Phool Mathri Recipe: A Crispy Indian Snack for Your Tea Break
Phool Mathri is a delightful and crispy snack from India, loved for its crunchy texture and aromatic spices. The word “Phool” means “flower,” and this treat lives up to its name with its beautiful, flower-like shape. Perfect for a mid-afternoon tea break, this golden, crispy mathri is best enjoyed with a cup of Masala Tea or a side of Poha Chivda for added crunch and flavor. Made from simple ingredients like All-Purpose Flour, Ajwain (Carom Seeds), and Ghee, Phool Mathri is a wonderful example of how basic pantry items can come together to create something extraordinary.
Hereโs how you can make this tasty Indian snack at home.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup |
| Ghee (Clarified Butter) | 1 tablespoon |
| Ajwain (Carom Seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Lukewarm Water | For kneading dough |
| Sunflower Oil | For deep frying |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~ 120 kcal |
| Protein | ~ 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~ 15 g |
| Fat | ~ 6 g |
| Fiber | ~ 1 g |
| Sodium | ~ 50 mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Begin by taking a large mixing bowl and adding 1 cup of all-purpose flour (maida), 1/2 teaspoon of ajwain (carom seeds), and salt to taste.
- Add 1 tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter) to the flour mixture and rub it in with your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Slowly add lukewarm water, little by little, and knead the mixture into a firm dough. The dough should be tight and not sticky.
- Cover the dough with a kitchen napkin or a damp cloth and set it aside for 10 minutes. This resting time helps the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out.
Step 2: Roll the Mathris
- After 10 minutes, divide the dough into small, equal-sized balls. You should aim for about 5-6 balls.
- Roll each ball into a thin round disc, approximately 4 inches in diameter. If you want perfectly shaped mathris, you can use a lid or a cutter to get the right size.
- To create the signature flower (Phool) shape, use a plucker or fork to pinch the edges of each rolled disc. Pinch in layers to form small grooves, resembling a flower. This step adds texture and ensures the mathris have the desired appearance when fried.
Step 3: Fry the Mathris
- Heat sunflower oil in a deep frying pan or kadhai on medium heat. Make sure thereโs enough oil to submerge the mathris completely.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the prepared mathris into the oil, one by one. Fry them on medium flame, turning occasionally, until they turn a beautiful golden brown color and become crisp.
- Remove the fried mathris from the oil and place them on a kitchen towel to absorb excess oil.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the Phool Mathris cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the crispy mathris alongside Poha Chivda for a crunchy snack combo or pair them with a hot cup of Masala Tea for the perfect tea-time experience.
Tips for Perfect Phool Mathri
- Consistency of Dough: Itโs important to knead the dough tight, as a soft dough will result in soft mathris that are not as crispy.
- Frying Temperature: The oil should be at medium heat for the mathris to cook evenly. If the oil is too hot, the mathris will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside.
- Flavor Variations: You can experiment with adding a pinch of black pepper or cumin seeds to the dough for an additional burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Phool Mathri is a versatile snack and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Pair with Masala Tea for a traditional tea-time treat.
- Serve with Poha Chivda or Spicy Pickles for an extra kick.
- Enjoy it with Sweet Tamarind Chutney or Mint Yogurt Dip for added flavor.
Phool Mathri is a perfect combination of crispiness, spiciness, and richness, making it an irresistible snack. Whether you’re preparing it for a festival, a family gathering, or just a cozy tea-time snack, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen!
