Introduction to Kapoor's Snacks
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, a celebrated figure in the culinary world, often presents recipes that are simple yet full of flavor. These five snack recipes are designed
to complement the comforting warmth of chai, making them an excellent choice for chilly weather. The recipes emphasize crunchiness and ease of preparation, ensuring that everyone can create these tasty treats at home. The recipes cater to various preferences, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary flavors. These snacks not only satisfy your taste buds but also bring a sense of joy and warmth during the colder months, enhancing the overall experience of enjoying a cup of chai.
Recipe 1: Crunchy Mathri
Mathri is a crispy, flaky biscuit that is a popular snack across India, and it's a perfect match for chai. To make mathri, you start by mixing all-purpose flour with carom seeds (ajwain), salt, and ghee or oil to create a crumbly texture. Next, slowly add water to form a stiff dough. The dough is then rolled out, cut into shapes (typically round), and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. The carom seeds not only add flavor but also aid in digestion, making this snack both delicious and beneficial. Mathri's simplicity and satisfying crunch make it a favorite for chai time, offering a balance of flavors and textures.
Recipe 2: Samosa (Mini)
Mini samosas are a delightful variation of the traditional samosa, perfect for a quick snack with chai. To prepare them, you will create a crispy outer layer by mixing all-purpose flour with ghee or oil, salt, and water. A flavorful filling, usually made with mashed potatoes, peas, spices like cumin, coriander, and chili, is prepared separately. The dough is shaped into small cones, filled with the potato mixture, and sealed tightly before being deep-fried until golden and crispy. The combination of the crunchy shell and the savory filling provides a burst of flavors that complement the richness of chai, making it a favorite during tea time.
Recipe 3: Namak Para
Namak Para is another simple yet addictive snack ideal for chai. Similar to mathri, the dough is prepared from all-purpose flour, salt, and carom seeds. The dough is then rolled out and cut into diamond or rectangular shapes, and deep-fried until golden brown. The carom seeds contribute to both taste and digestive properties. This snack’s simplicity and satisfying crunch make it a fantastic choice to enjoy with chai, adding a light and savory note to the tea-time experience. Its versatility also means you can easily adjust the spice level to match your preference.
Recipe 4: Besan Chilla
Besan Chilla is a savory pancake made from gram flour (besan). To make it, you'll mix besan with water to form a batter, then add spices such as turmeric, chili powder, and chopped onions and coriander leaves. The batter is then poured onto a hot pan and cooked until it is golden brown on both sides. The chilla can be served hot, often with a chutney, making it a wholesome and delicious snack that offers a comforting warmth, ideal for a winter evening. Its light, savory taste pairs perfectly with the bitterness of chai.
Recipe 5: Murukku (Instant)
Murukku, a crispy, savory snack, is a popular treat. Instant murukku recipes often use store-bought rice flour. You mix rice flour with spices like cumin, asafoetida, and chili powder. A small amount of hot oil is added to the mixture. Water is added gradually to form a dough of the right consistency. The dough is then pressed into spiral shapes and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Instant murukku is an easy way to enjoy this traditional snack quickly, providing a delightful crunch and a blend of spices that perfectly balances the warmth of chai, making it a perfect addition to a tea-time spread.
