Thattai (Traditional Festive Snack from Tamil Nadu)

          This is a traditional Tamil Nadu special deep fried snack that is a must in most of the South Indian festivals, where it has different names. This popular snack is called nippattu in Karnataka and chekkalu in Andhra. They are also a great tea time snack / party snack. Try relishing it with hummus, mayo or any homemade dip for a change. Tastes awesome. So check out the step by step pictorial recipe to prepare it. 

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1 tbsp. urad dal (split black gram), dry roasted & ground
• 1 tbsp. roasted Bengal Gram lentil, powdered
• 1 tbsp. chana dal, soaked 2-3 hours 
• salt to taste
• 1 tbsp. oil
• 1 tsp. red chili powder
• pinch of pepper powder 
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 1 tsp. cumin seeds
• 1/4 tsp. asafoetida
• oil to deep fry 

          In a large bowl, mix together all the above mentioned ingredients (except oil to deep fry). Add water, little at a time, and knead into a dough. 

          Divide into small balls. Place each ball on a greased plastic sheet and cover with another greased sheet. Press it gently with the back of a small bowl into a thin disc and prick all over with a fork.

          Heat oil in a pan. Gently remove the thattai from the plastic sheet and slide it into the hot oil.

          Fry in batches on a low flame till all the sides are done. Drain on a kitchen towel and allow it to cool down before storing them in an airtight container. 

          Relish it as a tea time snack or when ever desired. I like to have mine with some hummus, mayo or any homemade dip. They taste great. 

                     Mix all ingredients (except oil to deep fry). Add water, little at a time, 
                     & knead into a dough. 

                      Divide into small balls. Place each ball on a greased plastic sheet & cover 
                      with another greased sheet. Press it gently with back of a small bowl.
                 

                      Prick all over with a fork.

                     Heat oil. Gently remove thattai & slide into hot oil. Fry on low flame till 
                     done. Drain on a kitchen towel.

                     Relish as a tea time snack or as & when desired. I like to have mine 
                     with some hummus, mayo or any homemade dip. They taste great.

Mathri (Deep Fried Crackers - Snack)

       
             Mathris are favourite snacks usually popular in the Northern regions of India. There are many versions to it where the ingredients differ from one region to the other. Whatever the reason they simply tastes delicious and yummy to enjoy these crunchy snacks along with a cup of hot beverage.    

          Mathris are basically prepared with a dough of maida, atta and other spices. They are then deep fried to get that crunchy texture. So go ahead and give it a try by following a step by step pictorial recipe to prepare it.

• 1 cup plain flour
• 1/4 cup wheat flour
• 1/4 cup gram flour
• 1 tbsp. semolina
• salt to taste
• pinch of turmeric powder
• pinch of baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. carom seeds
• 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp. crushed pepper 
• 3 tbsp. oil / ghee to knead
• oil to deep fry

          Sift together all the flours, semolina, salt and baking soda. Add 3 tbsp. oil to it and mix well to form into breadcrumbs.

          Then add remaining ingredients (except oil) and knead into a tight dough with the help of required quantity of lukewarm water. Set aside for 30 minutes.

          Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each ball of dough into a circle / oblong shape. Cut into small roundels with a help of a cutter.

          Heat oil in a pan and deep fry the mathris in batches till light golden in colour. Drain on a kitchen towel and when cool, store in an air tight container. Enjoy as a tea-time snack or with any pickle.

Divide the dough into equal portions & roll each ball of dough into a circle / oblong shape. 

                     Cut into small roundels with a help of a cutter.

                            All the roundels are ready to be deep fried. 

Nimki (Namakpara / Fried Crackers - Bengali Snack)

       
             Nimki is a very popular Bengali snack. It is also commonly made in all households in the Northern regions and goes by the name of Namakpara. It is relished with a hot cup of evening tea. They are generally prepared in large batches and stored in air-tight containers.   

            Another time when it is made is during Bijoya celebrations, just after Durga puja. It is also prepared during Diwali celebrations and enjoyed with family and friends. They can also be made both savory and sweet.

• 2 cups maida (plain flour)
• 4-5 tbsp. oil
• salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. kalonji (onion seeds)
• oil to deep fry

          

          Sift together maida, salt and baking soda. Knead all the ingredients (except oil to deep fry) with sufficient water into a stiff dough and keep aside  for 25-30 minutes. 

          Make equal sized balls and roll each of them into thin circles, just like chapattis. Cut into diamond shapes and keep aside. 

          For then second method, roll out the balls into a puri size circle and fold into half. Fold again into a triangle. Press lightly and keep aside.

          Heat oil in a pan and fry the nimkis few at a time in low flame till light golden brown in colour. Drain on a tissue paper and serve as an evening snack.