First off, let’s get the dough sorted. Take your wheat flour and semolina, toss in some crushed black pepper, cumin powder, and salt. If you fancy, a pinch of kasuri methi or ajwain adds that extra zing. Then, mix in a good dollop of ghee or oil – this is what makes it flaky. Rub it all together till it looks like bread crumbs. Now, slowly add water and knead it into a firm dough. Cover it up and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This resting time is key; it allows the semolina to soften and the gluten to relax, which means your mathri won’t be tough.
Rolling and Shaping: Making Mathri Magic
After the dough has rested, start by making small, even-sized balls. Take one ball and flatten it a bit with your palm. Then, using a rolling pin, roll it out into a medium-thickness circle. Namkeen Mathari Don’t roll it too thin, or it’ll burn. You can also get creative with shapes if you like – use a cookie cutter or just pinch the edges for a rustic look. The aim here is to keep them uniform so they cook evenly.
Golden Fry Achieving Crispy Perfection
Now, for the frying. Heat your oil in a pan on medium-low flame. This is crucial! Frying on high heat will brown the outside too quickly, leaving the inside uncooked. Gently slide in the rolled mathri and let them cook slowly. Keep flipping them so they get golden brown on both sides. This process will take about 8-10 minutes. Namkeen Mathari The slow frying ensures they become crispy all the way through, not just on the surface. Once they’re a lovely golden colour, take them out and place them on tissue paper to drain any excess oil.
Cool, Store, and Enjoy Your Mathri Masterpiece
Let the mathri cool down completely before storing them. Once cooled, pop them into an airtight container. This way, they’ll stay crispy and fresh for up to a month. Homemade mathri is way better than store-bought; you know exactly what’s going into them, and they’re made with fresh oil and ingredients. Plus, wheat flour and semolina are both good sources of fibre and nutrients, making this a relatively healthy snack. So, whether it’s for Holi, a tea-time treat, or just a crunchy munch, your homemade Namkeen Mathri will be a winner.
