Introduction: Chai & Snacks
The combination of chai and snacks is a quintessential experience, especially during the colder months. It’s a time to unwind and indulge in comfort food.
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor's recipes are tailored to enhance this experience. These recipes have been carefully selected, keeping in mind the flavors and textures that pair well with chai. These snacks promise a delightful crunch and a burst of flavors that will warm you from the inside out. They also are very easy to make and are perfect to enjoy with family and friends.
Recipe 1: Crunchy Samosas
First on the list is the classic samosa, a beloved Indian snack. This recipe focuses on creating a perfectly crispy samosa. The filling combines potatoes, peas, and spices, which are then enveloped in a flaky dough. The key to a great samosa is a well-seasoned filling and perfectly fried dough. Making sure the samosas are fried to a golden brown color is the key to achieving the desired crispness. You can use different types of oils to achieve this crispness. Samosas are very satisfying when served hot with your choice of chutney, making them an ideal treat to enjoy with your tea.
Recipe 2: Spicy Mathri
Mathri is a crispy, savory biscuit that is an excellent companion to chai. This recipe emphasizes the use of basic ingredients. The dough is infused with spices like ajwain (carom seeds) and crushed black pepper, which deliver a bold and aromatic experience. The dough is rolled out into thin discs, which are then deep-fried until golden. The simple flavors of the mathri make it a perfect complement to a cup of tea. It is a quick and easy snack to prepare, which is great for unexpected guests and can be stored for later consumption. This is a very satisfying snack that is great for all ages.
Recipe 3: Aloo Tikki Chaat
The Aloo Tikki Chaat introduces a burst of flavors and textures, perfect for a lively tea time. This dish uses crispy potato patties, known as tikkis, served with various toppings such as chutneys, yogurt, and sev. The contrast of the crispy tikki with the soft yogurt and tangy chutneys creates a delightful taste. The beauty of this recipe lies in its customization, allowing you to adjust the spice levels to your preference. It is both fulfilling and refreshing, making it an excellent snack to pair with tea, providing a mix of flavors that are sure to please everyone.
Recipe 4: Besan Chilla
Besan Chilla is a savory pancake made from gram flour, offering a lighter option for a snack. The recipe will guide you to create thin and crispy chillas, that can be seasoned with various spices. The simple batter can be spiced up with chopped onions, green chilies, and coriander, giving it a fresh and exciting flavor. Besan Chilla is versatile and can be served with chutneys or eaten plain. This snack is nutritious, delicious, and easy to make, making it a great option for a quick and satisfying teatime treat, that is sure to complement the taste of your chai.
Recipe 5: Namak Pare
Namak Pare is a classic Indian snack known for its salty and crunchy texture. This recipe explains how to make these delightful, bite-sized snacks at home, with a focus on simplicity and flavor. The dough is made using all-purpose flour and is seasoned with carom seeds and salt. The dough is rolled out, cut into diamond shapes, and deep-fried until golden brown. Namak Pare are perfect for munching with chai. They're a snack that is both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it a favorite for all ages, that is sure to please your taste buds and create a joyful snack experience.
