Introduction:

 

Hey there, I'm Ajay Chopra, and if there's one thing I've learned from my culinary adventures, it's that food is not just about sustenance—it's about memories, experiences, and the joy of sharing. Speaking of joy, let me take you on a journey to the vibrant world of Holi with my special Namak Pare recipe. Holi, the festival of colors, brings people together in celebration, and what better way to add flavor to the festivities than with these crispy delights? But before we delve into the recipe, let me share a little anecdote.

 

I vividly remember the first time I tried Namak Pare during Holi. It was a bustling day filled with laughter and the aroma of festive treats wafting through the air. As I bit into those crunchy, savory bites, I was instantly transported back to my childhood, where every Holi celebration was incomplete without these flavorful snacks. Since then, I've been on a mission to recreate that same joy in every bite, experimenting with different flavors and techniques to perfect my Namak Pare recipe.

 

Now, let's dive into the kitchen and whip up some magic!

 

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Recipe of Namak Pare with 3 Different Seasonings

 

Ingredients:

 

For Namak Para Dough:

• 1/2 kg Refined flour (maida)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Ajwain (carom seeds)
• 60-70 gms Ghee (clarified butter)
• Water (as required)
• 1 tsp Oil

Oil for deep frying

 

For Black Pepper Seasoning:

• 1 tbsp Chaat masala
• 1 tbsp Black pepper powder

 

For Lal Mirch Seasoning:

• 1 tbsp Chaat masala
• 1 tbsp Red chilli powder

 

For Kasoori Methi Seasoning:

• 1 tbsp Chaat masala
• 1 tbsp Kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves) powder

 

 

Method:

 

Namak Para Dough:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Take a large flat plate and combine refined flour, salt, ajwain, and ghee.
2. Rub Ingredients: Rub the ghee into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Knead Dough: Gradually add splashes of water and knead the mixture into a semi-hard dough. The dough should be firm but pliable.
4. Add Oil and Rest: Apply a bit of oil to the dough, lightly knead it, and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.

 

Shaping and Cutting:

1. Roll Dough: After resting, take a portion of the dough and roll it out into a thick flat circle, similar to the thickness of parathas.
2. Cut Shapes: Trim the edges to form a rectangle or square shape. Then, cut the dough vertically into strips and further diagonally to create rhombus-shaped namak paras.
3. Separate Pieces: Gently separate the namak paras or lightly scrape them with a knife to ensure they are individual pieces.

 

Deep Frying:

1. Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep frying pan to medium temperature.
2. Fry Namak Paras: Fry the namak paras in batches on medium heat until they turn light golden brown.
3. Increase Heat: Once they are light golden, increase the flame slightly and fry them again until they become golden brown and crisp.
4. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried namak paras from the oil and place them on a tissue paper-lined plate to drain excess oil.

 

Seasoning:

• Kali Mirch Namak Para: In one bowl, mix chaat masala and black pepper powder. Toss the namak paras in this mixture until they are well coated.
• Lal Mirch Namak Para: In another bowl, combine chaat masala and red chilli powder. Toss the namak paras in this mixture until evenly coated.
• Kasoori Methi Namak Para: In the third bowl, mix chaat masala and kasoori methi powder. Toss the namak paras in this mixture until coated evenly.

 

Serving: Serve the seasoned namak paras as a crispy and flavorful snack alongside tea or as a munchy snack during gatherings or festivals.

 

This simple method yields delicious and crunchy Namak Paras with three different seasoning variations. Enjoy!

 

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About the Recipe:

 

Namak Pare, also known as Nimki or Mathri, are traditional Indian snacks enjoyed during festivals like Holi. These crispy, bite-sized delights are made from a simple dough of flour, seasoned with spices, and deep-fried to perfection. What sets this recipe apart is its versatility—you can customize the flavors to suit your taste preferences, making it a favorite among both young and old.

 

In this recipe, we'll be exploring three delicious variations of Namak Pare: Chatpata Masala, Spicy Chili, and Fragrant Kasuri Methi. Each variation adds its own unique twist to the classic recipe, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're hosting a Holi party or simply craving a savory snack, these Namak Pare are sure to be a hit!

 

 

Cooking Tips:

 

1. Rest the Dough: After kneading the dough, allow it to rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This helps the gluten relax, resulting in a softer, more pliable dough that's easier to roll out.

2. Medium-Hot Oil: When frying the Namak Pare, make sure the oil is heated to a medium-hot temperature. If the oil is too hot, the snacks may brown too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside.

3. Customize Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your own unique flavor combinations. From cumin and coriander to chili flakes and garlic powder, the possibilities are endless!

 

 

Pairing Guide:
 

Namak Pare are incredibly versatile snacks that pair well with a variety of beverages and dips. Here are a few pairing suggestions to elevate your snacking experience:

 

1. Chai: Nothing beats the classic combination of Namak Pare with a steaming cup of masala chai. The savory flavors of the snacks complement the aromatic spices in the tea perfectly.

2. Mango Lassi: For a refreshing twist, pair your Namak Pare with a tall glass of mango lassi. The creamy sweetness of the lassi balances out the savory crunchiness of the snacks, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

3. Green Chutney: Serve your Namak Pare with a side of tangy green chutney for an extra kick of flavor. The fresh herbs and spices in the chutney enhance the overall taste of the snacks, making them even more irresistible.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Namak Pare:

 

1. Q: Can I make Namak Pare ahead of time?

   • A: Yes, Namak Pare can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

2. Q: Can I bake Namak Pare instead of frying them?

   • A: While traditionally deep-fried, you can certainly bake Namak Pare for a healthier alternative. Simply brush them with oil and bake in a preheated oven until crispy.

3. Q: Can I freeze Namak Pare?

   • A: Yes, you can freeze Namak Pare for future use. Once cooled completely, store them in a freezer-safe bag or container and thaw before serving.

4. Q: How do I ensure my Namak Pare stay crispy?

   • A: To keep Namak Pare crispy, make sure to store them in an airtight container once they've cooled completely. Avoid exposing them to moisture, as this can make them soggy.

5. Q: Can I add nuts or seeds to my Namak Pare?

   • A: Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts or seeds to your Namak Pare dough for added texture and flavor.

6. Q: Are Namak Pare gluten-free?

   • A: No, Namak Pare are made from wheat flour and are not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour alternatives for a suitable option.

7. Q: How long do Namak Pare stay fresh?

   • A: When stored properly in an airtight container, Namak Pare can stay fresh for up to a week.

8. Q: Can I make sweet variations of Namak Pare?

   • A: Yes, you can experiment with sweet versions of Namak Pare by adding sugar, cardamom, or other sweet spices to the dough.

9. Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

   • A: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe for a healthier option.

10. Q: Are Namak Pare vegan?

    • A: Yes, Namak Pare are typically vegan-friendly as they are made from plant-based ingredients like flour, spices, and oil. However, it's always best to double-check the ingredients used.

 

With these tips and tricks, you're all set to master the art of making delicious Namak Pare at home. Happy snacking!

 

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