Multi-Grain Crackers With Sesame Seeds, Chives, and Chili Flakes
Description:
This heart-healthy recipe for Multi-Grain Crackers with Sesame Seeds, Chives, and Chili Flakes is perfect for showing your love on Valentine’s Day. These homemade crackers are not only delicious but also packed with wholesome grains, making them an ideal treat for health-conscious snack lovers. Their vibrant flavors come from a mix of earthy grains, fragrant sesame seeds, aromatic chives, and a subtle kick of chili flakes. These crackers make for a thoughtful gift or a delightful snack to enjoy with tea. What’s more, they stay fresh for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container—making them a convenient and nutritious addition to your snack rotation.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 3/4 cup |
| Jowar Flour (Sorghum) | 1/4 cup |
| Bajra Flour (Pearl Millet) | 1/4 cup |
| Ragi Flour (Finger Millet/Nagli) | 1/4 cup |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
| Chives | 1/4 cup (finely chopped) |
| Sesame Seeds (Til Seeds) | 1/2 cup (lightly toasted) |
| Red Chili Flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coconut Oil | 6 tablespoons (or olive oil) |
| Water | As required |
Allergen Information:
This recipe contains gluten from the wheat and some of the grains used (like jowar, bajra, and ragi). It is important to note that while the primary ingredients are gluten-containing, the recipe is free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, and nuts. If you or your guests have gluten sensitivities, you can explore gluten-free flour alternatives, such as rice flour, to replace the wheat flour.
Dietary Preference:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is plant-based, making it an ideal choice for vegetarian diets.
- Dairy-Free: The recipe does not contain any dairy ingredients, making it suitable for dairy-free diets.
- Vegan: With coconut oil as a fat source, the recipe is also vegan-friendly.
Preparation Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dough:
- Begin by adding all the flours—whole wheat flour, jowar flour, bajra flour, and ragi flour—into a large mixing bowl.
- To this, add the lightly toasted sesame seeds, finely chopped chives, and red chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the dry ingredients.
-
Incorporate the Oil:
- Add the coconut oil (or olive oil) into the dry mixture and work it into the flour using your hands or a spoon until it forms a crumbly texture.
-
Knead the Dough:
- Gradually add water, a little at a time, until the mixture forms a soft but firm dough. Knead the dough gently for a few minutes, ensuring it is well combined.
- Cover the dough and let it rest at room temperature for about 15 to 25 minutes.
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), ensuring it is fully heated before baking the crackers.
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Roll and Shape:
- Once the dough has rested, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of around 2mm (1/8 inch).
- Use a cookie cutter or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into your desired shapes. Heart shapes are perfect for a Valentine’s Day touch, but you can also make them square, round, or diamond-shaped depending on your preference.
-
Bake:
- Place the shaped dough pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges of the crackers turn a light golden brown. Be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
-
Serve:
- Once baked, remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
- Serve these crisp, flavorful crackers in a beautiful serving dish or package them in a decorative box to gift to your Valentine. You can also enjoy them as a snack with your favorite dips or alongside a cup of tea.
Tips and Variations:
- Custom Spice Blend: If you’re looking to personalize the flavor further, you can add spices like kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), ajwain (carom seeds), or cumin seeds to the dough.
- Herb Variations: Fresh or dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary can complement the flavors of chives and add a new twist to the crackers.
- Oil Choices: Coconut oil provides a subtle flavor that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients, but you can swap it with olive oil or sunflower oil if you prefer.
Conclusion:
These Multi-Grain Crackers with Sesame Seeds, Chives, and Chili Flakes are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a heart-healthy snack that anyone can enjoy. Whether you are gifting them to a loved one this Valentine’s Day or adding them to your personal snack stash, they are sure to be a hit. Simple to prepare, nutritious, and full of flavor, these crackers can become a regular addition to your healthy snack repertoire. Enjoy the crunchy goodness and feel good about every bite!
