Discover the ultimate Namak Pare recipe—a step-by-step guide to creating perfectly crisp and flavorful Indian savory snacks. Namak Pare is a popular Indian savory snack.
Ingredients Namak Pare Recipe
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
- 2 tablespoons semolina (sooji)
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 cup water (approximately)
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions Namak Pare Recipe
1/ In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, semolina, ghee, carom seeds, and salt.
2/ Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a firm and smooth dough. The dough should not be too soft or too hard. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.
3/ Heat the oil in a deep frying pan or kadai over medium heat.
4/ While the oil is heating, divide the dough into small, equal-sized portions and roll each portion into a ball.
5/ Roll out each ball into a thin circle or rectangle on a lightly floured surface. The thickness should be about 2-3 mm.
6/ Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into diamond or rectangle shapes. You can also use cookie cutters for different shapes if you prefer.
7/ Test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
8/ Carefully slide the cut Namak Pare into the hot oil. Fry them in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they turn golden brown and become crisp. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
9/ Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried Namak Pare from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
10/ Let them cool down completely before storing them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for several days.
Enjoy your homemade Namak Pare as a crispy and savory snack with tea or as a delightful treat for any occasion.
Tips and Tricks to Ensure Your Namak Pare Turns Out Perfect
Precise Dough Consistency: Achieving the right dough consistency is key. Make sure your dough is firm but not too stiff. Adjust water or flour as needed during kneading.
Rest the Dough: Let the dough rest for about 15-20 minutes after kneading. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out the Namak Pare and preventing it from becoming tough.
Even Rolling: Roll out the dough evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Use a light dusting of flour on your rolling surface to prevent sticking, but don’t overdo it, as excess flour can affect the texture.
Consistent Shapes: While cutting the Namak Pare into shapes, try to maintain uniformity to ensure even frying. Using a ruler or a guide can help achieve consistent sizes and shapes.
Hot Oil: Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking before adding the Namak Pare. Too hot, and they may brown too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside.
Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the frying pan. Fry the Namak Pare in batches to ensure they have enough space to cook evenly and become crispy.
Test a Piece: Before frying a batch, test a small piece of dough in the hot oil to ensure it cooks well and that the oil temperature is correct.
Drain Excess Oil: After frying, use a slotted spoon to remove the Namak Pare from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Seasoning: Adjust the level of salt and spices to your taste. Some like Namak Pare to be highly seasoned, while others prefer a milder flavor. Experiment to find your perfect balance.
Storage: Once completely cooled, store Namak Pare in an airtight container for a while.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Inconsistent Dough: Failing to achieve the right dough consistency is a common mistake. The dough should be firm yet pliable. Avoid making it too sticky or too hard.
Skipping Dough Rest: Allowing the dough to rest is crucial. Skipping this step can result in tough Namak Pare. Resting the dough relaxes the gluten and makes it easier to work with.
Irregular Rolling: Unevenly rolled dough can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure the dough is rolled out uniformly for consistent results.
Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many Namak Pare at once can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven cooking. Fry them in batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
Incorrect Oil Temperature: Frying at the wrong oil temperature can lead to greasy or undercooked Namak Pare. Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking before adding the snacks.
Ignoring a Test Piece: Failing to test a small piece of dough in the hot oil before frying the entire batch can lead to problems. It helps you check if the oil is at the right temperature and if the seasoning is adequate.
Inadequate Draining: Not draining the Namak Pare properly after frying can make them overly oily. Use paper towels to remove excess oil, which helps maintain their crispiness.
Uneven Seasoning: Be mindful of the amount of salt and spices you use. Ensure that the seasoning is even to avoid having some pieces taste overly salty while others are bland.
Rushing the Process: Avoid rushing through the preparation and frying process. Take your time to get the best results.
Storing While Warm: Don’t store Namak Pare in an airtight container while they are still warm. They need to cool completely to maintain their crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for a standard serving size of 1 ounce (about 28 grams) of Namak Pare:
- Calories: 140-150 kcal
- Total Fat: 6-7 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 300-350 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20-22 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sugars: 0 grams
- Protein: 3-4 grams
Namak Pare are a deep-fried snack, so they are relatively high in calories and fat. Enjoy them in moderation as a special treat.
Pingback: 15 Deepavali Special Sweets and Snacks - food fusion journey