NIPPATTU

Nippattu or Savory Crackers is a cripsy and irresistibly delicious healthy snack that is definitely worth try.
First thing my family wants after work or during weekends or even while watching a movie is a box of snack. I generally avoid store bought items and end up preparing something at home during weekends and store it in an air tight container or go for something quick like flavored popcorn or baked sweet potato fries. Homemade recipes are not only healthier but also tastier than the one you get in stores.This snack recipe will be fresh and crispy for at least 15 days.

Traditionally nippattu is a fried snack and the recipe differs from the one that I have given below. And even in baked versions that are available in bakeries they add generous amount oil and butter. I have completely skipped the butter and made this recipe vegan and also reduced the amount of oil required for this recipe.

I prefer baking over frying as this is healthier and I can munch guilt free 🙂 With food blogging it is always easy to gain weight.. haha..  My family loves the baked one over the fried ones and this gets over sooner than expected 🙂
Preparation time : 1 hour
Serves : approx 30 minutes

Ingredients for Nippattu or Savory Crackers

All purpose flour  / Maida – 2 cups
Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp
Baking soda – 1 tsp
Onion chopped – 1
Green chilies chopped – 3
Garlic cloves chopped – 3
Cumin seeds – 2 tsp
Sesame seeds – 3 tsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Sugar –  1 tsp
Cilantro / Coriander leaves chopped – 5 strands
Curry leaves chopped – 1 tsp
Warm water –  approx 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp

Steps to prepare Nippattu or Savory Crackers

Step I

• In a bowl, add all purpose flour, salt, baking soda, sugar, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, vegetable oil and mix well using your fingers
• Next add the finely chopped onion, green chilies, garlic and coriander leaves and mix again.
• Finally add the warm water little by little to form thick tight dough. This is very important step. Even if you feel its hard and tight do not add more water.
• Knead it nicely. Cover and keep it aside for 20 to 30 minutes.

Step II

• Preheat the oven to 350 degree F or 180 degree C.
• Take a small ball of dough and using a rolling pin, roll it to form a thin disc. Using cookie cutter or any round lid, cut them into round shapes.
• To avoid it from fluffing during the baking process poke holes using a fork.
• Repeat the process for remaining dough.

Step III

• Now place the round crackers on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or till it is golden brown. I flipped it once after 8 minutes.
• Allow it to cool down completely so that it turns crispy.
• Nippattu or Savory Crackers is now ready. Serve the way you like and enjoy.

Tip:

• Depending on how thick or thin you roll, the crackers may turn softer or crispier.
• I have used a silicon baking mat, thus did not grease it. If you are using a baking tray make sure you grease it before placing the nippattus.
• I did not have any peanuts and puffed chana dal (huri-kadale) in my pantry. You can even add some cashews, peanuts, chana dal and even pepper powder or chilli powder to the recipe.
• After 15 minutes make sure you keep and eye on the crackers during baking, as the onions may turn black and become bitter.
• The amount of water required may vary depending on brand of flour used and weather conditions. But make sure that the  dough is thick and tight. The moisture that the onion gives while resting will loosen the dough. No do not add more water.
• If you find it difficult to roll, then dust the working surface with some flour or take a small piece of dough each time and flatten it using your palm. This will be very time consuming.
• Store it in a air tight container once it cools down.