too dry, add the remaining 1 to 2 tablespoons of curd, kneading gently until a non-sticky dough forms.

7. Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the biscuits more tender.

8. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) for about 10 minutes.

9. Roll the Dough: After the resting period, take a large portion of the dough and roll it out with a rolling pin, aiming for a medium-thick chapati-like consistency.

10. Cut Out the Biscuits: Using a cookie cutter or a circular lid dusted with dry flour, cut out small biscuit shapes from the rolled dough.

11. Prepare for Baking: Line a baking sheet with butter paper and arrange the cut-out biscuits on it. Using a fork, prick the cookies to create small holes on the surface; this helps them bake evenly.

12. Bake the Biscuits: Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for the first 10 minutes. After this initial baking time, lower the temperature to 170°C (325°F) and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the biscuits turn a beautiful golden brown. Baking at a lower temperature ensures a delightful crispiness.

13. Cool and Store: Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. After cooling, store the biscuits in an airtight container to maintain their crunchiness.

Serving Suggestions

These Iyengar Bakery Khara Biscuits are best enjoyed alongside a steaming cup of Masala Chai. You can also serve them with a Masala Mixed Sprouts Sandwich for a fulfilling tea-time experience. Their unique flavor profile and crunchy texture make them a perfect accompaniment to any snack spread, inviting delightful conversations and cherished moments with friends and family.

Final Thoughts

With their enticing aroma and crispy texture, Iyengar Bakery Khara Biscuits are a must-try for anyone looking to explore the flavors of South Indian snacks. The process is straightforward, and the end result is a delicious treat that evokes the warmth of home-baked goodies. Enjoy your baking journey and the delightful results!