HOW TO MAKE NAMAK PARE AT HOME : CRISPY AND DELICIOUS

Namak Pare, also known as Nimki, is a popular Indian snack that's not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. These crispy, savory bites are a great accompaniment to your tea or coffee and can be enjoyed as a standalone snack. Making Namak Pare at home is a delightful experience that allows you to customize the flavors and ensure they're as fresh as can be. In this blog, we'll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make Namak Pare at home.

Ingredients You'll Need:

Before we dive into the cooking process, gather all the ingredients to make your Namak Pare:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour (maida)
• 2 tablespoons of ghee or clarified butter
• A pinch of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of carom seeds (ajwain)
• Salt to taste
• Water for kneading

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for deep frying or Air Fry with no or less oil

For Garnishing:

• Chaat masala (optional)
• Red chili powder (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Take a large mixing bowl and add the all-purpose flour (maida).
2. Add a pinch of baking soda, carom seeds (ajwain), and salt to the flour.
3. Mix these dry ingredients well.
4. Now, add 2 tablespoons of ghee or clarified butter to the dry ingredients.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

1. Start kneading the dough by incorporating the ghee into the flour.
2. Gradually add water, little by little, while kneading the dough.
3. Continue kneading until you have a firm, smooth dough. It should not be too soft or too hard.
4. Cover the dough with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough

1. After the dough has rested, divide it into smaller portions.
2. Take one portion of the dough and roll it out into a thin, even sheet.
3. Use a knife or a pizza cutter to cut the rolled-out dough into small diamond or square shapes. This is where you get the distinctive shape of Namak Pare.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

1. In a deep frying pan or kadai, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. To check if the oil is hot enough, you can drop a small piece of dough into it. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready for frying.

Step 5: Fry the Namak Pare

1. Carefully slide a few pieces of the cut dough into the hot oil.
2. Fry them until they turn golden brown and become crispy. Make sure to maintain the oil at a consistent temperature for even frying.
3. Once fried, remove the Namak Pare from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

Step 6: Season and Serve

1. While the Namak Pare are still warm, you can sprinkle some chaat masala and a pinch of red chili powder if you like them a bit spicier. This step is optional and can be adjusted according to your taste preferences.
2. Allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Tips and Variations:

• You can experiment with various spices and seasonings, such as cumin seeds, black pepper, or sesame seeds, to give your Namak Pare a unique flavor.
• Some people like to add a hint of asafoetida (hing) for an extra layer of taste.
• Namak Pare are traditionally savory, but you can also make a sweet version by adding a bit of sugar to the dough.

Making Namak Pare at home is not just about enjoying a delicious snack; it's also a fantastic way to spend quality time in the kitchen. Whether you're preparing them for festive occasions or simply as a treat for yourself, homemade Namak Pare are sure to be a hit. Plus, the aroma of freshly fried snacks is hard to resist!

So, go ahead and give this recipe a try. Your homemade Namak Pare will be a crowd-pleaser, and you'll savor every bite of these crunchy, flavorful delights. Enjoy!